Carolina Panthers Owner Fined $300,000 for Throwing Drink at Fans
The NFL has fined Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper $300,000 for throwing a drink at fans during the Panthers’ 26-0 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. The incident occurred near the end of the game at EverBank Stadium, and was captured on video by a Jaguars fan.
Tepper, who is worth an estimated $20.6 billion, released a statement expressing regret for his behavior. “I am deeply passionate about this team and regret my behavior on Sunday. I should have let NFL stadium security handle any issues that arose. I respect the NFL’s code of conduct and accept the league’s discipline for my behavior,” Tepper said in the statement.
The incident has sparked controversy, as some fans have received lifetime stadium bans for similar behavior. The NFL described Tepper’s conduct as “unacceptable,” and many believed he may be suspended for at least one game. However, the league opted for a fine instead.
The Panthers have had a difficult season, with this being the first time they have been shut out since 2002. Additionally, the team’s overall performance led to the firing of head coach Frank Reich in November. With a record of 2-14, the Panthers are at risk of finishing with the worst record in the NFL for the first time since the league went to a 17-game schedule.
The incident adds to the challenges faced by Tepper and the Panthers this season. However, with an apology and a willingness to accept the consequences, the hope is that the team can move past this incident and work towards a better future.