NFL brings hammer down on David Tepper for drink tantrum

Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper. Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

NFL brings hammer down on Panthers owner David Tepper for drink tantrum

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 1/2/24

The NFL on Tuesday announced a big punishment for Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper.

Tepper appeared to throw the contents of his drink on a fan after the Panthers’ 26-0 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

The league said at the time that they were aware of the video and had no further comment. But two days later, they sure had a comment.

The league fined Tepper $300,000 for “unacceptable conduct.”

“All NFL personnel are expected to conduct themselves at all times in ways that respect our fans and favorably reflect on their team and the NFL,” the league said in a statement, via ProFootballTalk's Charean Williams.

No apology from Panthers owner David Tepper, who does say he regrets his behavior and should’ve let NFL stadium security handle the situation. pic.twitter.com/BvgYq47n1l
— Joe Person (@josephperson) January 2, 2024

We don’t know what preceded Tepper throwing his drink. The fan (or fans) may have been riding Tepper all game and acting poorly towards him. Regardless, the league has made it clear that it holds its players and owners to a higher standard. Having one of the league’s owners disrespect a paying customer is not what they want to see.

Carolina is 2-14 this season and already made a big coaching change following 1-10 start. Things haven’t improved much under Chris Tabor, and Tepper is feeling the heat.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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