The NFL authority has put a fine on David Tepper, the owner of the Carolina Panthers, for his ‘unacceptable attitude’ on Sunday Night Football in the game against his team and the Jacksonville Jaguars. The billionaire, who has a net worth of $20.6 billion, threw a drink at one of the Jacksonville Jaguars fans.
The league found the gesture highly problematic and unacceptable. Hence, the management has decided to levy a fine of $300,000 on the owner.
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 authority said in their statement
The billionaire owner was standing/sitting at his open-air suite from where he threw the drink at a Jaguars fan. The moment came after the Panthers’ rookie quarterback Bryce Young was subjected to an interception. It might be an act that came out of utter frustration. Nonetheless, by taking a strict stand over the issue, the NFL authority made it clear that the authority would not encourage any such incident.
The Jaguars vs. the Panthers was nothing but another disappointment for Tepper’s team. It ended with a result of 0-26 in favor of the Jaguars. Young had another utterly frustrating time with one interception for 112 yards. He really is having a tough season as a rookie for the Carolina team. It will be interesting to see whether he continues for another season as a Panthers quarterback.
David Tepper released a statement after the incident
Tepper finally responded with a statement about the fine. He acknowledged the fine he had been subjected to.
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.
This is not the first time the owner had an experience like this. Citing the Panthers’ beat reporter, an article by Pro Football Talk suggested that Tepper was heard yelling an expletive while leaving the locker room. The next day, he sacked the head coach.
The Panthers are on the verge of finishing with six losing seasons since the owner has taken charge of the team. This season especially has been a nightmare with only two wins so far in their kitty.
More must-reads: