• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, September 16, 2025

With No Real Precedent, NFL Fines Tepper $300,000 for Drink-toss

  • Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper tossed a drink at a fan on Sunday.
  • The NFL could fine Tepper or punish him more severely.
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Editor’s note: This story has been updated with statements from the NFL and David Tepper.

The NFL has fined Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper $300,000 after he was shown on video appearing to toss a drink toward a Jacksonville Jaguars fan on Sunday. Tepper was sitting in a suite at EverBank Stadium, where the Panthers lost 26-0 to the Jaguars. 

The NFL called Tepper’s conduct unacceptable. “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. Tepper, in a separate statement, said he regrets his behavior, accepts the punishment, and “should have let NFL stadium security handle any issues that arose.”

In 2009, late Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams was fined $250,000 by the league for making an obscene gesture toward a fan. There was no precedent for a team owner throwing a drink at a fan, but some fans have been banned for life from NFL stadiums for similar acts.

Tough Tenure

The situation is the latest black eye for Tepper, the billionaire hedge fund manager who purchased the Panthers in 2018 but hasn’t seen a winning season during his tenure. Tepper fired first-year head coach Frank Reich after 11 games this season. Between the Panthers and Charlotte FC (which joined MLS in 2022, three years after Tepper was awarded the expansion franchise), Tepper has fired five head coaches. The Panthers will finish with the worst record in the NFL this season, but the Chicago Bears own their draft pick, which will be first overall, thanks to the trade for last year’s No. 1 pick, which Carolina used on QB Bryce Young.

Panthers players and coaches will have their standard media availability on Wednesday. Carolina plays its season finale on Sunday at home, where Tepper usually attends games, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) breaks up a pass intended for Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown (85) on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won the game, 27-18.

Amazon Shatters Previous Ratings High for 1st NFL Game

“TNF” viewership surges 35% compared to the 2024 season average.

Trump Push to End Quarterly Earnings Has Major Sports Ramifications

U.S. President Trump proposes moving to semi-annual reporting for public companies.
Joe Burrow

Joe Burrow Out for Months After Bengals’ Pricey Offseason

Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase are the highest-paid WR duo in NFL history.

Tush Push Debate Heats Up in Eagles Win, Ex-NFL Rules Chief Sounds..

The Eagles are continuing to run the quarterback-sneak play.

Featured Today

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Sep 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills fans react during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium.
September 9, 2025

As Bills Ascend, Their Next Frontier Lies in Canada

Buffalo and the powerful Canadian entity MLSE come together in a new pact.
Sep 14, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) gestures to a teammate after scoring against the Seattle Storm in the first quarter during game one of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena.

Aces Surge From Collapse to Contention With Dynasty at Stake

The turnaround started after a 53-point loss to the Minnesota Lynx.
September 14, 2025

Crawford-Alvarez Bout Draws Biggest Crowd in Vegas Boxing History

Record attendance, a big gate, and growing ambitions mark the high-profile bout.
September 14, 2025

Most NFL Home Teams Opt to Honor Charlie Kirk Before Games

Several NFL teams playing at home on Sunday recognized the late activist. Some did not.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
September 14, 2025

Low-Payroll Brewers Buck the Math, Clinch First MLB Playoff Berth

Milwaukee continues to defy its market size and economic constraints.
Premier Lacrosse League
September 14, 2025

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
Sep 11, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) dribbles past Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaun (13) in the second half at Target Center.
September 12, 2025

As WNBA Grows, Engelbert Says Its Playoff Field Won’t for a While

Eight of thirteen WNBA teams made the playoffs this year.
September 12, 2025

UEFA Delays Overseas Matches Ruling As LaLiga Miami Game Looms

Barcelona-Villarreal is scheduled for late December at Hard Rock Stadium.