NFL fines Panthers owner David Tepper $300K for throwing drink into stands

CHARLOTTE — The NFL fined Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper $300,000 for “unacceptable conduct in Jacksonville during Sunday’s game,” the league announced on Tuesday.

Tepper was seen on video throwing the contents from a drink into the crowd during the game against the Jaguars, in which the Panthers were left scoreless, 26-0.

“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 released the following statement: “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.”

In a news conference Wednesday, interim head coach Chris Tabor declined to speak about the incident, saying he hasn’t addressed it with players on the team.

“I’m responsible for the guys in the locker room at this time,” Tabor said.

Two players did share their thoughts with reporters.

“What I would say to him? You can’t do that,” linebacker Shaq Thompson said. “I don’t advise nobody to throw a drink on nobody, that’s just what it is. But I’ll let him address that.”

“I’ve been in this league for 11 years now. Nothing surprises you in this league,” wide receiver Adam Thielen said. “You try to be as much of a pro as possible, and every single day, you reboot and try to figure out how to get better.”

The Panthers (2-14) dropped to 0-9 on the road and were shut out for the first time since losing to Atlanta in Week 12 in 2002.

According to the NFL, the money from the fine against Tepper will go toward the Professional Athletes Foundation and the NFL Foundation to support athletes and their communities.

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