Panthers owner David Tepper may be in line for significant repercussions from the NFL following his actions during Sunday’s game.
A video circulating on social media shows Tepper seemingly throwing a drink in the direction of an opposing Jaguars fan from his open-air suite, a clear breach of the league’s personal conduct policy. NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy acknowledged the league’s awareness of the video but provided no further comment at this time. The Panthers, in turn, opted not to make a statement.
Technically, Tepper could face assault charges for the drink toss. While there are certainly more egregious actions, such behavior is unbecoming of an NFL team owner.
According to ProFootballTalk, the league’s conduct policy for non-players encompasses “assault and/or battery” and extends to “violent or threatening behavior toward another employee or a third party in any workplace setting,” “disorderly conduct,” and “conduct that undermines or puts at risk the integrity of, or public confidence in, the NFL, NFL clubs, or NFL personnel.”
The outcome of the league’s investigation into this incident will determine what consequences Tepper may face. Regardless, this incident is likely to further strain Tepper’s relationship with Panthers fans, who have grown disenchanted with the team’s performance since his ownership began.
