A video has surfaced suggesting that David Tepper, the owner of the Carolina Panthers, angrily tossed his drink at a Jacksonville Jaguars fan towards the end of Sunday’s defeat.
Following the Panthers’ 26-0 loss to Jacksonville, which brought Carolina’s season record to 2-14, the video circulated on social media. In the footage, Tepper, situated in a private suite, seems to throw the contents of a cup filled with ice in the direction of some Jacksonville fans in the stands. Subsequently, he tosses the empty cup down in frustration, with Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer seen standing beside him.
At least one fan appears to have noticed the incident and turned to address Tepper, who seemed to have left the scene by then.
If the video accurately depicts the situation, this reflects poorly on Tepper. Despite the challenges faced by Carolina this season, a team owner is expected to manage their emotions more effectively, and Tepper has struggled to conceal his frustration on occasion throughout the season.
Tepper is known for being a highly involved owner, potentially to the detriment of the organization. The team’s situation has reached a point where a head coaching candidate is reportedly being cautioned against accepting the job, and this latest incident will likely contribute to the already negative perception.
