Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper fined by NFL for throwing drink into stands

Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper is beginning the New Year with a fine.

The NFL has fined Tepper $300,000 for “unacceptable conduct” during the Panthers’ 26-0 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 17.

“The National Football League today fined Carolina Panthers’ chairman David Tepper $300,000 for his unacceptable conduct in Jacksonville during Sunday’s game,” the league said in a statement obtained by USA TODAY Sports. “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.”

Tepper’s fine comes after a video posted on social media showed the Panthers’ owner throwing a drink into the stands from his open-air suite at EverBank Stadium following an interception thrown by rookie quarterback Bryce Young.

“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,” Tepper said in a statement. “I respect the NFL’s code of conduct and accept the league’s discipline for my behavior.”

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

Tepper has had a rocky tenure as owner since he purchased the Panthers in 2018. Tepper, 66, has fired three head coaches since taking over as owner. The 2-14 Panthers are going to end this season with the worst record in the NFL, and don’t own their first-round pick in the 2024 draft as a result of trading up to No. 1 prior to the 2023 draft.

The Panthers haven’t had a winning season since 2017. Carolina closes out the regular season on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.