NFL hits Panthers owner David Tepper with massive fine after tossing drink on Jaguars fan

Video: Top sports headlines on Fox News Flash, January 2. See what's making waves on Foxnews.com. David Tepper, owner of the NFL team, the Carolina Panthers, has been slapped with a $300,000 fine by the league. This followed a video clip of him throwing a drink at a Jacksonville Jaguars fan from his suite during Sunday's defeat.

The NFL released a statement underscoring that the penalty was for his unacceptable actions in Jacksonville during the match. The statement further reminded that all NFL personnel are expected to uphold respectful behaviour that reflects positively on both their team and the NFL at all times.

Tepper weighed in on the incident in a statement. He expressed regret over his inappropriate action during Sunday's game and acknowledged his passion can sometimes be intense. According to him, NFL stadium security should have been left to deal with any problems that might have come up. He acknowledged the NFL's code of conduct and accepted his penalty with grace.

The incident spread across social media after the Panthers' 14th defeat of this season, a 26-0 loss to the Jaguars that left quarterback Bryce Young and his teammates visibly disheartened.

Tepper apparently lost his temper with a Jaguars fan heckling him from below his suite, throwing his drink in the fan's direction and leaving abruptly after slamming his glass on a table.

David Tepper, a billionaire and hedge fund manager who owns Charlotte FC in the MLS, bought the Panthers in May 2018 for a then-record $2.2 billion. This necessitated his selling his stake in the Pittsburgh Steelers to gain control of Carolina. His tenure has not been particularly successful as, since his arrival, the Panthers have lost 67 out of 98 games. Two head coaches have been fired during his tenure, including Frank Reich who was dismissed mid-season in 2023. His first significant hire, Matt Rhule, was let go before the 2022 season came to an end.

Despite having the upcoming first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft following their loss to the Jaguars, Tepper approved a trade-off of that pick to the Chicago Bears to ensure an earlier draft of Young in April last year.

Crisis has undoubtedly beset Tepper and Carolina lately, thus adding to their frustrations. However, regardless of his aggravation, the NFL will not tolerate any inappropriate actions towards fans by Tepper, a matter he'll be paying for.

Reporting by: Scott Thompson, Fox News Digital Sports writer.