CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper's been the talk of the town in Charlotte for nearly a week after he was caught on video throwing a drink at a Jacksonville Jaguars fan during last Sunday's game.
Tepper was fined $300,000 for the incident. Many people have suggested the fine was mostly meaningless given Tepper's estimated net worth. Some have called for a larger fine, while others believe Tepper should be suspended or worse.
With the Panthers preparing for their final game of the season against Tampa Bay, hundreds of Carolina fans have signed an online petition trying to force Tepper to sell the team. But can the NFL actually force Tepper out as the owner, and if so, what would it take?
THE QUESTION
Can the NFL remove David Tepper as the team owner?
THE ANSWER
Yes, it is possible for the NFL to require an owner to sell their team. However, there are a lot of hurdles to do that and according to the Pro Football Network, it’s never been done before.
THE SOURCES
- NFL
- The Panthers
- Pro Football Network
WHAT WE FOUND
Tepper was fined $300,000 for the incident. The team issued a statement from Tepper, who said he regrets his behavior and that he should've let security take care of it.
"I am deeply passionate about this team and regret my behavior on Sunday," Tepper's statement reads. "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."
When it comes to removing an owner, what can the NFL do? According to league bylaws, they can force an owner out, but there's a process to follow. According to the league, the commissioner has the authority to cancel a contract with any owner who is found guilty of "conduct detrimental to the welfare of the league or professional football."
The NFL Executive Committee, which includes a representative from all 32 teams, can also take a vote. Any change in team ownership must be approved by at least three-fourths of the committee. That means it would take 24 votes in favor of an ownership change to make it happen.
Contact Meghan Bragg at mbragg@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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