Jason and Travis Kelce talked about Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper throwing a drink at Jacksonville Jaguars fans on Sunday.
The billionaire hedge fund manager was fined $300,000 by the NFL on Tuesday after throwing a drink at celebrating Jaguars fans during the Panthers' New Year's Eve loss.
Carolina was eliminated by Jacksonville and fell to a league-worst 2-14, and a visibly frustrated Tepper was caught losing his cool in a box at Jaguars' stadium.
The Kelce brothers condemned the owner's actions, labeling it “disrespectful” on their New Heights podcast.
“Throwing a drink, or spitting on someone… I'd rather you just hit me in the face,” Jason said.
Jason Kelce (left) labeled Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper (right) as 'disrespectful'
An angry Tepper appeared to have thrown a drink at a Jaguars fan in anger on Sunday
'That's so much more disrespectful to someone. Do you think that's right? There's an air of 'I'm better than you' in that throw, is that fair to say?'
Kansas City Chiefs star Travis agreed, adding, “I think you're on to something, I agree with you. It's almost like, 'F*** you, I'm higher than you.'
The Philadelphia Eagles center then claimed that being hit was preferable to being poured over a drink.
“I'd rather you just punch me in the face,” he added. “Let's settle it, I don't need the disrespect.
'Smacking me in the face out of anger is not disrespectful, throwing a drink on me or spitting on me is disrespectful. I've been punched in the face before, I can handle that.'
Footage of Tepper in a box at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville went viral on X on Sunday, showing the billionaire hedge fund manager losing his cool as his team drew a blank for the second time this year. He then stormed off in disgust.
A Jaguars fan can then be seen turning and climbing toward the opening of the suite after Tepper pours his drink into the crowd.
“When the @panthers owner throws a drink on @jaguars fans!!!,” read the caption on the video, which was initially shared as an Instagram Story by a Jags fan.
The billionaire hedge fund manager watched from a box as Carolina fell to 2-14
An NFL statement on Tuesday night read: “All NFL personnel are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a manner that respects our fans and reflects positively on their team and the NFL.”
The Panthers subsequently released a statement from Tepper, saying, “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. I respect the NFL Code of Conduct and accept the League's discipline for my conduct.”
Tepper's response came after rookie Bryce Young was intercepted with less than three minutes to play. It was unclear whether Tepper was responding to something said to him or the latest misstep by the team with the NFL's worst record.
The Panthers (2-14) fell to 0-9 on the road and were eliminated for the first time since losing to Atlanta in Week 12 in 2002. They also acquired the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft in April – a selection that will go to Chicago via a trade in 2022.
The 66-year-old purchased the Panthers from original owner and founder Jerry Richardson in July 2018, and was forced to sell his five percent stake in the Pittsburgh Steelers in the process.
Tepper's response came after Bryce Young was intercepted with less than three minutes to play
Since purchasing the Panthers in 2018, they have amassed a 30-63 record and six head coaches in that span.
Tepper has been described as one of the league's worst owners, with the Panthers falling into a recession since his ownership began.
He stopped building a practice facility for the team in Rock Hill, S.C., after claiming the city had not held up its end on their deal, forced its real estate division into bankruptcy over the failed project and was forced to buy half of the project to demolish. built facility.
Tepper is also the owner of MLS team Charlotte FC, which was awarded to him in 2019 following discussions about a proposal to bring soccer to the Carolinas. He reportedly paid $325 million in expansion fees for the franchise, setting an MLS record.