Jason and Travis Kelce weighed in on 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 he threw a drink at celebrating Jaguars fans during the Panthers' New Year's Eve loss.
Carolina was shut out by Jacksonville and slipped to a league-worst 2-14, and a visibly frustrated Tepper was caught losing his temper in a box at the Jaguars' stadium.
The Kelce brothers criticized the owner's actions, calling it “disrespectful” on their New Heights podcast.
“Spilling a drink or spitting on someone… I'd rather you just punch me in the face,” Jason said.
Jason Kelce (left) called Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper (right) “disrespectful”
An angry Tepper appeared to have thrown a drink at the Jaguars fan in anger on Sunday
“That’s much more disrespectful to someone.” Do you think that’s right? There's a hint of 'I'm better than you' in this 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 up than you.”
The Philadelphia Eagles center then claimed that it was better to be hit than to have a drink poured on him.
“I’d rather you just punch me in the face,” he added. “Let’s just sort it out, I don’t need this disrespect.”
“Smacking me in the face in anger is not disrespectful, throwing a drink at me or spitting on me is disrespectful. “I've been hit in the face before, I can handle that.”
Footage emerged Sunday of Tepper in a box at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville. He then stormed off in disgust.
A Jaguars fan is then seen turning and climbing toward the opening of the suite after Tepper spills his drink into the crowd.
“When the @panthers owner throws a drink at @jaguars fans!!!,” read the caption of the video, which was originally shared as an Instagram story by a Jags fan.
The billionaire hedge fund manager watched from a box as Carolina slipped to 2-14
An NFL statement Tuesday night said: “All NFL employees 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 then released a statement from Tepper saying, “I am deeply excited about this team and regret my behavior on Sunday.”
“I should have engaged NFL Stadium Security to handle any issues that arose.” “I respect the NFL's Code of Conduct and accept the league's disciplinary action for my behavior.”
Tepper's reaction came after freshman Bryce Young was intercepted with less than three minutes to play. It was unclear whether Tepper was reacting to something he was told or to the team with the NFL's worst record's latest mistake.
The Panthers (2-14) fell to 0-9 on the road and were shut out for the first time since their Week 12 loss to Atlanta in 2002. They also secured the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft in April – a pick that will go to Chicago in 2022 due to a trade.
The 66-year-old bought the Panthers from original owner and founder Jerry Richardson in July 2018 and had to sell his five percent stake in the Pittsburgh Steelers in the process.
Tepper's reaction came after Bryce Young's interception with less than three minutes to play
Since purchasing the Panthers in 2018, they have a 30-63 record and have had six head coaches during that span.
Tepper has been described as one of the worst owners in the league, as the Panthers have been in a downturn since his ownership began.
He stopped construction of a team practice facility in Rock Hill, South Carolina, after claiming the city had failed to live up to the end of its contract, his real estate division was forced to file for bankruptcy over the failed project and was forced to demolish half of it. built facility.
Tepper is also the owner of MLS team Charlotte FC, which he was awarded in 2019 after discussing a proposal to bring soccer to the Carolinas. He reportedly paid $325 million in expansion fees for the franchise, setting an MLS record.