CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Diehard Carolina fans are responding to the NFL fining of Carolina Panthers Chairman David Tepper for his actions during Sunday's game against Jacksonville, Florida.

In a statement, the NFL called his behavior unacceptable and issued a $300,000 consequence.

Tepper was caught on camera throwing a drink at Jaguar fans after losing the game. He has since issued an apology for his actions - but the question remains - is that enough?

What You Need To Know

  • The NFL has fined Carolina Panthers Chairman David Tepper $300,000 for his actions during Sunday's game against Jacksonville

  • The NFL called Tepper's behavior "unacceptable"

  • Long-time fan Dale Sarjeant says the recent video has created concerns for fans, as Tepper continues to lead the team

  • Tepper released an apology following the viral video

“I pulled this book out this morning and some wonderful, wonderful pictures of times when the Panthers were playing well, and we were going to the playoffs,” Dale Sarjeant said.

According to Sarjeant, being a personal seat license owner, or PSL, holds a much deeper meaning than seats. He says it’s the traditions he’s made with family over the years, like tailgating or ‘dale-gating’, as he likes to call it.

“That phenomenon has always been part of our pleasure to serve people as we tailgate together, and that hospitality has been a part of Southern tradition and Panther tradition,” Sarjeant said. “Every year PSL owners get a gift, and this comes from the ownership of the Panthers. These are appreciated. These are mementos that I hang on to, that I will carry forever and pass them on to my grandkids. I love the gifts. I’d rather get back to this though where we’re playoff-bound and have potential to go to the Super Bowl... that’s where we need to be.”

Sarjeant says the consistent losses are making game days less exciting.

“It’s not so exciting to go to games where you just anticipate we’re not going to be good, we’re not going to win,” Sarjeant explained. 

Including the losses, as a fan - he says he can’t ignore this recent video that sparked negative attention.

It shows David Tepper throwing at a Jaguar fan.

“I think someone needs to say... consider yourself a businessman, not a football man. There are people you can surround yourself with who make great professional business decisions for an NFL team. Please, please get the message... we’re hurting just like you are. I don’t think he realizes this makes us feel like we’re making a bad investment,” Sarjeant said.

Tepper released an apology after the video went viral. In a statement he said:

“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’s code of conduct and accept the League’s discipline for my behavior.”

Sarjeant tells us, it’s an apology the fans appreciate, and he doesn’t plan to sell his tickets, for now. However, his biggest wish is to see the team move on from this - and make it back to the Super Bowl.

The Carolina Panthers will play their final game of the season on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.