The Carolina Panthers’ 2024 first-round draft pick was part of a trade with the Chicago Bears, who acquired multiple picks in the blockbuster deal. The Panthers moved up to the top spot in the 2023 draft to select quarterback Bryce Young. The Bears, holding the rights to the pick, selected quarterback Caleb Williams instead of the Panthers. The Panthers have struggled to succeed since owner David Tepper bought the team in 2018, finishing with a losing record in each of the six seasons under his ownership.
Tepper’s ownership of the Panthers has been marred by off-field incidents, including a recent incident where he was fined by the NFL for throwing a drink at a Jacksonville Jaguars fan during a game. Before the draft this year, a sign outside a Charlotte bar criticizing Tepper’s influence on draft decisions caught his attention. Tepper visited the bar and had an exchange with someone inside, where he took off the man’s hat, which featured the Philadelphia Eagles logo. The bar’s owner supported the sign’s message, expressing concern about Tepper’s involvement in the team’s decision-making.
Despite not planning to be active in the first round of the draft, the Panthers made a last-minute trade to select South Carolina wide receiver Xavier Legette at No. 32. This move came after a year where another sign outside the restaurant criticized owners meddling in team decisions and referenced Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. Tepper faced criticism earlier in the year for throwing a drink at a Jaguars fan, resulting in a significant fine from the NFL. The bar’s marquee once again targeted Tepper with a message mocking his actions during the game.
The ongoing issues surrounding Tepper and the Panthers have raised questions about his involvement in team decisions and his behavior off the field. Tepper’s decision to visit the bar that displayed the critical sign further highlighted the tensions between the owner and the fan base. The Panthers’ struggles on the field under Tepper’s ownership have only added to the frustrations of fans, who are calling for a change in leadership and a focus on allowing the coach and general manager to make important decisions for the team.
The recent controversies involving Tepper and the Panthers have overshadowed the team’s performance both on and off the field. The organization’s reputation has been tarnished by the off-field incidents involving the owner, leading to criticism and calls for accountability. Despite efforts to improve the team through the draft and other moves, the Panthers continue to face challenges in achieving success on the field. As the team moves forward, the focus will be on addressing the issues surrounding ownership and restoring trust with the fan base, who are eager to see the Panthers succeed under new leadership.
