Panthers owner David Tepper goes viral for move he pulled at restaurant

Jul 26, 2018; Spartanburg, SC, USA; Carolina Panthers new owner David Tepper walks to the field during training camp held at Wofford College. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper has a long history of not being able to ignore criticism from fans, and it appears that was the case again on Thursday.

Just hours before the NFL Draft began, Tepper paid a visit to a restaurant called Dilworth Neighborhood Grille in Charlotte, N.C. The billionaire was not there to have dinner, however.

The manager of the restaurant told Caroline Hicks of WBTV that Tepper had come into the establishment to ask about a sign out front. The sign, which was clearly directed toward Tepper, read “Please let the coach and GM pick this year.” It was a reference to the numerous reports over the years that Tepper has been too involved in the football side of things with the Panthers since he purchased the team in 2018.

WBTV shared surveillance footage that showed the conversation Tepper had with two Dilworth Neighborhood Grille employees. Tepper began by removing the hat from one employee’s head (it appeared to have a Philadelphia Eagles logo on it). You can see the video:

'LET THE COACH AND GM PICK' 🏈: Surveillance footage captured the moment @Panthers owner David Tepper walked into a Charlotte restaurant after a sign was put up prior to the NFL Draft.

Full story: https://t.co/tYPhlekttU pic.twitter.com/tc0eihPAkT

— WBTV News (@WBTV_News) April 26, 2024

The manager of the restaurant said Tepper was pleasant. Tepper asked who was responsible for the sign, and the manager told him the person who came up with the idea was not at the restaurant at the time. It is entirely possible that Tepper just wanted to engage in some friendly banter with the person who took a shot at him.

Of course, some people will say that Tepper was trying to flex his muscles. Remember, this is the same team owner who appeared to throw a drink at a fan during a game this season (video here).

The Panthers went into the draft with no first-round pick, but they traded up to No. 32 and took South Carolina star wide receiver Xavier Legette. It is unclear if Tepper had any say in the move, but past rumors have pinned some of the Panthers’ biggest mistakes on him.