Panthers fans started a petition to remove David Tepper as owner. Can the NFL fire him?

More than 500 Carolina Panthers fans have signed a petition to remove David Tepper as the team’s owner after he was filmed throwing what appears to be the contents of a drink into the stands from his suite at EverBank Stadium.

The incident was filmed Sunday from a neighboring suite during the Panthers’ 26-0 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 17, The Charlotte Observer reported.

“We are aware of the video and have no further comment at this time,” an NFL spokesperson initially told the Observer. A Panthers spokesperson declined comment on the matter.

On Tuesday, the NFL fined Tepper $300,000 in relation to his “unacceptable conduct.” In a statement, the NFL said, “All NFL personnel are expected to conduct themselves at all times in ways that respect our fans and favorably reflect on their team and the NFL.”

Those who signed the petition say Tepper should be fired from his position as owner of the Panthers because of his behavior.

“Tepper is unfit for Carolina,” one signee wrote.

“This organization is the laughing stock of the NFL,” another commented.

The NFL’s personal conduct policy states: “Everyone who is part of the league must refrain from ‘conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in’ the NFL. This includes owners, coaches, players, other team employees, game officials, and employees of the league office, NFL Films, NFL Network, or any other NFL business.”

But can an NFL owner be removed for bad behavior? Here’s what to know.

Can an NFL owner be removed?

It’s possible.

According to the NFL bylaws, “any change in game rules, league policy or club ownership or other modification to the game must be approved by at least three-fourths of the committee. Without consensus, nothing will pass.”

The NFL’s Executive Committee includes a representative, usually an owner or a top officer, from each of the league’s 32 teams, meaning 24 members would have to vote in favor or a change in ownership.

If at least 24 members vote in favor of change in ownership, an owner could be required to sell their team.

The NFL Commissioner also has the authority to cancel a contract with any owner who is found “guilty of conduct detrimental to the welfare of the league or professional football,” according to NFL bylaws.

Tepper issued a statement Tuesday to apologize for his behavior.

“I am deeply passionate about this team and regret my behavior on Sunday,” Tepper said in the team-issued statement. “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.”

Has an NFL owner ever been removed?

No, an NFL owner has never been removed, Pro Football Network reported.

In fact, no owner of one of the major pro sports franchises has ever been formally removed, but there have been a few close calls.

▪ In 2014, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver banned then-Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling for life after a recording emerged of Sterling making racist comments to his girlfriend, Pro Football Network reported.

▪ In 1999, Eddie DeBartolo Jr., the former owner of the San Francisco 49ers, gave up control of the team to his sister, Denise, after receiving a 1-year suspension from the league for failing to report former Louisiana governor Edwin Edwards’ $400,000 extortion attempts in return for a casino license, Sports Illustrated reported.