The 2023 college football season has reached its endpoint before major changes come to the sport. 

Next season, traditional West Coast powers will frequently be playing in the Central and East Coast time zones as the Pac-12 dwindles to two teams and the first year of the 12-team playoff kicks off. 

It’s the end of an era but also an exciting time for those who love the sport as Michigan and Washington prepare to play for the national title.

The Huskies have an opportunity to depart the Pac-12 with a championship and will attempt to do so against a future Big Ten opponent. 

WHAT WE LEARNED FROM THE THRILLING COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF SEMIFINALS

Fox Sports play-by-play man Tim Brando discussed how he feels a Washington national championship would be viewed in the last year of the Pac-12 as we know it, admitting that for those who grew up with West Coast football, the end of the conference is “terribly sad.”

“I think we’ll look back on it if Washington wins, as historically, we’ve closed the books on the Pac-12. If you grew up on that, I get the fact that it was sad. But if you didn’t, around the country you’re going to say, ‘So, Washington was the Pac-12 champion, won the national title, and then went to the Big Ten. Wow. And they beat who? Oh, they beat Michigan. A charter school in the Big Ten.’ That’s pretty amazing stuff when you think about it,” Brando told Fox News Digital when asked how a Pac-12 national title on the way out would be viewed. 

Brando is excited about the changes that are coming to college football, including the regular season matchups that conference realignment will create. 

“As much as I love the history of the game, I see the future as the glory days are upon us,” Brando said. “College football has never been appreciated the way, in my mind, it should have been, and now I think it has a chance to become that.” 

Washington’s Michael Penix Jr., right, and Edefuan Ulofoshio celebrate with the trophy after a 37-31 victory against Texas in the CFP semifinal Allstate Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1, 2024, in New Orleans. (Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

“I think all we’re going to be thinking about when this game ends is: ‘My God, what a finish with the best postseason we’ve ever had was this postseason,’” Brando added. “And what do we have coming in next year? So much to explore in terms of the new and improved regular season with better matchups through realignment in these college football conferences. I can’t wait to watch Arizona play in the Big 12. I can’t wait to watch Deion Sanders take Colorado into the Metroplex to play again.”

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“And then in the Big Ten, we’re not just going to be waiting around for Ohio State and Michigan every year like we’ve been waiting around for Ohio State and Michigan every year. It’s going to be, ‘They’re playing who this week? Really? USC is playing where? UCLA is going to be playing where?’ The matchups in the regular season for college football for people to enjoy on television will never be better than they are this coming year.”

In order for the Huskies to leave the Pac-12 on a high note, quarterback and runner-up for the Heisman Trophy Michael Penix Jr. will need a repeat performance of the one he had against the Texas Longhorns in the semifinals.

Penix was spectacular on New Year’s Day, attacking the Texas defense down the field and completing six passes of at least 20 yards. He finished the night 29 of 38 for 430 yards and two touchdowns, adding 31 yards on the ground. 

He’s been brilliant all year, throwing for more than 4,000 yards for the second consecutive season, leading Washington to an undefeated season and its first berth in the CFP final.

Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. throws a pass during the first quarter against Texas during the CFP semifinal Allstate Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1, 2024, in New Orleans. (Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

It hasn’t been the smoothest of rides for Washington – winning their last 10 games by 10 points or fewer – but Brando likes the Huskies against Michigan, giving a hat tip to his broadcast partner for his prediction earlier this season.

Before the Huskies took on Stanford in Week 9, and one week after their worst offensive performance of the season against Arizona State, Fox Sports analyst Spencer Tillman told Brando of his surprising take.

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“Spencer said before the game, and this was after the debacle against Arizona State, and this was just looking at film and looking at tape getting ready for the game, he said, ‘Washington is going to win the national championship,’” Brando said.

While Brando said he liked what he saw from Washington, he didn’t see the “separation” that Tillman saw.

Washington’s Rome Odunze scores a touchdown against Washington State during the second quarter on Nov. 25, 2023, in Seattle. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

“He was talking about what he felt Penix could do and would do,” Brando said. “Even on a horrible night, he saw things. And then he also said that their defense was a pro-defense in the sense that they match up when they’re in the red zone, and they don’t allow touchdowns. In terms of points per possession, they give up a lot of yards, but they don’t give up a lot of points [23.6 points per game]. Especially when you consider all the yards they give up.”

In discussing the matchup against Michigan, Brando pointed toward Washington’s receiving core – Rome Odunze, Ja’Lynn Polk, Jalen McMillan – and the Huskies’ ability to stretch the defense.

“I just think the facts are, when you play a team like that, Washington’s always going to put pressure on your perimeter in ways that no other team does,” Brando said. “And it’s not just about the deep ball. Although the deep ball is converted more by Penix than any other quarterback. The pro scouts were talking about it in the aftermath of that game that he made 10 elite throws better than 20 yards. That’s a lot in a college football game.”

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Brando believes the Michigan defense will find itself in a different type of game than the one they played in the Rose Bowl.

“And playing on turf in an indoor facility after being in Pasadena is an environmental 360 for them,” Brando said. “And I think that’s a fast track that is really going to play into the hands of the team that likes to stretch you vertically and horizontally. And I think that’s what’s going to happen.”

“Michigan played that game with Alabama in a phone booth between the hashes. And this game is going to use the width and the breadth of the field is going to be utilized by Washington. They’re going to have to defend so much more of the field in this game, and I think it’s a stark contrast in just a week’s time for them to prepare.”

Michigan and Washington play for the national championship on Monday at 7:30 p.m. ET at NRG Stadium, which is the home of the Houston Texans.

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The Las Vegas Raiders will be conducting a head coaching search heading into the offseason. 

And one Raiders star wants interim coach Antonio Pierce to keep the job. 

Davante Adams spoke to the media Wednesday, backing Pierce and adding that others in the locker room support him.

“It’s obviously who I wanted, that’s my vote, and I’ve been vocal about that,” Adams said. “That’s basically how the whole locker room feels, and with good reason. He’s come in and done a great job. It’s continued to win us over. 

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“It’s not just the comfortable thing. I think having AP here will be good for this organization. He kind of embodies what it means to be a Raider. That mentality, that swag, and all the things he endorses is all the things he believes in. Definitely rooting for him.”

Since Josh McDaniels was let go as head coach of the Raiders, Pierce has turned heads with how the team has rallied around his high-energy coaching style. 

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The Raiders aren’t going to the playoffs, but Pierce has a 4-4 record as head coach heading into the team’s final game against the Denver Broncos. 

Interim head coach Antonio Pierce of the Las Vegas Raiders runs off the field after the Raiders defeated the New York Giants, 30-6, at Allegiant Stadium Nov. 5, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Pierce, a former standout linebacker for the Washington Redskins and New York Giants, has said he’s a player’s coach, which has paid dividends for a team looking for a different leader than McDaniels.

“He has a realistic approach and mindset of how the game is supposed to be played and what he expects from his players, and it’s easy to get behind that,” Adams explained. 

Pierce already has a rapport with the players, and someone like Adams backing him should go a long way for owner Mark Davis and the Raiders’ front office. 

Las Vegas Raiders interim head coach Antonio Pierce watches during the first half of a game against the New York Giants Nov. 5, 2023, in Las Vegas.  (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

“I can put up a fancy presentation, I’ve seen that before,” Pierce told USA Today last week, while adding that his “résumé is on the grass.” “I can put up stats, I can put up my résumé, but the best thing that happened for me was an opportunity. … The worst day I was going to be as a head coach was my first day.

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“Hopefully, Mark Davis sees improvement and growth within our team. He sees the style and play that he wants from the Raiders. He sees a fan base that’s behind us. He sees a building that loves coming to work and loves being here. And, at the end of the day, we’ve got to win.”

Evidence was delivered to a judge by Dominican prosecutors on Wednesday regarding allegations against Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, who is accused of having a relationship with a minor. 

Franco has a hearing set with the judge on Friday at 8 a.m. local time, according to Spanish-language outlets. 

The judge will look over the evidence that has been put together by prosecutors over a monthslong span on Franco and issue a ruling on Friday in Puerto Plata, a northern province of the Dominican Republic. 

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Dominican newspapers Diario Libre and Listin Diario report prosecutors filing papers to the court seeking “coercive measures” against Franco, which include a financial guarantee of 5 million pesos, working out to around $86,000 in dollars, not allowing him to leave the country, and periodic presentation. 

The papers also requested the mother of the minor who made the allegation to be put under house arrest. 

Franco remains detained at National Police headquarters in Puerto Plata since Monday afternoon, according to multiple reports. 

He was initially supposed to turn himself in this past Thursday. However, he never showed up. Franco arrived at the Puerto Plata prosecutor’s office on Monday along with his lawyers, where he was reportedly looking to obtain information regarding the investigation into his alleged relationship with a minor. 

RAYS’ WANDER FRANCO ARRESTED AMID INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGED RELATIONSHIPS WITH MINORS: REPORTS

He was taken into custody after a three-hour interview with prosecutors, an official said on the condition of anonymity. 

On Dec. 26, police visited two properties of Franco’s located in Baní, his hometown, where he wasn’t present. Word was left with Franco’s wife that he should contact authorities.  

No details have come out from prosecutors regarding the investigation against Franco, though it said on Aug. 14 that they would be investigating the Rays All-Star due to social media posts suggesting he had a relationship with a minor. 

Wander Franco #5 of the Tampa Bay Rays looks on during batting practice prior to the 93rd MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard at T-Mobile Park on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 in Seattle, Washington.  (Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Franco appeared to deny the allegations via Instagram Live, though he has not spoken publicly about the situation since then. 

MLB placed Franco on administrative leave shortly after under its joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy with the MLBPA. MLB is also conducting its own investigation on the matter, and there is no timetable for conclusion. 

Franco signed an 11-year, $182 million deal to be a Rays cornerstone piece on the team’s roster after rising through its ranks as one of the best prospects in MLB. 

Franco made the AL All-Star team this past July, his first nod in what many believed to be many in a budding star career. 

Jun 27, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco prior to the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)

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Now, the baseball world awaits the judge’s decision and the investigations’ findings in Franco’s case.  

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

First-year Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis did not practice Wednesday as he continues to work through a foot injury.

Levis was carted to the locker room with the injury in the first half of the Titans’ Week 17 game against the Texans. 

Veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill took over for the rest of the game. 

The rookie signal-caller’s lingering injury opens the door for Tannehill to step in Sunday for Tennessee’s season finale. The 35-year-old was the starter the majority of the first half of the season, but Levis took over for the veteran quarterback once Tannehill began to deal with injuries. 

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Levis had an impressive showing in his NFL debut. The former Kentucky star finished the Week 8 game against the Falcons with 238 passing yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. 

Levis handled the starting quarterback duties for the next seven games, and the organization appeared to be moving on from Tannehill. Levis missed a Week 16 loss against the Seahawks. Tannehill started that game and finished with 152 passing yards and no touchdowns.

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The Titans seemed ready to part ways with Tannehill in the offseason after his uneven performance in 2022, when his season was cut short by an ankle injury.

Ryan Tannehill (17) of the Tennessee Titans exits the field due to an injury during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium Dec. 18, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (Harry How/Getty Images)

The former Texas A&M standout spent the past five seasons with the Titans, and he had a career resurgence during his time in Nashville. He was named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2019, the same year he led the league in passer rating and earned a spot in the Pro Bowl for the first time.

Tannehill signed a four-year contract extension prior to the start of the 2022 season. But the Titans selected quarterback Malik Willis in the third round of the 2022 draft and followed up that move by drafting Levis in the second round in April.

Tannehill is now preparing to play Sunday in what could be his final game for the franchise that helped turn his career around. Despite the realization his time in Tennessee will likely soon come to an end, Tannehill expressed his hope for a win.

Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill throws during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Chargers Sept. 17, 2023, in Nashville.  (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

“I spent five years of my life here in this organization,” Tannehill said, via the team’s website. “A lot of great people. I would love to be able to leave it on a win.”

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Tannehill’s contract expires at the end of the season. He is 38-24 with the Titans and is fifth in franchise history in passing yards.

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UFC star Bryce Mitchell will not participate in any contact training for the next several months as he continues to recover from a devastating knockout. 

Mitchell suffered a brutal knockout during a Dec. 12 bout with Josh Emmett. The knockout made rounds across the internet partly due to the brutality of the right hand landed by Emmett. 

Mitchell’s body went into convulsions just second after he fell to the ground. The featherweight was eventually able to regain consciousness, although he did need assistance to make his way out of the Octagon. Mitchell now says he will miss training for at least six months.

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Shortly after the scary moment, Mitchell took to social media and expressed gratitude to Emmett for showing some restraint. Mitchell suggested that any additional punches “probably would have killed me.”

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The 29-year-old admitted that avoiding contact training for a while would give his body a chance to heal.

Bryce Mitchell enters the Octagon in a featherweight fight during the UFC 296 event at T-Mobile Arena on December 16, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

“I’m on my own concussion protocol,” Mitchell told ESPN. “I’ll consult with my coaches, too, and we’re basically just saying, ‘You know, don’t spar for six months.’ I’ve got to [build a new house] and [expecting my first child], but then I’m right into my next training camp after that. The good thing is that I don’t have to rush into it.”

Mitchell only agreed to the bout after Emmett’s original opponent, Giga Chikadze, was forced to drop out to deal with an injury. He revealed that he also sometimes goes into convulsions when he is resting. 

Bryce Mitchell has his hands wrapped prior to his fight during the UFC 296 event at T-Mobile Arena on December 16, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

“I do that (convulsions) in my sleep anyway. So, I’m not really worried about that part,” Mitchell said. He also noted that he is not feeling any major lingering health–related issues from the hit.

Aside from the physical pain, Mitchell said that the worst part of the ordeal was upsetting his loved ones.

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“The worst part is dealing with everybody afterwards, ’cause they all thought I was dead,” Mitchell said.

“Everybody that I knew was crying. On the bright side, that was the easiest fight for me. I’ve never had a fight where I’ve come out feeling so great. I just woke up in the ambulance and barely remembered what happened. There’s no pain, I’m telling you. But everybody was crying, and they thought I was dead. I’m not exaggerating.”

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Washington Huskies star Michael Penix Jr. is one of the top players in college football. And before he led his team to a Sugar Bowl win New Year’s Day, he partnered with Amazon to deliver some holiday cheer.

Penix celebrated Amazon’s 1 billionth package from its same-day sites in the United States last month to a couple of lucky Huskies fans from an Amazon Prime household. 

Penix dropped by their doorstep to deliver footballs, board games, an Echo Pop, speakers, a waffle maker, a cheeseboard and even an Amazon.com gift card. 

He even signed the footballs for the children.

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“It means a lot,” Penix told Fox News Digital Wednesday. “It was great. It was definitely something great to do. I actually met those fans before as Husky Heroes during the season. They’re definitely big dawg fans.

“It was definitely something special to be able to do that and see the looks on their faces. It was amazing.”

WHAT WE LEARNED FROM THE THRILLING COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF SEMIFINALS

Michael Penix Jr. spread holiday cheer before Washington took on Texas. (Amazon)

Penix was featured in an Amazon video making the deliveries in a quick but safe manner. Amazon has prided itself on fast and reliable delivery. The company said in a blog post in July the “average time from picking a customer’s items to positioning the customer’s package on the outbound dock is 11 minutes in same-day facilities, more than an hour faster than our traditional fulfillment centers.”

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The Heisman Trophy runner-up also surprised Amazon employees at a same-day site in Seattle.

Penix told Fox New Digital he’s using Amazon to purchase food and treats for his dog.

“I have dogs, and I order dog toys, dog treats, you know, just quick stuff like that,” he said. “I do puzzles and stuff like that for the holidays, board games, a lot of different things like that.”

Michael Penix Jr. visits with Amazon workers in Seattle. (Amazon)

Penix led Washington to a thrilling victory in the Sugar Bowl over Texas and will face Michigan in the College Football Playoff national championship.

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The future of Zach Wilson in a New York Jets uniform couldn’t be more up in the air for 2024 after head coach Robert Saleh’s comments heading into the final week of the regular season. 

Once again, the Jets won’t be heading to the playoffs, furthering the longest active streak in professional sports to 13 straight seasons. A main reason that is the case stems from Wilson’s lackluster performance in Year 3 as a Jet following Aaron Rodgers’ Achilles injury just four plays into his tenure with New York. 

Wilson has been benched numerous times again this season after being demoted twice in 2022. He won’t be the team’s starting quarterback for Week 18 against the New England Patriots either, as he’s yet to clear concussion protocol following a head injury from Week 15’s loss to the Miami Dolphins. 

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Saleh gave an update on Wilson’s status during media availability on Wednesday when he was asked about the quarterback’s future next season. 

“We’ll see,” Saleh said to the follow-up. 

Saleh prefaced that answer with a summary about Wilson’s 2023 campaign, one that proved to be a rollercoaster yet again. 

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“I thought he had great OTAs, great training camp,” he said. “I thought he battled. He fought. He’s a fighter. He really is. There are things I know he wishes he could have back, I know there are a lot of things that he improved on. Some things were out of his control. I think he’s going to have a long career in this league.”

That career might be elsewhere, especially considering the Jets will have another high pick in the NFL Draft and Rodgers is expected to return for at least the 2024 season. 

Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills and Zach Wilson #2 of the New York Jets meet after the Bills beat the Jets 32-6 at Highmark Stadium on November 19, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York.  (Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)

Wilson has another losing record under his belt as a starter this season, going 4-7 in his 12 games played. It started off well as he was able to muster enough offense to force overtime against the Buffalo Bills, where Xavier Gipson ran back a punt for the victory in extra time. 

But the Jets’ defense played a vital role in that victory, getting Bills quarterback Josh Allen to throw multiple interceptions and give the offense a chance to capitalize. That was the case much of this season for the Jets, whose defense was a group that wreaked havoc on opposing offenses despite the record. 

For his three years in the league, Wilson is 12-21 as a starter with 6,293 yards (57% completion rate) with 23 touchdowns to 25 interceptions. He’s also fumbled the ball 17 times, 11 of which came this season. 

Of course, there’s more to blame than just Wilson for the Jets’ offensive struggles, including a porous offensive line. But with the defense playing out of their minds some weeks to keep their team in games, it’s hard for fans to be happy with Wilson under center after a good sample of work on their team. 

New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) rolls out of the pocket under presser during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J.  (AP Photo/John Munson)

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But that’s for GM Joe Douglas to figure out heading into the offseason, which is yet another crucial time to figure things out before the 2024 campaign begins.   

After starting the season 10-1, the Philadelphia Eagles have lost four of five games.

Their most recent loss was an upset at home to the lowly Arizona Cardinals, and their lone win in that span was against the New York Giants in a game that came down to the final play.

It’s safe to say the vibes from last season and earlier this season have faded.

Receiver A.J. Brown, who looked visibly upset on the sideline last week, didn’t speak to the media after the 35-31 loss to Arizona.

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Brown said he was emotional because of DeVonta Smith’s injury, but he admitted he “didn’t want to be negative” and “if I have nothing good to say, I’m not going to say nothing at all. I’m not trying to make it worse than what it is.”

Afterward, a report surfaced that Brown had been feuding with the team, and an anonymous veteran told The Philadelphia Inquirer Brown has had “bad body language.”

A.J. Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates in the second half at Lumen Field Dec. 18, 2023, in Seattle. (Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)

Brown dismissed the report, calling it “bulls—.”

“At this point, I don’t care. They’re going to create whatever narrative that I’m splitting the locker room and all this s—. That’s bulls—. Honestly … I’m kind of glad [the reporter is] not here because I was gonna ask him because I wanted to know, like, who’s saying that? 

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“Because I was going to ask him because I want to know who’s saying that, because I know my teammates are riding for me, and I’m riding for them.”

Brown, though, did apologize to his teammates “because they shouldn’t have to answer questions on my behalf. I’m a man. I can speak for myself.”

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown celebrates after a victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers Oct. 30, 2022, in Philadelphia.  (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

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The Eagles wrap up their season in New Jersey Sunday against the Giants. The Eagles need a win and a Dallas Cowboys loss to clinch the NFC East, a division that has not had a repeat champion since Philly’s run from 2001 to 2004.

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David Tepper’s drink-throwing fiasco at the Carolina Panthers’ game on Sunday didn’t go over well with the NFL.

Apparently, the Kelce brothers didn’t appreciate the gesture either. 

The NFL owner was fined $300,000 by the league on Tuesday after he appeared to throw a drink on Jacksonville Jaguars fans in the final minutes of the Panthers’ 26-0 loss. 

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

It wasn’t immediately clear what led up to Tepper’s actions, but the Jason and Travis Kelce weren’t impressed with the gesture when discussing it on the latest episode of the “New Heights” podcast. 

Jason Kelce #62 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Lincoln Financial Field on December 31, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  (Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

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“Throwing a drink, or like spitting on somebody is just like — I’d rather you just punch me in the face,” the veteran Philadelphia Eagles center said with a laugh. “I don’t know why that is so much more disrespectful to somebody.”

“There’s an air of like, ‘I’m better than you’ in that toss,” he continued. “Is that fair to say or am I being a little too harsh?”

The Kansas City Chiefs star seemed to agree with his brother, calling it “snooty.” 

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce watches from the sidelines during the first half of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders Monday, Dec. 25, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo.  (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)

NFL HITS PANTHERS OWNER DAVID TEPPER WITH MASSIVE FINE AFTER TOSSING DRINK ON JAGUARS FAN

“Punching me in the face out of anger is not disrespectful,” Jason added. “Throwing a drink on me or spitting on me is disrespectful. Does that make sense?” 

While the NFL brothers seemed to laugh off the interaction, Travis added a subtle dig at the Panthers’ season. 

“Shout out to the frustrating times that this guy is going through right now just getting heckled by Jaguar fans now.” 

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Carolina’s season has been nothing short of a disappointment. With a 2-14 record this season and a brutal start for rookie quarterback Bryce Young, Tepper’s frustrations have reached a boiling point. 

The Panthers’ are 31-67 since Tepper bought the team in 2018, and have failed to make the playoffs in each of his six seasons. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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