What Could Happen to Giants Co-Owner Steve Tisch After Epstein Revelations? A Look at NFL Precedent
Steve Tisch’s name surfaced Friday in the newly released Epstein files, with emails showing he had relied on Jeffrey Epstein - the now-deceased convicted sex offender - to arrange encounters with women. There’s no indication that any of the women involved were underage, but the association alone raises serious questions for the NFL and the Giants organization.
Tisch, who turns 77 next month, is one of the league’s more prominent owners, co-chairing the Giants alongside John Mara. Now, the spotlight is on whether he will voluntarily step away from his role - or if pressure from within the franchise or the league office could force his hand.
So far, the NFL hasn’t said anything publicly. A league spokesman didn’t return a message seeking comment on Tisch’s appearance in the Epstein documents. The Giants have also remained silent.
But the league has a track record here. While every situation is different - and Tisch’s case is certainly unique - the NFL has shown it’s willing to discipline owners, particularly when off-field behavior threatens the league’s image.
Let’s take a closer look at how the NFL has handled similar situations in the past - and what that might mean for Tisch moving forward.
Daniel Snyder, Washington Commanders
Snyder’s tenure was one long controversy reel.
From sexual harassment allegations to financial improprieties and a toxic workplace culture, the league had plenty of reasons to act. He eventually sold the Commanders in 2023 for $6.05 billion - but not before the NFL hit him with a $60 million fine tied to sexual harassment and revenue withholding.
The key distinction here? Snyder was the controlling owner.
Tisch, on the other hand, shares ownership of the Giants, and even if he were to step aside, his family - likely led by his brother Jonathan - would still hold a controlling stake. That could complicate any league action.
David Tepper, Carolina Panthers
In 2023, Tepper was fined $300,000 after he threw a drink at a Jaguars fan during a road game in Jacksonville.
It was a moment of poor judgment, caught on video, and the league responded swiftly with a financial penalty. While not nearly as serious as the allegations surrounding Epstein, it shows the NFL doesn’t hesitate to fine owners for behavior that reflects poorly on the shield - even in the heat of the moment.
Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys
Jones, never one to shy away from the spotlight, was fined $250,000 last season for flipping off fans during a Cowboys-Jets game at MetLife Stadium. Like Tepper’s incident, this was a public act that drew immediate attention - and a quick response from the league office.
Bud Adams, Tennessee Titans
Back in 2009, Adams was fined $250,000 for giving the Bills’ bench a pair of middle fingers from his suite. It may sound tame now, but at the time, the league took it seriously enough to hand out a hefty fine.
Jim Irsay, Indianapolis Colts
In 2014, Irsay pleaded guilty to driving while impaired. The NFL suspended him for six games and fined him $500,000 - a significant penalty that reflected both the legal consequences and the league’s desire to set a standard for owner conduct.
Jerry Richardson, Carolina Panthers
Richardson’s exit from the NFL came after a league investigation into allegations of sexual and racial misconduct within the Panthers organization.
The NFL fined him $2.75 million in 2018, but by then, he had already announced plans to sell the team. The Panthers initially launched their own investigation, which the league later took over.
Richardson’s decision to sell came quickly after that, under clear pressure.
Eddie DeBartolo Jr., San Francisco 49ers
DeBartolo’s ownership effectively ended in 1998 after he pleaded guilty to failing to report a felony in a corruption case involving former Louisiana governor Edwin Edwards.
The NFL handed him a one-year suspension and a $1 million fine. Though he technically remained involved with the team, he never returned to a controlling role.
What This Could Mean for Tisch
The NFL doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to disciplining owners. Each case has its own context, and Tisch’s situation - tied to a deeply controversial figure like Epstein - is as delicate as it is complex.
There’s no indication right now that Tisch will be forced out, but the league has acted in the past when owner behavior threatened its public image. Whether through financial penalties, suspensions, or pressure to sell, the NFL has shown it’s willing to hold even its most powerful figures accountable.
The next move could come from Tisch himself. If he steps aside voluntarily, it might help the Giants - and the league - move forward without the kind of drawn-out scrutiny that plagued past ownership scandals. But if he chooses to stay, the ball will be in Roger Goodell’s court.
And based on history, the commissioner won’t be able to ignore it for long.