SPARTANBURG, S.C. (AP) – Panthers coach Ron Rivera ripped into his players after what he called a “chippy” practice.

Rivera gathered players together at midfield after Tuesday’s practice and could be seen angrily lecturing them about the potential for injuries when they lose their cool.

There were several confrontations during the morning practice, including one involving defensive end Greg Hardy and more than a dozen players in a heated scuffle. Quarterback Cam Newton and others stepped in and separated players.

Rivera says “we can’t have chippiness or late shots toward a teammate. The concern obviously is it escalates and it festers and it lingers and the next time we go out on the field somebody is taking a shot.”

Rivera warned players if they can’t abide by his rules they’ll sit out.