Eagles’ Jalen Carter Fined $57K For Spitting On Prescott/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter has been fined $57,222, equivalent to his Week 1 paycheck, after being ejected for spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. The NFL categorized the discipline as a one-game suspension with time served, setting a precedent for similar infractions. Carter has apologized, won’t appeal, and is expected to play Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Jalen Carter Fine — Quick Looks
- Incident: Carter spit on Dak Prescott during Eagles-Cowboys game
- Fine: $57,222 — his full Week 1 game check
- NFL stance: Treated as a one-game suspension with time served
- Discipline precedent: First case of suspension-level punishment for spitting
- Carter reaction: Apologized, won’t appeal penalty
- Coach Nick Sirianni: Team discipline handled privately
- Prescott response: Said spitting was unintentional and misunderstood
- Past behavior: Prior unnecessary roughness penalties, benching, $17K fine in 2024
- Draft background: Carter slipped to No. 9 pick after legal troubles in college
- Next game: Eagles vs. Chiefs in Super Bowl rematch
Deep Look: Eagles’ Jalen Carter Fined $57,222 For Spitting On Cowboys’ Dak Prescott
PHILADELPHIA — The NFL handed down its first major discipline of the new season, fining Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter his entire Week 1 paycheck — $57,222 — for spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during last Thursday’s nationally televised matchup.
The league classified the fine as equivalent to a one-game suspension with time served, since Carter was ejected early in the game and did not play a single snap in the Eagles’ 24-20 victory.
The Incident
The spitting incident unfolded in bizarre fashion. Just moments after the Eagles raised their second Super Bowl banner, Carter engaged Prescott before the first offensive snap of the game.
According to officials and video review:
- Prescott stepped into his huddle between two linemen when Carter walked toward him.
- The players exchanged words, and Carter then spit on Prescott’s jersey before backing away.
- Prescott immediately motioned to the referee, who threw a flag for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Carter was ejected before playing a single down.
The NFL had already emphasized sportsmanship enforcement as a 2025 point of emphasis, making the penalty an easy call.
NFL Sets a Precedent
While players have been fined in the past for spitting on opponents, this marks the first case treated as a suspension. The NFL’s framing makes clear that future offenders can expect similar consequences.
The NFL Players Association may argue in future grievances that such cases should be categorized as fines, but Carter is not appealing.
Carter Apologizes
After the game, Carter admitted fault:
“It was a mistake that happened on my side. It won’t happen again. I feel bad for my teammates, the fans, and my family. The fans showed the most love, and I let them down.”
Prescott’s Explanation
Prescott said the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding. He explained he spits straight ahead often during games, and that his saliva landed near Carter unintentionally.
“I wouldn’t spit on somebody. I’m definitely not trying to spit on you,” Prescott said he told Carter. “We’re about to play a game.”
Despite the clarification, Carter escalated the situation, leading to his ejection.
Coach Sirianni: Team Will Handle Privately
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni declined to detail any internal discipline but did not rule out benching Carter for a play or series against the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday.
“Everything, every conversation, whether it’s personal or disciplinary, will be handled privately,” Sirianni said. “That’s the way to do team business.”
A Pattern of Discipline Problems
Carter’s fiery temperament has been noted before:
- 2024 season: Penalized three times for unnecessary roughness.
- Benched for disciplinary reasons in one game.
- In December 2024, drew Sirianni’s ire for a penalty against Pittsburgh.
- NFC Championship Game: Fined $17,445 for striking Washington center Tyler Biadasz with an open hand.
His reputation for aggressive play and occasional lapses in judgment have raised questions about his maturity.
Drafted Despite Past Controversy
The Eagles only had the chance to select Carter with the ninth overall pick in 2023 because multiple teams passed on him due to his involvement in a fatal car crash while at Georgia.
The accident killed teammate Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy. Carter later pleaded no contest to reckless driving and racing charges, receiving one year of probation and a $1,000 fine.
Looking Ahead
Despite the controversy, Carter is expected back on the field Sunday when Philadelphia faces the Kansas City Chiefs in a highly anticipated Super Bowl rematch.
For the NFL, the case sets a clear message: unsportsmanlike conduct — particularly spitting — won’t be tolerated. For Carter, it’s another reminder that his immense talent will be scrutinized as closely as his behavior.
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