NFL fines Jalen Carter $57,222, says one-game suspension was served after spitting incident
Eagles defensive tackle was ejected six seconds into the season opener for spitting on Cowboys QB Dak Prescott; Carter will not appeal and is expected to play in Week 2
The NFL fined Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter $57,222 and imposed a one-game suspension for spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, the league announced Tuesday — but said the suspension was considered served because Carter was disqualified before taking a snap in Week 1.
Carter was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct and ejected six seconds into Thursday’s season opener after walking up to Prescott and spitting on the Cowboys’ quarterback following the opening kickoff.
In a press release, the NFL said it reached the fine and suspension after discussions with the Eagles and the NFL Players Association. "Because Carter was disqualified before participating in a single play, the suspension was considered to have been served in Week 1," the league said. Carter's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told ESPN's Adam Schefter that Carter will not appeal the discipline and will focus on Philadelphia’s Week 2 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Carter addressed the incident after the game, calling it "a mistake that happened on my side" and saying it "won’t happen again." He added he felt bad for teammates and fans and said he was thinking of his family.
The episode began immediately after the opening kickoff, when Carter and Prescott exchanged words. Video from the field shows Carter approach Prescott and spit on the Cowboys' quarterback, prompting an immediate flag and Carter’s removal before he played a defensive snap.
Prescott said he was surprised by Carter’s action and denied intentionally spitting toward the Eagles player. "I actually said words like, 'Why the hell would I' — excuse me, but probably even more colorful — 'What would I need to spit on you for?' He just spit on me in that moment, it was more of a surprise than anything," Prescott said after the game. "The refs obviously saw it. Threw the flag. I was like, 'Hell yeah! We get 15 yards to start the game off.' Didn’t realize he was getting ejected. Unfortunate that he did. Hell of a player."
According to reports, Carter believed Prescott spat in his direction first, which he cited when speaking with media after the game. The league’s discipline followed its review of the on-field conduct and the immediate ejection called by officials.
Philadelphia and the NFL consulted with the NFLPA during the disciplinary process, which resulted in the fine and the one-game suspension that the league said was effectively served by Carter’s disqualification in Week 1. With the penalty resolved and no appeal forthcoming, Carter is expected to be available for the Eagles’ Super Bowl rematch against the Chiefs in Week 2.
The NFL's handling underscores the league's rules governing unsportsmanlike conduct and disqualification. The Eagles will have Carter on the roster for Sunday's game against Kansas City unless further action is taken, and the team is expected to integrate him into its defensive plans following the early ejection and disciplinary resolution.