During the previous game against the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected from the game for spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
The NFL fined Carter $57,222 as part of his punishment. According to ESPN, the incident happened after the opening kickoff. Eagles fullback Ben VanSumeren suffered an injury during the opening kickoff, leading to an injury delay. During that time, Carter and Cowboys quarterback Prescott had a confrontation. As the two started to part ways, the 24-year-old spat on Prescott.
“It was a mistake that happened on my side, and it just won’t happen again,” Carter later said after the game. “I feel bad for my teammates and the fans out there. I’m doing it for them. … Not being able to start the game even, finish the game, it f—ed me up, but we’re going to get it better. It won’t happen again. I can make that promise.”
Later, video captured Prescott spitting in the direction of Carter and the Eagles’ defenders before Carter spat on him.
Prescott later described the incident as a miscommunication that escalated, claiming that he routinely spits during games and spat ahead to avoid his linemen while watching Carter “mess with” rookie guard Tyler Booker. He said that Carter asked, “Are you trying to spit on me?”, adding that he [Prescott] took offense to that question.
“I wouldn’t spit on somebody,” Prescott said. “I stepped through, [and] I actually said words like, ‘The hell — excuse me, but probably even more colorful — what would I need to spit on you for?’ And he just spit on me in that moment. It was more of a surprise than anything.”
Prescott, on the other hand, stated he had no idea Carter would be ejected and called it “unfortunate,” adding, “I don’t wish for anybody to get out of the game.”
The Eagles Wire reports that Carter accepted responsibility and issued an apology after the NFL unanimously condemned his antics as selfish. Carter was fortunate to avoid suspension in this case, and he will be set for the Eagles when they play the Chiefs in Kansas City.
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The NFL released a statement that read, “Jalen Carter of the Philadelphia Eagles has been suspended without pay for one game for his act of unsportsmanlike conduct in last Thursday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys. Because Carter was disqualified before participating in a single play, the suspension is considered to have been served in Week 1, and he will forfeit his game check.
“The NFL Players Association has informed the NFL that Carter will not contest the discipline and has waived his right to appeal. He is eligible to participate in the club’s Week 2 game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
“League rules prohibiting unsportsmanlike conduct are of vital importance to everyone involved in the game. The NFL has been clear with players, clubs, and the NFLPA that it plans to place particular emphasis on sportsmanship this season.”
According to his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, Carter will not contest the decision, and the fine is for a single game check.
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni declined to comment on whether Carter would face internal discipline, stating that any action would be handled internally.
“I want these guys to play with great energy, great tenacity while doing it within the rules of the game,” Sirianni said after Philadelphia’s 24-20 victory. “So we’ll address that.”
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