While Jalen Carter‘s $57,222 fine for spitting at Dak Prescott made the headlines, the league also sent a clear message on action in the future, as one NFL insider pointed out.
Carter, a Philadelphia Eagles star defensive tackle, spat at the Dallas Cowboys quarterback in the season opener on Sept. 4, and referees ejected Carter from the game. The whole kerfuffle occurred right before the first play of the game.
“And it’s important to note this was announced as a suspension, as it sets a precedent moving forward,” NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported on Tuesday. “If a player spits on another during a game, a suspension will surely be the standard.”
Garafolo posted the NFL’s release regarding the suspension and $57,222 fine. The Eagles star didn’t get paid for the game, and his suspension was “considered served” because the ejection occurred before he ever played a snap.
How the NFL Worded The Jalen Carter Decision
In the NFL’s release, the league made it clear that a one-game suspension is the main consequence, and the fine — really a forfeited game check — is secondary. Here’s what the release stated below.
“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 statement read.
“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,” the statement continued.
“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,” the statement concluded.
Dak Prescott Was Clear About His First Spit
While Prescott technically spat first toward the ground before the play, he was clear afterward that wasn’t intentional. Carter ultimately escalated the moment by approaching Prescott and spitting toward him.
“I just spit ahead… and he goes ‘You’re trying to spit on me?’ “At that point, I mean, I felt like he was insulting me. I wouldn’t spit on somebody,” Prescott said in the Sept. 4 postgame press conference. “I’m definitely not trying to spit on you. Like, we’re about to play a game.”
Carter, afterward, admitted his wrongdoing. It didn’t cost the Eagles the game in a 24-20 win over the Cowboys, but Dallas moved the ball easily on the Eagles in the first half with 20 points scored.
“You know, it was a mistake that happened on my side, and it just won’t happen again,” Carter said in the Sept. 4 press conference. “I feel bad for just my teammates and the fans out there.”
“You know, I’m doing it for them. I’m doing it for my family also, but the fans, they show the most love. You heard them out there… it won’t happen again,” Carter continued.
Dallas and Philadelphia will meet again on Nov. 23.
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