Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was involved in a spitting incident with Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter. Just six seconds into the game, Carter was ejected for spitting directly on Prescott, right after the teams exchanged words during an injury timeout following the opening kickoff.
This non-football act was deemed an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, giving Dallas a 15-yard penalty, which they converted into a successful touchdown drive. However, moments later, it was found out that Prescott had earlier spat toward the ground near the Eagles’ huddle. While he didn’t intend to disrespect anyone, Carter retaliated by spitting on Prescott.
After the 24-20 loss, Prescott addressed the media regarding the spitgate incident, explaining why he spat in front of him near the Eagles’ huddle. He said he spat ahead because he didn’t want to spit on Cowboys offensive guard Tyler Booker.
“Trolling, I guess you could say, trying to mess with Tyler Booker,” Prescott said. “I was just looking at him; I was right there by the two linemen. And yes, I needed to spit. I wasn’t going to spit on my linemen; I just spit ahead.”
Prescott further explained how the situation got heated. The Cowboys quarterback added:
“He asked, ‘Are you trying to spit on me?’ At that point, I felt like he was insulting me. Like, I wouldn’t spit on somebody. I’m damn sure not trying to spit on you; we’re about to play a game. I’m wondering why you’re trying to mess with the rookies. When I stepped through, I actually said the words, ‘What the hell would I—excuse me, probably even more colorful—but what would I need to spit on you for?’ And then he just spit on me in that moment.”
“It was more of a surprise than anything,” Prescott said. “The refs obviously saw it and threw the flag. I was like, ‘Hell yeah, we get 15 yards to start the game off.’ I didn’t realize he was getting ejected. Unfortunately, he did. Hell of a player.”
Prescott also said he felt “insulted” that Carter accused him of spitting intentionally in disrespect.
Dak Prescott on Spitgate. Says Jalen Carter was messing with Tyler Booker. “I guess I needed to spit. I wasn’t going to spit on my linemen. I just spit ahead.” Says he felt insulted Carter suggested he tried to spit on him. pic.twitter.com/zJcWmX4ob0
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 5, 2025
Dak Prescott regrets how everything turned out and he didn’t mean to disrespect Jalen Carter
While at the time, Dak Prescott was happy as his team received a 15-yard penalty to start the game, while also not having to be troubled by DT Jalen Carter for the rest of the game. But when everything was said and done, he admitted that he regrets Carter’s ejection.
“I don’t wish for anybody to get out of the game. I’m sure he probably regrets that to some extent,” Prescott said. “I’m pretty sure he knows I didn’t try to spit on him or wasn’t even aiming to spit on him. So it’s something that’s probably going to get a lot of coverage and a lot of attention, which I feel sorry for in the sense of, yeah, I mean, I know how excited each and every one of us is to kick off the season. And a hell of a player like that doesn’t even get a chance in the first play.”
It was a close game between the Eagles and the Cowboys. Jalen Hurts’ two rushing touchdown performance ensured a 24-20 win for the defending Super Bowl champions. Meanwhile, Prescott completed 61.8% of his passes for 188 yards.
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