The NFL season opener between the Cowboys and Eagles delivered fireworks before the first snap. During a pause in play, cameras caught Dak Prescott spitting toward the ground as Jalen Carter stood nearby. Moments later, Carter responded by spitting directly on Prescott’s jersey.
Officials immediately flagged the defensive tackle for unsportsmanlike conduct and ejected him just six seconds into the game. The penalty cost Philadelphia 15 yards, and Carter’s night ended before it began.
The league later fined Carter more than $57,000. Prescott, however, did not face discipline. League officials determined his spitting was incidental and not directed at an opponent. That decision has stirred debate, with many questioning why one player faced financial and on-field consequences while the other did not.
ESPN’s senior insider Adam Schefter posted the news on X:
“Cowboys QB Dak Prescott was not fined for spitting in the direction of Eagles DT Jalen Carter on opening night.”
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott was not fined for spitting in the direction of Eagles DT Jalen Carter on opening night.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 13, 2025
Hundreds of fans responded to the post, expressing their frustration with the decision.
“Of course not the nfls golden boy can’t be fined,” a fan wrote.
“This seems so unfair to me! The NFL always punishes the second person,” a fan wrote.
“Jalen Carter:” Sleeper app’s account posted with a picture of Drake looking shocked.
“Why? Would this not make other players do it? Because hey, no fine,” a fan wrote.
“Dak dodged a fine for that spit move!” a fan wrote.
“No fine for Dak? The league just set a double standard,” a fan wrote.
The controversy has added extra heat to an already intense rivalry between Dallas and Philadelphia, with the spotlight now firmly on the league’s handling of sportsmanship rules.
Jalen Carter Apologized After the Game
The incident made headlines even before the game was finished. Fans and media criticized the unsportsmanlike conduct. After the game, Carter apologized, admitting that he made a mistake and that it won’t happen again.
“I feel bad for just my teammates and fans out there,” Carter said. “I’m doing it for them. I’m doing it for my family, also. But the fans, they showed the most love.”
Prescott, on the other hand, said that he was trolling.
“Trolling, I guess you could say, trying to mess with Tyler Booker,” Prescott said.
The Philadelphia Eagles won 24-20, but the highlight of the matchup was unfortunately the spitting incident that took place between Prescott and Carter.
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