PHILADELPHIA – Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter has received a significant fine but will not be suspended by the league for spitting on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during the teams’ game on September 4th.
According to his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, Carter is being fined $57,222 for the incident. Rosenhaus clarified that a suspension was avoided because Carter was ejected from the game before the first defensive snap, which the NFL considers to have been a one-game suspension served.
The NFL confirmed this explanation in a statement, noting that the fine’s amount was equivalent to Carter’s game check, which he will now forfeit.
“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 stated. “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.”
Rosenhaus added that Carter will not appeal the fine.
While the league’s punishment is settled, Carter may still face internal discipline from the Eagles. Head coach Nick Sirianni stated that any further punishment for Carter would be kept private. Whether Carter is benched for any part of the upcoming September 14th game against the Kansas City Chiefs may be apparent by his usage, as the star defensive tackle typically plays around 90% of the defensive snaps.
The on-field impact of the ejection was immediate. Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio explained on September 9th that losing Carter forced the team to scramble. “You’re down to four D-Linemen and everybody’s rep count has to go up,” Fangio said. “You lose the player, which is no good on multiple fronts, but it’s a rep thing, too.”
Fangio also questioned how Carter’s actions reflect on his role as a leader for the team’s young defensive tackles. “To be considered a leader, actions speak louder than words,” Fangio stated. “He’s got to lead through his actions.”
Following the game against the Cowboys, Carter expressed remorse and took full responsibility for his actions. The incident occurred after Prescott spat on the ground near where Carter was standing, after which Carter walked up to Prescott and spit at him.
“It was a mistake that happened on my side,” Carter said. “It just won’t happen again. I feel bad, just for my teammates and the fans out there… not being to finish the game is disappointing. It won’t happen again. I made that promise.”
