Jalen Carter ejected for spitting on Dak Prescott, fined by NFL

Philadelphia’s season opener with Dallas on Sept. 4 was decided in seconds by an incident that overshadowed the game: Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected for spitting on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott before the first official snap at Lincoln Financial Field, and the NFL later fined him the equivalent of a game check.

The confrontation unfolded moments after the opening kickoff, while medical personnel tended to an injured Eagles player. Cameras captured Prescott spitting toward the turf in the general direction of the Eagles line and, seconds later, Carter approaching Prescott and spitting directly on him. Referee Shawn Smith told a pool reporter that one official observed Carter spitting on an opponent, calling it a disqualifiable, nonfootball act and throwing a flag that set Dallas up with a short field on the opening drive. Philadelphia went on to win 24-20.

Both players addressed the exchange after the game. Carter apologized to teammates and fans, saying, "It was a mistake that happened on my side. It won’t happen again." Prescott acknowledged spitting but said it was routine and not aimed at Carter. "I guess I needed to spit," he said, adding that he had...