NFL fines Cowboys and Saints $500,000 each after joint practice fights

The NFL has fined the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints $500,000 each following a joint practice session on August 18 that devolved into multiple physical altercations. The league announced the penalties on Thursday, citing a failure to prevent unsportsmanlike behavior during the workout at the Cowboys' training camp in Oxnard, California. The practice, which lasted about two hours, was marked by approximately eight separate fights between players from both teams. The skirmishes involved punches being thrown, helmets being tossed, and at least one wrestling-style body slam. The intensity of the confrontations led both head coaches, Brian Schottenheimer of the Cowboys and Kellen Moore of the Saints, to discuss ending the session early. They ultimately decided to continue but warned players that another major incident would immediately halt practice. Several players were removed from the workout due to their involvement. Cowboys second-year linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku was ejected after throwing punches, marking the second time in training camp he was removed from practice for a physical altercation.