What discipline could Eagles’ Jalen Carter face for his ‘spitgate’ offense?
A confrontation in the NFL season opener Thursday night between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys is being investigated by the league. Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter was ejected before the first play from scrimmage for spitting on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
What is ‘spitgate’ all about?
The incident, which fans and football writers are now calling “spitgate,” took place after the opening kickoff while the teams waited during an injury timeout. Carter and Prescott came together after the Cowboys quarterback noticed Carter talking to one of his rookie linemen. Prescott spat in the direction of Carter, but characterized it as something he does often during a game, and it was not directed at the Eagles star. That’s when things escalated, according to Prescott.
“He goes, ’You trying to spit on me?’” Prescott said. “And at that point, I mean, 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 rookie. So, when I stepped through, I actually said words, ‘What would I need to spit on you for?’ And he just spit on me in that moment.”
What did the game officials say?
Who spat first didn’t matter. Referee Shawn Smith told a pool reporter during a weather delay why Carter was ejected.
“One of the officials observed him spitting on an opponent. It’s a disqualifiable foul in the game. It’s a non-football act.” Smith said. Prescott knew it was a penalty, but didn’t think Carter would be thrown out.
“It was more of a surprise than anything. Refs obviously saw it and threw the flag,” Prescott said. “I was like, ‘Hell yeah, we get 15 yards to start the game off.’ I didn’t realize he was getting ejected.”
What was Carter’s reaction?
Carter is widely regarded as the best player on the Eagles’ Super Bowl-winning defense, which was ranked number one in the NFL in 2024. The Cowboys seemingly took advantage of his absence. They had an easy time moving the ball in the first half, scoring on their first three possessions. Carter apologized for his conduct after the game.
“It was a mistake that happened on my side, and it just won’t happen again,” Carter said. “I feel bad for just my teammates and the fans out there.”
What consequences will Carter face?
The fans in Philadelphia went home happy anyway. The Eagles won 24-20, though it was a much closer contest than most pundits expected. Prescott said he has no hard feelings.
“Feel sorry for him in the sense of, yeah, I mean, I know how excited each and every one of us are right to to kick off the season and the season opener, and hell of a player like that, doesn’t even get a chance in the first play,” Prescott said. “Yeah, unfortunate circumstances.”
The NFL may not be as accommodating. Carter faces a hefty fine for his actions and could face a suspension from the league. Officials are placing a renewed emphasis on sportsmanship this season, and an incident like “spitgate” is not something the commissioner’s office will likely ignore.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
