The NFL handed down what they’re calling a “one-game suspension” to Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter for spitting on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. However, Dallas fans are not buying into the league’s spin.
Sep 4, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (98) walks off the field after being ejected during the first quarter of the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Carter was ejected from Thursday night’s season opener before the first play from scrimmage for spitting on Prescott and will forfeit his $57,222 game check.
Fans were satisfied initially until the league announced he’s eligible to suit up this Sunday against Kansas City. This doesn’t suit well with a handful of the community who wantedat least a proper one-game suspension.
Jalen Carter Was Hit with a Hefty Fine, but Fans Demand a Real Suspension
The controversial incident happened six seconds into the season opener when Carter got face-to-face with Prescott during an injury timeout and crossed the line. Referees ejected him immediately, but the damage to the league’s credibility was already done.
Fans were demanding sufficient punishment for Carter but didn’t expect the NFL would play word games, calling an ejection a suspension to save face.
The $57,222 hit to Carter’s wallet is something around one week of his salary, but social media exploded with criticism over the league’s soft approach to what many consider assault. Folks didn’t hold back their disgust with the NFL’s handling of the situation.
NFL is fining Eagles DT Jalen Carter $57,222 for spitting on Dak Prescott. The league also says the game he was ejected for will serve as a one-game suspension. “After talking to the Eagles, the NFL and the NFLPA, Jalen has decided not to appeal and focus on the Chiefs game,”… pic.twitter.com/2KjRzgJk3K
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 9, 2025
One angry fanwrote, “Bloody NFL doing theater drama in name of suspension. Idiot officials showing clear sympathy to Jalen. A proper suspension works 20x better than your shit amount that you think is hefty.”
A second fanadded, “If this was outside the stadium he would have been arrested and charged with assault but since it was inside a football stadium he gets a fine. Hell ya.”
A thirdwrote, “He should’ve been fined more. Thats the ultimate disrespect when you spit on someone.”
A surprised fanremarked, “Surprised that he didn’t get multiple-game suspension, considering it was opening night. Also, was Dak fined too?”
A fifth fan called out the league’s logic,noting, “How can you be suspended from a game you started? This is just a fine not a suspension.”
The criticism primarily centers around their creative interpretation of discipline. The NFL is terming the discipline a one-game unpaid suspension, which Carter already served with his ejection before playing a single snap. Critics argue that this is no way a suspension.
NFL Sets Precedent Moving Forward, According to Garafolo
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo defended the league’s approach in a tweet. Heposted, “Full release from the NFL. And it’s important to note this was announced as a suspension, as it sets a precedent moving forward. If a player spits on another during a game, a suspension will surely be the standard.”
Full release from the NFL. And it’s important to note this was announced as a suspension, as it sets a precedent moving forward. If a player spits on another during a game, a suspension will surely be the standard. pic.twitter.com/7IYiV78JWx
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 9, 2025
Garafolo’s take suggests the NFL believes Carter’s ejection-turned-suspension sends the right message for future incidents. Carter will not contest the discipline and has waived his right to appeal, accepting the punishment and moving forward.
However, this doesn’t add anything new becauseEagles DT has already apologized, saying, “You know it was a mistake that happened on my side, and it just won’t happen again.” But fans want accountability that goes beyond hollow apologies. So, it seems like they will continue their pushback against Jalen Carter.