Following the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott found himself at the center of a heated exchange involving Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter.
Before the game even began on September 4, Carter was ejected for allegedly spitting on Prescott. Referee Shawn Smith confirmed that an official witnessed the act, labeling it a "disqualifiable foul" and a "non-football act."
However, as the game progressed, which ended in a 24-20 victory for the Eagles, footage emerged suggesting that Prescott may have initiated the spitting. “I was just looking at [Carter] and I was right here in between two linemen,” Prescott explained post-game. “I guess I needed to spit, and I wasn’t going to spit on my linemen, so I just spit ahead.”
Prescott recounted that Carter confronted him, asking, “Are you trying to spit on me?” He felt insulted by the accusation. “I wouldn’t spit on somebody and I’m damn sure not trying to spit on you,” he said. “We’re trying to play a game… I actually said words like, ‘The hell—excuse me, but probably even more colorful—what would I need to spit on you for?’” In that moment, he claimed Carter retaliated by spitting at him.
Describing the incident as “unfortunate,” Prescott acknowledged Carter’s talent, calling him a “hell of a player.” Meanwhile, Carter admitted his actions were a mistake, stating, “It just won’t happen again.” He expressed regret for letting down his teammates and fans, emphasizing his commitment to them.
The NFL is reportedly reviewing the incident to determine if any fines or suspensions are warranted. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni refrained from disclosing whether Carter would face internal disciplinary measures. “I want these guys to play with great energy, great tenacity while doing it within the rules of the game,” Sirianni remarked. He noted that Carter’s absence was felt against a formidable offense.
The incident quickly gained traction online, with some drawing parallels to the infamous "Spitgate" of 2022 involving Harry Styles and Chris Pine. Former Eagles center Jason Kelce humorously commented on social media, “This is the most wild start to an NFL season of all time. First play of the game, one player is carted off, the other ejected. I mean everyone knows you don’t spit, you swallow obvi.”
The Eagles are set to face the Kansas City Chiefs on September 14, looking to bounce back from this tumultuous start.
