So much for the new passion of sportsmanship.
The NFL failed its fans and players this week.
Jalen Carter apologizes to his teammates and fans for spitting on Dak Prescott and getting ejected
It also appears that, for some reason, the most powerful sports league on the planet allowed a player’s agent to impact a Week 1 decision with season-long ramifications.
NFL got it wrong by letting Jalen Carter play vs Chiefs
Jalen Carter should have been suspended for Week 2, missing a Super Bowl LIX rematch between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs.
But this isn’t just about Carter getting off easy with a paltry $57,222 fine.
The Eagles defender is making $5.8 million this season, which makes $57k absurdly affordable.
Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott also should have been suspended for Week 2, especially since every indication is that the Cowboys’ $240m man was the first player to spit in the waterfall that preceded a Week 1 misfire for Jerry Jones’ team.“Sportsmanship is a critical topic, one where we saw during the duration of the season, not where we want to be professionally,” said Troy Vincent, NFL executive vice president of football operations, at the annual owners meetings in March.
“Some of the things we saw, we want to make sure the game’s always been about sportsmanship. We saw a couple actions like violent gestures up significantly, taunting up significantly.”
What happened to sportsmanship?
Backing up those hollow words, the NFL opened its new 2025 season on primetime TV with Prescott spitting toward the Eagles, and Carter spitting at the Cowboys.
Neither player was suspended, only Carter was ejected, and a supposed new NFL emphasis on sportsmanship was trashed before Week 2 was complete.
Pro Football Talk reported that Carter’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, was involved in discussions with the NFL and NFL Players Association about how Carter’s punishment would be handled.
Dak Prescott, left, and Jalen Carter both got off easy after Week 1Credit: talksport
Carter is 6ft 3in and 314lb but he spit at the Cowboys’ QBCredit: Getty
Fans thought that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell held all the power, but apparently pro football is OK with allowing a player’s agent to help set a league-wide precedent.
Sure, the NFL ejected Carter before the first play from scrimmage between the Cowboys and Eagles.
But that had to happen, and the immediate question across the league and on social media was what ‘real’ punishment would follow — especially since sportsmanship was a ‘critical topic’ in 2025 and ‘taunting’ would no longer be tolerated.
Two players deserved suspensions
NBC’s TV broadcast showed Prescott spitting toward the ground.
“I guess I needed to spit. I wasn’t going to spit on my linemen. I just spit ahead,” Prescott said.
Every NFL fan on the globe was then forced to watch Carter spit back at Prescott.
“It was a mistake that happened on my side. It won’t happen again,” Carter said.
In childhood, that human error gets you scolded and grounded.
In a bar or pub, you would get punched in the face.
In the NFL, Carter sat out a game his team won, then lost $57k while making almost $6m a year.
And when the NFL spends Week 2 and Sunday afternoon promoting the heck out of a thrilling Super Bowl rematch featuring Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Andy Reid, Saquon Barkley, Jalen Hurts and potentially Taylor Swift, big No. 98 for the Eagles will be in the middle of the field.
Carter better not spit on Mahomes.
Then the NFL would actually have to do something and set a real precedent.
News
A powerful full-circle moment is unfolding for an NFL player whose actions off the field once made headlines for all the right reasons. After bravely pulling a man from a burning car and saving his life, the National Football League star is now being handed a career lifeline of his own — a second chance that’s capturing attention across the football world. At the time, his heroic act drew widespread praise, showing a side of athletes fans don’t always get to see. Now, as he looks to revive his career, that moment is being remembered as more than just a headline — but a reflection of character. Teams are always weighing talent against intangibles, and stories like this can carry real weight. As news spreads, support is pouring in from fans and insiders alike. But one key detail about this opportunity is what’s standing out most. And it could determine whether this comeback truly takes hold.
KJ OSBORN has reportedly agreed a one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans. The wide receiver, 28, has not played in…
All eyes were on Fernando Mendoza — and he delivered. With representatives from the Las Vegas Raiders in attendance, Mendoza used Indiana Pro Day to make a powerful statement, strengthening his case to be the No. 1 overall pick. From sharp throws to confident command, everything about his performance suggested a quarterback ready for the next level. For teams searching for a franchise leader, moments like this carry serious weight — especially when decision-makers are watching up close. The Raiders’ presence only added intrigue, fueling speculation about their intentions at the top of the draft. As buzz builds, Mendoza is quickly shifting from prospect to centerpiece of the conversation. But standout performances come with rising expectations. And one specific element of his Pro Day is what scouts are talking about most. It might be the factor that ultimately separates him from the rest of the class.
BLOOMINGTON, IN — The Raiders have been careful not to prematurely anoint Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza as the first pick overall in next month’s…
Jason Kelce isn’t holding back — and this time, his comments are aimed straight at the Detroit Lions. The former star sparked buzz after roasting the franchise for what he sees as a repeat of a controversial retirement situation that previously left fans furious with ownership. By bringing it back into the spotlight, Kelce has reignited debate around how the organization handles major player decisions. For Lions supporters, it’s a sensitive topic — one tied to past frustrations and lingering questions about leadership choices. Kelce’s remarks have quickly made the rounds online, with fans both agreeing and pushing back on his take. As the conversation grows, attention is shifting back to the decision itself and whether lessons were truly learned. But one specific comparison Kelce made is what’s drawing the most attention. And it might explain why this issue still resonates so strongly today.
The Detroit Lions have threatened to damage their relationship with former center Frank Ragnow after asking him to return a…
A troubling incident has put former Dallas Cowboys player Trysten Hill back in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Hill was arrested following allegations of assault involving a pregnant woman, with details from the incident quickly sparking outrage online. Images reportedly showing him smiling after the arrest have only intensified reactions, adding another layer of controversy to an already serious situation. As the case unfolds, questions are being raised about accountability and the broader issue of off-field conduct among professional athletes. Legal proceedings are expected to determine what actually happened, but the public response has been swift and emotional. For many, the focus remains on the severity of the allegations and the impact beyond football. But one specific detail in the arrest report is what’s drawing the most attention. And it could play a key role in how this case develops.
Former Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Trysten Hill was arrested in Texas for allegedly assaulting a pregnant woman. Hill, 28, was…
A surprising announcement has left fans stunned as a former quarterback for both the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals has abruptly retired at just 31. The decision came with an emotional message, reflecting on the journey, the challenges, and the “lifelong bonds” formed along the way — a reminder that the game is about far more than what happens on the field. While the move may feel sudden, it highlights the reality many players face as they weigh physical toll, personal priorities, and life beyond football. Fans are now looking back on his career, appreciating moments that may have gone under the radar at the time. Teammates and supporters alike have begun sharing reactions, emphasizing the impact he had inside locker rooms. But one part of his farewell message is what’s resonating the most. And it offers a deeper glimpse into why he chose to walk away now.
FORMER NFL quarterback Chris Streveler has retired from football. The 31-year-old former New York Jet announced Tuesday he was hanging up his…
Jack Pugh Dies at 25 After Stepping Away From Game Amid Mental Health Battle — The Young Star’s Passing Prompts Emotional Tributes From His Former Team, Highlighting Both His Talent on the Field and the Struggles He Faced Beyond It.
A FORMER college football star has died at 25. Jack Pugh, who was a tight end at…
End of content
No more pages to load
