Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter addressed the media for the first time since receiving NFL discipline for a high-profile incident in the team’s season opener. The 24-year-old All-Pro was ejected just six seconds into the September 4 game against the Dallas Cowboys after spitting on quarterback Dak Prescott, an act that drew national attention and immediate league action.
The incident occurred before the first offensive snap, during a stoppage in play following an injury on the opening kickoff. Video replays showed Carter and Prescott exchanging words before Carter spat in Prescott’s direction. Officials flagged Carter for unsportsmanlike conduct and disqualified him from the game. The penalty also cost the Eagles 15 yards to start the contest.
On September 9, the NFL announced Carter would be fined $57,222 – the equivalent of one game check – but would not face an additional suspension. The league deemed his ejection as a de facto one-game suspension, given that he missed the entirety of the opener. Neither Carter nor the NFL Players Association appealed the decision.
The fine aligns with league precedent for similar incidents. While spitting is considered a “non-football act” and grounds for ejection, past cases – including those involving Sean Taylor, Terrell Owens, and Bill Romanowski – have typically resulted in fines rather than multi-game bans. NFL officials have emphasized sportsmanship in recent seasons, with penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct rising sharply in 2024.
Carter did not speak publicly during the week following the incident, but after the Eagles’ 20-17 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2, he briefly addressed the matter. “I’m not even thinking about that,” Carter said when asked about the fine and ejection. “I’m only thinking about today. Happy to get out here with the guys and come out and play.”
Against Kansas City, Carter delivered a strong performance, recording three quarterback hits on Patrick Mahomes and one tackle for loss. His presence in the middle of the defensive line helped limit the Chiefs to 55 rushing yards on 19 carries.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said he had a “little conversation” with Carter during the week, focusing on encouragement rather than public criticism. “I believe in Jalen Carter,” Sirianni told reporters.
“No matter how much money somebody makes, how much fame anybody has, everybody needs to know they’re loved and appreciated. That doesn’t mean that you don’t have discipline, but everything is kept in-house. I know he’s got a great heart, and I know he’ll learn from his mistakes.”
Carter acknowledged that the discussion with Sirianni “boosted” his energy heading into the Chiefs game. He also indicated he had moved past the incident with Prescott and was focused on the season ahead. When asked if he expected opponents to try to provoke him in the future, Carter replied:
“If they do that, that’s taunting towards me. So they should be receiving a flag.”
Prescott, for his part, told reporters after the opener that he did not intend to spit on Carter and was “insulted” by the suggestion. He said his own spitting motion was directed at the ground and was unrelated to the Eagles defender. Carter later described his actions as a mistake and promised it would not happen again.
The Eagles managed to win the opener against Dallas despite Carter’s absence, but his return in Week 2 was a boost for a defensive unit aiming to defend its Super Bowl title. With the fine paid and the league’s discipline resolved, Carter’s focus now shifts to maintaining his on-field impact while avoiding further controversy.
The Eagles will continue their schedule with Carter expected to play a central role in the defensive front. For both player and team, the goal is to ensure that the conversation remains about performance – not penalties – as the season progresses.
