Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter’s penalty for spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott sends a message to the rest of the NFL.
Carter is losing $57,222 for the infraction, the equivalent of his game check for Week 1 because the league considers the punishment a one-game suspension with time served. The 6-foot-3, 314-pound tackle — a Pro Bowl selection last season — didn’t play a snap after he was ejected soon after kickoff in the reigning NFL champions’ 24-20 home win against Dallas last Thursday.
Carter is expected to be on the field when the Eagles visit the Kansas City Chiefs in a Super Bowl LIX rematch Sunday, although the team could impose its own discipline, such as benching Carter for the first play, the first series or longer.
The NFL’s distinction of a one-game suspension sets a precedent and makes it clear to players that spitting on an opponent will result in similar discipline. The NFL Players Association could view the discipline as a fine for future arguments.
Carter isn’t appealing his penalty.