Latest update on Dak Prescott, Jalen Carter spit saga fuels suspicion about Cowboys QB that was obvious from the start
Jalen Carter was technically suspended by the NFL for spitting on Dak Prescott. But did the Cowboys QB escape unscathed?
When NBC showed a shot of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott spitting in the direction of Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter last Thursday, the internet ran rampant with takes calling for him to be disciplined by the NFL.
Moments earlier, Carter was ejected from the NFL Kickoff game for spitting on Prescott prior to the first snap. The new shot made it seem—inaccurately but we’ll get to that later—like the Cowboys quarterback had started the incident by spitting toward the Eagles defender first. Among many other reactions, Philadelphia legend Jason Kelce posted on X: “And the truth shall set you free,” implying Carter had a reason for spitting at Dak.
All the noise led to speculation on whether or not the NFL would discipline Prescott as well. On Tuesday, it became clear it wouldn’t when the NFL announced a retroactive one-game suspension for Carter along with a $57,222 fine (the equivalent to his one-game salary). No mention of a potential discipline for Prescott was made in the statement, which fuels the suspicion that he won’t even be fined.
“Because Carter was disqualified before participating in a single play, the suspension is considered to have been served in Week 1 and he will forfeit his game check,” the league stated. “League rules prohibiting unsportsmanlike conduct are of vital importance to everyone involved in the game. The NFL has been clear with players, clubs, and the NFLPA that it plans to place particular emphasis on sportsmanship this season.”
Dak Prescott didn’t spit at Jalen Carter
Though the shot that raised fans’ ire made it seem like Prescott and Carter were close to each other, they weren’t at all. You can see the shot in the clip below. I’ll admit, it looks bad, especially because the Cowboys QB shows a mischievous smile right after spitting.
But if you freeze the image before the camera switches, you can see Prescott and Carter are standing over three yards away from each other. And that’s only because Carter is closer to the offense’s huddle than he needed to be in the first place. He’s literally over two yards behind the line of scrimmage.
“I probably spit 1,000 times throughout the game,” Prescott told reporters on Thursday night. “In that case, (Carter) was trolling, trying to mess with (Cowboys right guard) Tyler Booker. I was just looking at him, I was right here by the two linemen, guess I needed to spit, I wasn’t going to spit on my linemen, I just spit ahead.”
Though the NFL hasn’t made any statement on Prescott not being suspended, a decision would’ve likely come out at the same time as Carter’s did. There hasn’t been any official word on if the league even looked at it or not. Not to mention, the Cowboys quarterback wasn’t even flagged on the field.
It seems like both sides will be able to move on rather unscathed. Though Carter has to pay a hefty fine, he avoided any major contract drama thanks to a negotiation that keeps the Eagles from voiding his guaranteed money due to a suspension. And of course, he gets to play Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Dallas Cowboys News
‘That’s going to get noticed’ – Brian Schottenheimer adds intrigue to why Cowboys’ exciting rookie was benched in Week 1
Cowboys HC tells it like it is.
