It’s been nine days since the infamous “Spitgate” incident where Philadelphia Eagles DT Jalen Carter spat on Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott early in the season-opener. It only took a few days for the NFL to serve Carter a fine and give him a suspension with time served. But what kind of punishment will Dak receive?
The answer is none.
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According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, Prescott was not fined or otherwise disciplined for spitting in Carter’s general direction on the now-infamous Thursday night football game.
“Cowboys QB Dak Prescott was not fined for spitting in the direction of Eagles DT Jalen Carter on opening night,” Schefter wrote.
Dak, as we learned after the incident, had spat prior to being approached by Carter. The Cowboys QB stated that he was not spitting AT Carter, but was merely spitting on the ground.
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Reaction from fans
Some fans took Dak’s side and asserted that there was no need for the NFL to even consider disciplining him since he spat on the ground, not at Carter.
“’Spitting in the direction.’ He spit down on the ground,” one user mocked.
“Well he shouldn’t have been so that makes sense lol,” wrote another.
“Because he spit on the ground. Glad we cleared that up,” a third wrote.
Sep 4, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) calls a play at the line of scrimmage during the first quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Other NFL fans were outraged, asserting that the league should have done something due to how Dak behaved after spitting.
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“So spitting and then smiling/taunting at a player to retaliate doesn’t warrant a punishment? Oh well, there’s always the game in Dallas for Carter to get revenge.”
“He should have been. It’s classless.”
“This seems so unfair to me! The NFL always punishes the second person.”
“League letting that slide sets a weak standard on sportsmanship.”
Unfortunately for the latter group of fans, it looks like they won’t be getting their wish.
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This story was originally reported by The Spun on Sep 13, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.