Carter Apologizes After Spitting at Prescott: “It Was a Mistake” | Eagles vs Cowboys

Jalen Carter Ejected After Spitting at Dak Prescott at the Start of the Game

In an encounter filled with tension and emotions, the prominent defensive tackle of the Philadelphia Eagles, Jalen Carter, was ejected from the game against the Dallas Cowboys before the first play from the line of scrimmage was even played. The incident occurred at the start of the game, after a pause due to an injury to the Eagles’ fullback, Ben VanSumeren. During that interruption, Carter and the Cowboys quarterback, Dak Prescott, faced off, and Carter spat at Prescott.

“It was a mistake that happened on my part, and it simply won’t happen again,” Carter stated after the game. “I feel bad for my teammates and the fans. I do it for them… Not being able to start the game, or even finish it, messed me up, but we’re going to improve it. It won’t happen again. I can promise that.”

Jalen Carter

Later videos showed Prescott spitting in Carter and the Eagles’ defense’s direction before Carter responded. Prescott described the situation as a misunderstanding that escalated, mentioning that he usually spits during games and that he spat to avoid his linemen while watching Carter “bother” rookie guard Tyler Booker. Prescott stated that Carter asked him: “Are you trying to spit on me?”, and that he felt offended by the insinuation.

“I wouldn’t spit on anyone,” Prescott said. “I walked up and, in fact, said something like, ‘What the hell… excuse me, but probably something more colorful… why would I spit on you?’. And he just spit on me at that moment. It was more of a surprise than anything else.”

Dak Prescott

Following Carter’s spit, Prescott quickly gestured to a nearby referee, who threw the flag and ejected Carter for unsportsmanlike conduct six seconds into the start of the NFL season. Fans booed as Carter slowly walked away, holding his helmet behind his back.

“One of the officials observed Carter spitting at an opponent,” referee Shawn Smith told a reporter. “It’s a disqualifying foul in the game. It’s an act unrelated to football.”

Shawn Smith

Prescott lamented Carter’s ejection, describing it as “unfortunate.” The Eagles received a 15-yard penalty, and the Cowboys scored a touchdown on their first offensive series, culminating in a one-yard run by Javonte Williams. Philadelphia coach Nick Sirianni commented that they will address the situation so that players maintain energy and tenacity within the rules of the game. Sirianni did not reveal whether Carter will face any internal discipline, stating that any action will be handled internally. Carter, for his part, said he will handle any possible league sanctions when the time comes. The Eagles will face the Chiefs in Kansas City in Week 2, in a Super Bowl rematch. Carter assured that he spoke with his defensive line teammates at halftime and promised that the situation will not be repeated. Left tackle Jordan Mailata added that Carter also addressed the team, describing his tone as “remorseful.” Quarterback Jalen Hurts also spoke with Carter, and both are “on the same page.” Hurts emphasized the importance of the team elevating its discipline and focus. Carter, 24, is considered one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL, with 4.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss last season.