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NFL Hands Down One-Game Equivalent Punishment to Eagles DT Jalen Carter After Spitting Incident, per Tom Pelissero

September 10, 2025

The NFL has handed down disciplinary action to Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter after his controversial actions in the Week 1 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.

League officials confirmed Tuesday that Carter will forfeit a full game check — $57,222 — as punishment for spitting on quarterback Dak Prescott. While Carter won’t miss any on-field time, the fine has been described as the equivalent of a one-game suspension, signaling a potential new standard for non-football misconduct.

“This decision reflects the league’s stance on protecting sportsmanship and integrity,” an NFL spokesperson said. “Conduct that disrespects players, coaches, fans, or the game itself will not be tolerated.”

The incident quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of opening weekend, sparking widespread backlash from fans, media, and players around the league. Viral clips of the altercation only fueled calls for accountability, with many labeling Carter’s behavior as “disrespectful.”

For the Eagles, the penalty casts a shadow over their Week 1 win. Carter had been expected to serve as a cornerstone of the defensive line, but instead finds himself at the center of unwanted attention. Inside Dallas, Cowboys players voiced support for Prescott and praised the NFL for treating the fine as a true suspension, applauding what could become a precedent-setting disciplinary move.

Carter has yet to comment publicly. Within the Eagles locker room, teammates and coaches are focused on moving forward, but the consequences of the decision will likely linger into Week 2 and beyond.

Whether this fine marks the beginning of a new model for league discipline is uncertain, but one message is clear: the NFL is determined to draw a hard line when it comes to respect on the field.

Eagles Star CB Faces Family Tragedy After Week 5 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Cooper DeJean is mourning a profound personal loss following the team’s Week 5 game , as his cousin Justin Fuller a respected military-trained skydiving instructor, died in a tragic tandem jump accident near Nashville.   Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his parachute harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters. Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending its personnel for the effort. Justin Fuller, known by the nickname "Spidey," died after a tandem skydiving jump went wrong on Oct. 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee.  (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey ) Fuller, known affectionately as “Spidey,” had completed more than 5,000 jumps and trained U.S. military personnel in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused, and committed to lifting others higher — both in life and in the air.”   DeJean —whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller’s mother, grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose. Family members say that influence helped shape his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Dejean that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how he lives and plays today.” In the Eagles’ defensive system, DeJean has steadily earned complete trust thanks to his versatility — working outside at corner, in the slot (nickel), and on coverage units — and standing out for top-end speed, precise tackling angles, and the ability to read quarterbacks. Coaches describe him as “calm, wise beyond his years, and disciplined at the catch point,” consistently maintaining leverage and finishing clean in tight spaces. Through the first five games of 2025, DeJean has played every defensive snap and totaled 36 tackles (26 solo) with five passes defensed, reinforcing his value on the perimeter and inside.  The Philadelphia Eagles have provided time and private support for DeJean and his family, ensuring he can grieve without team-related obligations. Teammates have stood beside him, honoring both his resilience and his family’s tradition of service. An FAA investigation into the accident is underway, while tributes to “Spidey” continue to pour in across social media from military colleagues, fellow skydivers, and fans nationwide.“He taught others to fly — now he flies higher than all of us,” one tribute read. DeJean kept his public remarks brief before being embraced by teammates:“He taught me not to fear the height — only the moment you forget to look down and pull someone else up with you. This week, I’m playing for him.”