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Rams Accuse Eagless Of Supplying Smelling Salts To $41M Star During Home Win

Sep 22, 2025 


 What looked like an ordinary matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night quickly turned into a source of controversy after the Rams accused the Eagles of supplying smelling salts to their $41 million star, Saquon Barkley, directly on the field just minutes before kickoff at Lincoln Financial Field.

A video circulating on social media appeared to show Barkley crouching down near the sideline, cracking open a small vial, and taking a deep inhale before lining up in the backfield. According to the Rams, the act went beyond simple personal use and raised suspicion that the Eagles themselves had provided the smelling salts — a direct violation of the new NFL ban implemented for the 2025 season.

“This isn’t about rituals or pregame habits. It’s about rules and fairness,” a Rams spokesperson said Monday. “If the home team really supplied smelling salts to a player just before the opening whistle, that’s an unfair competitive edge, and we expect the league to act.”



The Eagles have yet to issue an official comment. Barkley, who signed a four-year, $41 million deal with Philadelphia in March, brushed off the controversy following  the 33–26 win.

“I don’t get caught up in all that talk,” Barkley said postgame. “I just focus on playing ball and doing whatever it takes to help this team win.”

The NFL confirmed it has opened an investigation. While smelling salts are not banned for players’ individual use, teams are prohibited from providing them to players at any time during games.

Any potential punishment would likely come in the form of fines or warnings, not a change to the game’s result. Still, the incident has shined a spotlight on a long-standing sideline ritual that, until now, rarely stirred controversy.

Chiefs Locker Room Erupts, Chris Jones Under Investigation for NFL Sports Betting in Jaguars Game - HC Andy Reid Hands Down Harsh Punishment
Kansas City, MO – The Kansas City Chiefs' locker room is in turmoil following an NFL investigation into defensive star Chris Jones over allegations related to sports betting. Jones, a multiple-time Pro Bowler, has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through Week 10, while head coach (HC) Andy Reid has imposed internal penalties after a suspicious performance in the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. SOURCE: https://x.com/TheNFLDrop/status/1975574483990909165 The incident stems from a decisive play at the end of the game, where Jones – the Chiefs' top defensive tackle – appeared to "do absolutely nothing" to stop quarterback Trevor Lawrence from scoring the game-winning touchdown. According to sources, this lack of effort prompted the NFL to launch an investigation, suspecting possible involvement in betting, a serious violation of league rules. "He just stood there watching Lawrence run into the end zone like he was watching a movie," an anonymous teammate shared, reflecting the outrage in the locker room. Jones, 31, has been a cornerstone for the Chiefs since being selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft from Mississippi State. With an impressive career including 3 Pro Bowls, 2 Super Bowl wins, and 75.5 sacks, he signed a 5-year, $158 million contract in 2023. However, this season, Jones has only recorded 2 sacks through 5 games, and his performance against the Jaguars has drawn sharp criticism from Chiefs fans on social media. HC Andy Reid reacted strongly, penalizing Jones by sidelining him from practices and requiring an internal explanation. "We do not tolerate any behavior that harms the team or undermines the integrity of the game," Reid stated post-game. "Our organization prides itself on discipline and trust, and while we await the results of the NFL's investigation, we'll handle this internally to ensure it doesn't distract from our goals. Chris is a talented player, but no one is above the standards we set here in Kansas City." Meanwhile, the Chiefs' locker room is described as "explosive" with arguments, as some players like Patrick Mahomes express disappointment but still offer support for their teammate. The NFL investigation is expected to continue, and if violations are proven, Jones could face a long-term suspension. The Chiefs, currently at 2-3, must quickly stabilize their roster ahead of their next matchup. Fans are watching closely, with many calling this potentially the "biggest scandal of the season."