What looked like an ugly act from Jalen Carter turned out to be a case of bad timing and worse perception.
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The Eagles defensive tackle was tossed just one play into Philadelphia's 24-20 season-opening win over the Cowboys after spitting at quarterback Dak Prescott. The incident sparked outrage, but NBC cameras later revealed a key detail — Prescott had spit first, though not at Carter.
Former Cowboys coach and current NBC analyst Jason Garrett said after the game that Carter appeared to believe Prescott spit in his direction. Prescott told Garrett he was spitting while talking to Dallas offensive lineman Tyler Booker, with Carter nearby. "You spit at me?" Carter asked, before firing back. Prescott, smiling in disbelief, responded, "Why would I spit at you?"
Carter was immediately ejected. Prescott explained further after the game.
"I actually said words like, 'Why the hell would I' — and probably more colorful — 'What would I need to spit on you for?' He just spit on me in that moment, it was more of a surprise than anything," Prescott said, via Pro Football Talk.
Carter owned up afterward.
"It was a mistake that happened on my side. It won't happen again," he told NFL reporters. "I feel bad for just my teammates and fans out there. I'm doing it for them. I'm doing it for my family also. The fans, they showed the most love."
Whether Carter faces more discipline remains to be seen. Stephen A. Smith called for a suspension, tweeting, "How in the HELL could you do something like that? Inexcusable! Stupid!"
Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio noted that the league could still "send a message stronger than the de facto one-game suspension Carter received."
The Cowboys now regroup on a mini-bye before facing the Giants in Week 2.
