Jalen Carter will be back on the field this weekend, but not before paying a hefty price for one of the strangest moments in recent NFL memory.
Videos by FanBuzz
Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
The Eagles defensive tackle was fined $57,222 after spitting on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott just six seconds into the season opener. The ejection came before Carter played a single snap in Philadelphia's 24-20 win over Dallas. The NFL is classifying the fine as a one-game unpaid suspension, which has already been served.
The league's decision followed a chaotic scene that began when Prescott spit on the ground while talking with offensive lineman Tyler Booker. Carter apparently thought the act was directed at him.
"You spit at me?" Carter asked, according to NBC's broadcast. Prescott responded with a smile: "Why would I spit at you?" Moments later, Carter spit back and was immediately tossed.
Prescott later said he was stunned. "I actually said words like, 'Why the hell would I? 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 explained.
Carter apologized to his teammates afterward, calling it a mistake and promising it would not happen again. His agent Drew Rosenhaus confirmed Carter will not appeal.
"After talking to the Eagles, the NFL and the NFLPA, Jalen has decided not to appeal and focus on the Chiefs game," Rosenhaus told ESPN.
The Eagles will need him. Carter is one of their most disruptive defenders, and his return comes just in time for Sunday's Super Bowl rematch with Kansas City.
