NFL Drops Hammer on Dak Prescott After Disgusting Spit Incident on Eagles Star Jalen Carter
The NFL has issued its verdict on one of the most controversial incidents from opening night. What was meant to be a showcase of rivalry football quickly became the league’s first scandal of the new season.
Fans expected fireworks between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles, but no one imagined the drama would unfold before the ball was even snapped. Cameras caught a confrontation that instantly set social media ablaze.
At the center was Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, who was shown spitting toward Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter. The act ignited a heated exchange, led to Carter’s retaliation, and launched the now infamous “Spitgate” saga.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell condemned the act, stating: “Spitting on an opponent is a disgusting act that violates every line of sportsmanship. What Dak Prescott did on opening night was unacceptable. We’ve enforced a suspension to make clear — dirty behavior has no place in this league.”
League officials confirmed Prescott has been suspended for one game and fined, a punishment meant to underline the NFL’s zero-tolerance stance. While Carter was ejected on the spot, Prescott now faces accountability in the days that follow.
NBC shows Dak Prescott spitting in the direction of the Eagles ahead of Jalen Carter spitting on him. #NFL https://t.co/D620I7mABp pic.twitter.com/OgMgwYGl3X
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 5, 2025
Reactions were immediate. Eagles fans celebrated what they called long-awaited justice, while Cowboys Nation voiced anger over losing their leader to suspension. The decision has split opinion but reignited the debate about respect in football.
For the Cowboys, the fallout is significant. Their franchise quarterback will miss the next game, leaving the team scrambling to adjust offensively while facing the scrutiny of a national spotlight.
Week 1 was designed to be a celebration of the NFL’s return. Instead, it became a lesson in discipline, with Prescott suspended and Carter already punished. The rivalry burns hotter than ever, and the season has only just begun.
Eagles Rookie Declines 53-Man Roster Spot to Pursue Grandfather’s Dream of Becoming a Doctor
Philadelphia, PA – August 28, 2025
The Philadelphia Eagles trimmed their roster this week, finalizing decisions that left several undrafted rookies without jobs. For most, the hope is to latch on to a practice squad. For one, the journey took a different turn.
Instead of chasing the NFL’s narrow window of opportunity, the rookie opted to step away. While others viewed the cut as a setback, he viewed it as the start of an entirely new mission.
Running back ShunDerrick Powell, an undrafted rookie out of North Alabama, was waived on August 26. Rather than pursue football elsewhere, Powell announced he would retire from the game to fulfill his late grandfather’s lifelong wish.
“I could keep fighting for a roster spot, but my real fight is in hospitals and classrooms,” Powell said. “My grandfather wanted me to be a doctor, and that’s where my heart is now.”
Powell’s story is unusual in today’s NFL, where most young players scramble for any chance to stay in the league. His decision, however, resonated with teammates who admired his conviction to honor family above all.
The Eagles had been impressed with his speed and competitiveness during training camp, but coaches understood. They expressed respect for his choice, emphasizing that while his NFL career was short, his impact could be far more meaningful in another field.
For Powell, walking away was less about disappointment and more about direction. He acknowledged the difficulty of leaving football behind, but noted that medicine offered a chance to carry on a legacy that mattered deeply.
What began as a fleeting NFL opportunity may lead to something greater. A dream in Philadelphia ends, but a new chapter of service begins. Stay tuned to ESPN!
