Dallas Cowboys fans are going to be decidedly underwhelmed with how the league has opted to punish Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter for spitting on quarterback Dak Prescott.
It was a gross action that led many to speculate there could be a pending suspension. ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that this will be the case; however, the one-game suspension will be considered the season opener, where Carter was thrown out before ever playing a snap. Along with that discipline, the Eagles defender will be slapped with a $57,222 fine for his actions.
It is important to note that Prescott undeniably started the altercation by spitting in Carter's direction. However, this is in no way a defense of what Carter chose to do. A player should let his play do the talking and return to his own huddle. There is zero reason for the star DT to walk towards the Dallas huddle when one of his teammates is down on the field.
This in itself was a poor decision; spitting on Prescott was egregious and deserved at the very least a stronger fine.
Cowboys Fans Have Reason for Frustration with NFL's Weak Jalen Carter Punishment
In other words, Carter is going to pay a bit out of his pocket and go into the next game as if nothing happened. Dallas fans didn't need an excuse to dislike Carter more than they already do, but this is undeniably a frustrating step in that direction. The league should send a stronger message that this level of respect cannot be tolerated.
Dare to place sports bets on your own team to win a game, and the league steps in to suspend you for a full season, if not more. Spit on the quarterback of America's Team, and you walk away with a slap on the wrist and no real reason not to escalate things again if the situation calls for it. The league had a chance to set a new precedent that this level of behaviour wasn't going to be allowed.
One cannot consider the past actions of the league office and see their rulings anywhere close to moral. It isn't about right or wrong, but the bottom line and fan perception. This is going to decide any move the league makes, and in this case, it has opted not to suspend or punish one of Philly's best defenders for spitting on Prescott with the world watching.
It didn't matter what Dak did or said before Carter's gross action; it was an escalation that was way past any line, and the NFL failed its chance to serve a message that this won't be tolerated. Cowboys fans aren't surprised, considering how inconsistent the league can be when it comes to handing out punishments.
Carter is a piece of a very popular team, and opting to suspend him and react to the bad moment in the opener only extends the story. This is bad for Philly and, more importantly, bad for league business, leaving fans undeniably frustrated with what is going to be viewed as a questionable decision.