Jalen Carter thought he could get away with spitting on an opposing quarterback. The NFL had other plans, but fans aren’t buying the punishment they handed down.
The Philadelphia Eagles beat the Dallas Cowboys last Thursday, but they did it without any help from Carter. The massive defensive tackle spat on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott before the game’s first play from scrimmage, prompting his immediate ejection. Carter learned what further punishment he faces on Tuesday, and fans aren’t too thrilled with the league’s decision.
Why Are Fans Calling Jalen Carter’s Punishment Too Light?
Carter, a third-year pro, anchors the Eagles’ defensive front. Not having to deal with him surely made Prescott’s job easier in what wound up as a Cowboys defeat. However, head coach Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs won’t be as fortunate this week.
“NFL is fining Eagles DT Jalen Carter $57,222 for spitting on Dak Prescott,” ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter wrote Tuesday on X. “The league also says the game he was ejected for will serve as a one-game suspension. ‘After talking to the Eagles, the NFL and the NFLPA, Jalen has decided not to appeal and focus on the Chiefs game,’ said Carter’s agent Drew Rosenhaus.”
The announcement sparked immediate backlash from fans who took to Schefter’s comments section to voice their displeasure with what they saw as lenient discipline.
“That’s a total slap on the wrist. Shame on you @NFL,” one said.
That’s a total slap on the wrist. Shame on you @NFL
— James (@BrunshimOG) September 9, 2025
“Privilege ….thats disgusting that spitting on someone is ok by the @NFL @nflcommish @NFLPA …one of the most disgusting and disrespectful acts ever… shame on the NFL… what a sh*t show,” someone sounded off.
Privilege ….thats disgusting that spitting on someone is ok by the @NFL @nflcommish @NFLPA …one of the most disgusting and disrespectful acts ever… shame on the NFL… what a shit show
— Joel (@vroom_joel) September 9, 2025
“Appeal what?” another asked. “He got away with it.”
Appeal what? He got away with it.
— Sam M (@commanders_365) September 9, 2025
Other fans questioned whether the timing worked too conveniently in Carter’s favor. “Is the league really done showing blatant favorite to a certain team?” someone else said, referring to the perceived lean toward Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. Carter would have missed that game had he faced an additional suspension.
The financial impact drew criticism as well. “So pocket change,” one fan said, highlighting how little the fine affects Carter’s bank account relative to his NFL earnings.
So pocket change.
— Ֆ (@SunnyB0120) September 9, 2025
The situation became more complex when another angle of Carter’s action against Prescott surfaced. Fans discovered that Prescott initiated the incident by spitting in the direction of the Eagles’ defense. Carter took exception to the gesture, leading him to react in kind.
Carter earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2024 and has played in 33 regular-season games for Philadelphia since the franchise selected him No. 9 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. He finished as runner-up for the Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year award that same season. For his career, Carter has recorded 75 total tackles, 20 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, and 10.5 sacks.
