Amid speculation that Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter could be suspended by the NFL for spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, a USA Today report on Saturday stated it won’t happen.
A league official told the outlet’s Jarrett Bell and Mike Freeman that a further suspension for Carter, who was already banned six seconds into last Thursday’s season opener, isn’t on the table. The official was granted anonymity because the NFL is still examining the situation.
Carter was arguing with Prescott during an injury timeout after the opening kickoff and spit on the quarterback’s jersey. He was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct and ejected.
“It’s a disqualifiable foul in the game,” referee Shawn Smith told a pool reporter. “It’s a non-football act.”
The NFL has indicated that sportsmanship is a point of emphasis for officials.
Video later revealed that Prescott spit in Carter’s direction first. Also, during Friday night’s NFL game in Brazil, San Diego Chargers defensive tackle Teair Tart deliberately and forcefully smacked Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce in the head after a play. Tart was penalized but not thrown out of the game, despite the league’s ostensible stance against head injuries.
The officiating decision not to eject Tart was explained on the YouTube broadcast by former NFL ref Terry McAulay, who said Tart wasn’t ejected for the non-football physical assault because he used an open hand instead of a fist to hit Kelce.
Using a fist would have hurt Tart.
Lead broadcaster Rich Eisen continued to question the decision not to eject Tart. McCaulay repeated his response about an open hand versus a fist.
Tart later made a key pass deflection against the Chiefs.
Source: Berkshire mont