A new report has provided some details about why Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter spit on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during the Week 1 game on Thursday night.
Carter fired the spit heard ’round the world at Prescott following the opening kickoff and picked up an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and an ejection for his dumb decision.
While there is zero excuse for Carter’s action, Nick Harris of the Forth Worth Star-Telegram reports that Carter thought Prescott spit at the Eagles’ huddle after the Cowboys quarterback spit on the ground.
“Some more context on the Jalen Carter spitgate: According to two people with knowledge of the ordeal, Dak Prescott spit on the ground in the general vicinity of the Eagles defensive huddle,” Harris reported. “Carter thought it was hostile. While Prescott was explaining it wasn’t, Carter spit back.”
Here’s video of Prescott spitting:
According to the game’s head official, one of the referees “observed him spitting on an opponent” and noted that Carter’s offense “was a disqualifiable foul in the game” because it’s a “non-football act.”
Carter is going to face a fine for his inexcusable offense, but it’ll be interesting to see if he gets a suspension for it, also.
With the ejection, Carter made NFL history, as he’s the first player on a defending Super Bowl champion team to get ejected in a season-opener.
Carter’s absence has been very apparent, as the Eagles’ defense isn’t getting the same push upfront that it usually gets, which has made things much easier for Dallas’ offense.
There’s simply no replacing a difference-maker like Carter, who commands double teams, which free up other Eagles defenders to make plays.
