Dolphins Accuse Bills Of Supplying Smelling Salts To $48M Star During Home Win

Buffalo< NY – Sep 19,2025 — The aftermath of Buffalo’s win over the Miami Dolphins took a dramatic turn as Miami officials claimed to have evidence that running back James Cook, the team’s $48 million star, used smelling salts directly on the field just moments before a play began.

A video circulating on social media shows Cook bending down, cracking open a small vial, and taking a sharp inhale before lining up in the backfield. According to the Dolphins, this goes beyond personal use and raises suspicions that the Bills supplied the smelling salts, a direct violation of the NFL’s newly implemented 2025 ban.

“The rule is clear — teams are not allowed to provide smelling salts to players. If this video is what it appears to be, there’s reason to believe Buffalo crossed the line,” Dolphins owner said after the game. “We will be submitting our evidence to the league. Fair play has to be protected.”

The NFL has yet to issue a formal response. Should the accusation hold, the Bills could face significant fines and disciplinary action against team personnel, though the game result itself would not be overturned.

Cook declined to directly address the video, telling reporters only: “I’m focused on playing football and helping my team win.”

If confirmed, this would mark the first high-profile case tied to the league’s new smelling salts policy, adding a layer of controversy to Buffalo’s divisional victory.