Dak Prescott and Jalen Carter’s Spit-Gate Explained
The NFL season opener between the Eagles and Cowboys started with fireworks, but not the kind anyone expected. Just moments after kickoff, Philadelphia’s star defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected in what is now being called “Spit-Gate.” At first glance, it seemed like Carter lost his cool and spit on Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott without warning. But as more video and explanations have surfaced, the story has turned into something much more complicated.
NBC cameras eventually caught footage that appeared to show Prescott spitting first, and that detail shifted how people saw the entire exchange. Former Cowboys coach Jason Garrett, who was working on the NBC broadcast, explained afterward that Carter may have believed Prescott spit at him right before the first play. Prescott later told Garrett that he wasn’t aiming at Carter at all. According to him, he was mid-conversation with offensive lineman Tyler Booker, had to spit, and unfortunately, Carter was close enough to notice.
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From Carter’s point of view, it looked intentional. Reports say Carter confronted Prescott, asking, “You spit at me?” Prescott smiled and replied, “Why would I spit at you?” But in that tense moment, Carter responded by spitting back, and that was the action the officials immediately saw. Without hesitation, he was ejected before even playing a snap.
Prescott explained later that he was shocked by Carter’s reaction. He admitted he used some strong words in the heat of the moment but insisted he never meant to disrespect Carter. “What would I need to spit on you for?” Prescott recalled saying. From his perspective, it was one big misunderstanding that turned ugly way too fast.
Carter, for his part, didn’t hide from responsibility. After the game, he admitted it was a mistake and apologized to his teammates, fans, and family. “It won’t happen again,” he said, making it clear he felt remorse for letting down those who count on him. The Eagles still managed to win 24–20, but Carter’s absence was felt and could become a bigger issue if the league decides to hand down more punishment.
That’s because the NFL has made “respect for opponents” a major point of emphasis this season. Spitting has always been viewed as one of the most disrespectful acts on the field, and while Carter was contrite afterward, there’s still speculation that he could face a suspension. Analysts like Stephen A. Smith even called for harsher discipline, saying ejection wasn’t enough.
What happens next is still uncertain. Prescott said it was simply an unfortunate situation for everyone, especially for a player as talented as Carter to get tossed out on the very first play of the year. Whether the NFL agrees or decides to send a stronger message remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this bizarre opener will be remembered as one of the strangest starts to an NFL season in recent memory.
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