Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter, one of the most dominant young players in the NFL, has found himself at the center of controversy after being ejected from Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys. Before a single snap was even played.
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The shocking reason? He spat on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during pre-snap jawing, sparking immediate outrage across the league.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith wasted no time unloading his reaction on social media, calling the incident “inexcusable.”
“WTH did I just see? Jalen Carter — the best player on the Eagles defense — just got thrown out of the game before a freakin’ snap for SPITTING…. SPITTING on Dak Prescott. To hell with just an ejection. Suspend that man. How in the HELL could you do something like that? Inexcusable! Stupid! Selfish!” Smith ranted on Twitter.
The bizarre altercation unfolded moments before kickoff, as the Cowboys lined up for their opening play. According to officials on the field, Carter engaged in trash talk with Prescott before committing the shocking act, which immediately led to a flag and his ejection.
Fans in attendance and watching at home were left stunned, with replays capturing the unthinkable moment. Many agreed with Smith about suspending Carter for the rest of the season.
Go ahead and suspend him for the season. No room for that, NFL needs to send a message.
— Ian Becker (@Ian_Becker1) September 5, 2025
Suspend him several games. Trash behavior.
— Anime Explained (@NarutoExplained) September 5, 2025
I would prefer you just punch me in the face. Spit on me and you are a life long enemy. A $1 Million fine and a 10 game suspension would be appropriate!
— MRR (@MRR2732) September 5, 2025
The incident also reigned scrutiny of Carter’s troubled past, most notably his connection to the 2023 car crash that claimed the lives of Georgia offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy. Carter later pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges stemming from the crash.
At least he’s not a murderer… oh wait
— Krabs 🦀💵 (@Krabs_Bets) September 5, 2025
But he was so classy in college…..oh, wait. He wasnt. Here's a crazy idea, when a scumbag shows you they're a scumbag believe it, they dont change. Best case they get better at hiding it
— Prime Joshua🇺🇸 (@Realtruth1978) September 5, 2025
As of now, the NFL has not announced whether further punishment is coming, but if Smith’s reaction is any indication, calls for suspension will only grow louder.
For Jalen Carter, his immense talent may not be enough to shield him from the backlash of one of the ugliest pre-snap incidents the league has seen in years.
