Football fans thought they’d seen it all on opening night: Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, big expectations, and plenty of hype. Instead of a showcase, everyone walked away buzzing about a single moment that set off a storm: Dak Prescott and Jalen Carter, center stage in a drama that still isn’t settled.
Why Did Jalen Carter Get Ejected Against Dak Prescott in the Opening Game?
The flashpoint unfolded early, right after the opening kickoff. Jalen Carter, ready for his first snap of the 2024-25 campaign, was ejected before he could even take the field. The call from the officials came quickly, with Carter getting tossed after spitting directly on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
The league didn’t hold back: Carter was fined over $57,000 and handed a one-game suspension. He took the hit and accepted the punishment with no pushback.
But that’s not where things ended. The next twist broke online: a video surfaced showing Prescott spitting first. He spat toward the ground, though it was in Carter’s direction. Afterward, Prescott told reporters it wasn’t meant as a sign of disrespect and insisted it wasn’t aimed at Carter. Carter saw it differently, believing he was targeted. The NFL sided with Prescott and chose not to fine or suspend him for the incident.
What Does the NFL’s Decision on Prescott’s Fine Mean for the Fans?
That ruling set social media on fire. Fans felt the league sent a message: stars play by different rules. The phrase “double standard” popped up everywhere.
“No fine for Dak? The league just set a double standard,” one fan called out plainly.
No fine for Dak? The league just set a double standard
— BIANCHINI (@0xBianchini) September 13, 2025
Another fan tried making sense of it all, posting, “Interesting, no fine suggests the league didn’t view Dak’s action as intentional or unsportsmanlike toward Jalen Carter.”
Lol 😂 Interesting, no fine suggests the league didn’t view Dak’s action as intentional or unsportsmanlike toward Jalen Carter.
— Graphics CGI (@GraphicsCGI) September 13, 2025
Many critics weren’t ready to let Prescott off the hook, either. “Did he ever get fined for screwing an entire fanbase for almost ten straight years or nah,” one Cowboys fan joked.
Did he ever get fined for screwing an entire fanbase for almost ten straight years or nah?
— tflo💨 (@tflo__) September 13, 2025
Meanwhile, Eagles fans weren’t letting anything slide. “That’s definitely going to stir debate, no fine means the league saw no intent, but Philly fans won’t be letting this one go anytime soon,” said another user.
That’s definitely going to stir debate, no fine means the league saw no intent, but Philly fans won’t be letting this one go anytime soon.
— Daniel Anaye (@daniel_ana26) September 13, 2025
One comment looked ahead to the rematch in Dallas, asking, “So spitting and then smiling/taunting at a player to retaliate doesn’t warrant a punishment? Oh well, there’s always the game in Dallas for Carter to get revenge.”
So spitting and then smiling/taunting at a player to retaliate doesn’t warrant a punishment?
Oh well, there’s always the game in Dallas for Carter to get revenge
— Matt Panetta (@MattPSports42) September 13, 2025
With the league closing the book, Carter’s punishment is done, and Prescott came out untouched. Both teams are focused on moving forward with the 2024-25 campaign. Still, fans can’t shake the feeling that something was off.
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The perception of star treatment sticks around as the Cowboys and Eagles look ahead to their next matchup in Week 12 at AT&T Stadium. If the tension from opening night spills over, expect that showdown to get personal and maybe leave fans talking even longer.