The Philadelphia Eagles' season got off to an instantly frustrating start, losing a player in the kick-off and Jalen Carter getting thrown out before ever playing a snap. Carter exchanged words with Dak Prescott while his teammate was being attended to and ended the verbal altercation by spitting on the Dallas quarterback. There simply is no excuse for this lapse in judgment, and Carter was promptly tossed from the game.
It doesn't matter what Prescott said or what Carter felt in the moment. If there is disrespect that crosses a line, an altercation is easier to explain than spitting on the quarterback. This shows a selfish desire to put yourself first in the moment and not focus on what your actions mean for the team. Bringing up the obvious question of whether or not Carter could be suspended beyond Week 1?
Eagles Jalen Carter Puts Team and Himself in Awful Position with Undeniably selfish Decision
Looking at Carter's actions, it is hard to see it being more than a one-game ejection. Turning the clock back all the way, when T.O. made the same decision, there was a fine but not a suspension for the star receiver. It set a clear precedent that the league wasn't going to step in when it came to missing games for the disgusting action. Sean Taylor made the same decision in Washington and faced a fine as well without a suspension.
With this in mind, Eagles fans shouldn't view Carter's status as in trouble for a key matchup in Arrowhead next week. The star defender should be ultra-focused and ready to make up for his selfish actions ahead of the season opener. It was an awful look for a player who has faced past off the field concerns.
To spit on Prescott on national television in the season opener simply cannot happen from your best player. There is a chance the Eagles opt to internally punish Carter as well as abide by any fines the league decides to levy. There isn't any defense or any words that Prescott could've uttered to deserve such a response. Looking back at recent Philly suspensions, nothing matches Carter's frustrating actions.
Eagles Past Suspensions | Violation and Length |
|---|---|
Correll Buckhalter (2001) | Substance violation 1 game |
Lane Johnson (2016) | PEDs 10 games |
Isaiah Rodgers (2023) | Gambling 17 games |
If it was so over the line, things should've been brought to a head by far more acceptable actions. Carter's actions cost his team and set a dangerous tone for the rest of the game. Lighting a fire under Prescott and giving Philly's defense a frustrating blow before ever playing a snap.
For the Eagles, you have to consider punishing Carter within the organization and accepting any punishment the league deems acceptable, with there simply being no excuse for the lapse of judgment from an incredibly talented and important defender.