Jalen Carter's Week 1 Spitting Incident Set Precedent for NFL Suspensions

Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter was ejected from the season opener before the first play from scrimmage for spitting on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, an incident reportedly sparked by Prescott spitting near Carter first. The NFL subsequently fined Carter a game check, which simulated a suspension without pay, and he did not appeal the decision. This punishment established a precedent for the league's stance on unsportsmanlike conduct involving spitting, a precedent now being referenced in the one-game suspension of Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase for a similar act.