The Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints have been fined $500,000 each by the NFL due to a brawl that occurred during their joint practice. The league emphasized the importance of sportsmanship, especially in joint practices, where unsportsmanlike conduct can lead to injuries.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones expressed his intention to appeal the fines, acknowledging their severity. He remarked that the actions seen during the practice, which included players removing their helmets and engaging in physical fights, do not represent the teams or the league well. "That's pretty harsh, I mean, pretty stiff," Jones stated.
Should the fines remain in place, Jones indicated he would also penalize the players involved in the altercation. Linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku was noted for removing the helmet of Saints offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga and striking offensive lineman Erik McCoy.
Saints rookie wide receiver Brock Rechsteiner was also mentioned for multiple incidents, including a physical clash with Cowboys cornerback Caelan Carson and performing a German suplex on Cowboys safety Jalen Thompson. Details regarding the appeal process or any additional player fines have not been provided.
