League Hands Down Hefty Punishment
The NFL has fined both the New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys $500,000 following a fight filled joint practice between the two teams Tuesday in Oxnard, California. The league announced the penalties Thursday after multiple altercations broke out throughout the session.
The $500,000 fine for each organization brings the total punishment to $1 million and represents the league’s strongest warning yet about player conduct during joint practices.
Multiple Fights Break Out
The practice became increasingly heated as players from both teams were involved in several skirmishes. What began as individual confrontations eventually escalated into larger fights, with players leaving their respective areas to join the altercations.
One incident included a helmet being thrown, while another saw a player taken to the ground during the chaos. Cowboys linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku was also ejected from the practice after throwing a punch.
At one point, Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer and Saints head coach Kellen Moore discussed whether the practice should be ended early because of the repeated fights. The teams ultimately continued the session.
NFL Emphasizes Sportsmanship
The league made it clear that the fines were about more than just one incident. The NFL’s Competition Committee has made sportsmanship at joint practices a major point of emphasis, and all 32 teams were reminded before training camp that they are responsible for preventing unsportsmanlike behavior that could lead to injuries.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Dallas plans to appeal its fine, while also indicating that the team will discipline players who were involved.
The Saints and Cowboys will have another opportunity to settle things on the field when they meet in their preseason finale on Aug. 28. After Tuesday’s chaotic practice, there will certainly be plenty of attention on how both teams handle the rematch.
For now, the NFL’s message is clear: competitive intensity is expected, but allowing joint practices to turn into full scale fights will come with a significant price.
