The NFL reveals why the New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys each received $500,000 fines during the preseason.
The NFL fined the New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys $500,000 each following the actions that took place during their heated joint practices earlier this week.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the penalties Thursday, explaining that the league has continued to emphasize sportsmanship during joint practices because altercations can create an increased risk of injury.
“NFL fined the Cowboys and Saints $500,000 each for what it called ‘the actions that took place at the joint practice between the teams earlier this week,’” Schefter wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“The Competition Committee has made sportsmanship – including at joint practices – a point of emphasis over the past several years. All clubs were reminded by memo prior to training camp of their responsibility in preventing unsportsmanlike behavior at joint practices that has the potential to result in injury.”
NFL sends message to Cowboys, Saints after heated practices
The fines come after tensions between Dallas and New Orleans escalated during Tuesday’s joint practice, which included a brawl involving players from both teams.
Cowboys linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku was among those involved in the incident and received his second ejection of training camp. Dallas head coach Brian Schottenheimer later stressed that Ezeiruaku must avoid hurting the team by losing his composure.
The NFL’s $1 million in combined fines sends another message to teams about maintaining control during joint practices, particularly after the league reminded clubs about unsportsmanlike conduct before training camps opened.
New Orleans will now turn its attention toward its second preseason game. The Saints face the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN after opening the preseason with a 24-20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Dallas, meanwhile, will face the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday at 10 p.m. ET on NFL Network after opening the preseason with a 17-7 win over the Seattle Seahawks. The Cowboys will conclude their preseason against New Orleans on Aug. 28.
The NFL fined the New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys $500,000 each following the actions that took place during their heated joint practices earlier this week. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the penalties Thursday, explaining that the league has continued to emphasize sportsmanship during joint practices because altercations can create an increased risk of injury.