Jerry Jones Plans to Make Cowboys Players Pay for $500,000 NFL Fine
Jerry Jones intends to make Cowboys players pay for the $500,000 fine tied to fights during joint practice with the Saints.
The Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints faced a $500,000 NFL fine after multiple brawls erupted during a joint practice. The skirmishes involved six to eight fights, including punches being thrown, helmets being tossed, and a particularly violent incident where a Saints player executed a WWE-style suplex on a Dallas defender. Dallas Cowboys insider Patrik Walker reported that team owner Jerry Jones intends to personally fine the players deemed responsible for the altercations.
ESPN's Calvin Watkins added that Jones plans to appeal the $500,000 league fine. The NFL is sending a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated, as indicated by the hefty fine. However, a $500,000 fine is still significant, even for a single practice. In comparison, a $200,000 fine was imposed on the New York Giants and Detroit Lions for similar incidents during a joint practice two years ago.
Unlike those organizations, Jones appears determined to hold his players accountable. Potential targets may include Dallas outside linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku, who was ejected for throwing punches, as well as safety Jalen Thompson and linebacker Sam Williams, both of whom were involved in multiple altercations. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer emphasized the need for discipline in the game, acknowledging that the team's handling of the situation was lacking.
It remains to be seen whether Jones' appeal will lead to a reduced fine or which players he ultimately designates as the primary instigators.
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