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The NFL has fined the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints $500,000 each for unsportsmanlike conduct during a joint practice on Tuesday (August 18) in Oxnard, California. Seven fights erupted throughout the day, including one significant altercation that gained widespread attention on social media. The league emphasized the importance of sportsmanship during joint practices, reminding teams of their responsibilities to prevent behavior that could lead to injuries.
According to a statement from the NFL, the fines were imposed as part of an ongoing effort by the Competition Committee to maintain professionalism and sportsmanship in the league. Brian Schottenheimer, head coach of the Cowboys, and Kellen Moore, head coach of the Saints, considered ending the practice early due to the escalating tensions but ultimately decided to continue.
One of the more notable incidents involved Saints rookie wide receiver Brock Rechsteiner, who body-slammed Cowboys safety Jalen Thompson during a scuffle. The altercation was captured on video and circulated widely online. Additionally, Saints center Erik McCoy was seen throwing a Cowboys helmet during another fight.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones described the fine as "stiff" and announced that the team plans to appeal the penalty. Jones stated, "The fine does make the point that it's a serious matter and it starts with everybody at all levels of a club." He also mentioned that the Cowboys would impose fines on individual players involved in the incidents.
The NFL had previously sent a memo to teams in July, stressing the importance of maintaining professionalism during joint practices. Despite the fines, both teams are expected to continue their preseason preparations, with the Saints set to face the Los Angeles Rams and the Cowboys taking on the Arizona Cardinals this Saturday (August 23).