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NFL fines Cowboys and Saints $500,000 after joint practice brawl
The NFL has fined both the Dallas Cowboys and the New Orleans Saints $500,000 following a series of violent altercations during their joint training practice in Oxnard, California. The league's decision followed a review of video footage showing multiple scuffles, including punches being thrown, helmets being tossed, and a wrestling-style German suplex performed by Saints player Brock Rechsteiner on Cowboys safety Jalen Thompson.
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer and Saints head coach Kellen Moore reportedly discussed ending the session early due to the chaos. Schottenheimer described the practice as “sloppy” and noted that while the teams aim to play with discipline, they failed to manage the intensity effectively. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones characterized the fine as “stiff” and announced plans to appeal the penalty.
In addition to the organizational fines, individual players faced consequences. Cowboys linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku was ejected from the practice, marking his second ejection during training camp. The NFL emphasized that its Competition Committee has prioritized sportsmanship and the prevention of unsportsmanlike conduct that could lead to injuries during joint practices.
Entities
Brian Schottenheimer · Brock Rechsteiner · Dallas Cowboys · Kellen Moore · NFL · New Orleans Saints
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The altercations occurred during a joint practice in Oxnard, California. nypost.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Cowboys cornerback Caelen Carson and edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku were ejected from the practice. clutchpoints.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones confirmed the team plans to appeal the fine. clutchpoints.com · nypost.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The NFL fined both the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints $500,000 each. clutchpoints.com · nypost.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Cowboys organization intends to internally fine players deemed responsible for the league's penalty. nypost.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Saints player Brock Rechsteiner body-slammed Cowboys safety Jalen Thompson during a skirmish. clutchpoints.com