NFL fines Cowboys and Saints $500,000 after joint practice brawl

The NFL has fined the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints $500,000 each following a series of violent altercations during a joint training practice in Oxnard, California. The league cited unsportsmanlike behavior that could lead to injury, noting that clubs had been previously warned via memo to prevent such incidents.

The practice session was marked by multiple skirmishes, including players throwing punches, removing helmets, and a notable body slam by Saints tight end Brock Rechsteiner on Cowboys safety Jalen Thompson. The intensity of the fights led coaches Brian Schottenheimer and Kellen Moore to discuss canceling the session entirely.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones criticized the players' conduct, stating that such behavior is not what the team or league wants to represent to fans, though he indicated the organization would appeal the fine. The Cowboys also plan to issue internal fines to the players involved.