[REVISION HISTORY]

NFL fines Cowboys and Saints for training camp fights

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-21 11:02 UTC → 2026-08-22 15:56 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Following a series of violent altercations during a joint training practice in Oxnard, California, the NFL imposed fines on the Dallas Cowboys and the New Orleans Saints. The initial reports detailed multiple scuffles involving punches, tossed helmets, and a wrestling-style suplex. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer described the session as “sloppy,” while Cowboys owner Jerry Jones characterized the resulting $500,000 fine per team as “stiff.” Subsequent reports confirmed that the total fines for both organizations amounted to $1 million, with each team paying $500,000. The NFL stated that its Competition Committee has prioritized sportsmanship to prevent injuries during such practices, noting that clubs had received prior memos regarding unsportsmanlike behavior. Jerry Jones criticized players for removing helmets to strike one another but indicated the Cowboys intend to contest the fine amount, viewing it as excessive. New details regarding the chaos indicate at least six separate fights occurred during the session. Cowboys linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku was ejected from the practice, and coaches Brian Schottenheimer and Kellen Moore discussed terminating the session early due to escalating tensions. Specific incidents included a high-profile takedown of Cowboys safety Jalen Thompson by Saints tight end Brock Rechsteiner. Jerry Jones further noted that such player conduct does not reflect what the team or the league intends to convey to fans. The Cowboys organization also plans to issue internal fines to the players involved.

Versions

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.