The NFL dropped the hammer on Dallas and New Orleans this week, handing each team a $500,000 fine for a chaotic joint practice that turned into a street fight. Katherine Terrell at ESPN reported the league issued these penalties on Tuesday for the multiple fights that broke out during the session in Oxnard, California. That’s a massive bill for losing control when it matters most. It’s not just a slap on the wrist.
Players threw punches, tossed helmets, and even body-slammed opponents to the ground. The league made it clear that sportsmanship is a top priority. According to reports, a memo issued before training camp reminded every club of its duty to prevent unsportsmanlike conduct during joint practices that could lead to injury. So what’s the point of practicing if you’re just trying to knock guys out?
Coaches Call It Fight Club
The coaches were furious because the players ruined the work they needed to do. Brian Schottenheimer didn’t mince words when he spoke about the mess. He described the session as a “fight club” and said that “nobody wants this.” He told reporters that the team needs to get the work in, but the energy was all wrong.
He admitted the practice started off very chippy before things settled down, but the damage was already done. “We want to get the work in.” Schottenheimer remarked that although the situation seemed to calm down after a very chippy start, the outcome was unfortunate. The goal was to prepare for the season, not to settle old scores on the practice field (which, honestly, nobody asked for).
Jones Plans to Appeal
Now the owners are stepping in to handle the fallout. Jerry Jones told the Dallas Morning News that the Cowboys will appeal the fine. He also made it clear that the team will not just take the hit. The organization plans to internally fine the specific players they deem responsible for the league’s decision. That’s how the Cowboys handle business, plain and simple.
New Orleans Saints coach Kellen Moore echoed the frustration. He noted that they had clean practices against the Rams and Jacksonville, but this one was different. “Obviously there was a lot of non-football stuff in that joint practice unfortunately,” Moore said. The Saints are also facing a similar fine, and it remains to be seen if they will fight it like Dallas.
The teams won’t meet again until the preseason finale at AT&T Stadium in a few weeks.
