The Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints each received a $500,000 fine from the NFL after their combined workout on Tuesday devolved into multiple physical altercations, as reported by ESPN. Both squads are among several organizations engaging in shared sessions this week, yet the clashes between these two teams went beyond what the league deems acceptable.
Prior to the start of training camp, the NFL issued warnings to all franchises regarding expected behavior during joint practices. A league representative stated that teams had been explicitly reminded of their duty to curb unsportsmanlike actions that could heighten the risk of injuries.
Fines Handed to Cowboys and Saints for Practice Brawls
Joint workouts often see tempers flare, with players occasionally scuffling even against their own teammates. However, the NFL keeps a close watch on how squads behave when facing another organization and has made it clear that fighting and escalating tensions will lead to consequences.
On July 14, the league distributed a memorandum to all 32 teams detailing expectations for these combined sessions. Coaches and athletes were instructed to uphold the utmost levels of professionalism and fair play at all times.
The memo emphasized that teams must avoid fostering an atmosphere that encourages brawls or permits conflicts to intensify. It further warned that player involvement in fights could result in penalties for individuals or clubs, along with potential reductions in practice time.
NFL Had Pre-Warned Teams About Joint Practice Behavior
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer and Saints head coach Kellen Moore reportedly deliberated on calling off Tuesday’s session prematurely as tensions kept mounting. In the end, they decided to proceed with the remainder of the shared workout.
The escalation followed a series of minor skirmishes between players of both squads earlier in the session. These recurring incidents ultimately prompted the NFL to levy a $500,000 fine against each franchise.
The league’s decisive action highlights how seriously it treats conduct during joint practices, especially when physical disputes evolve into situations that could endanger player safety.
Key Players Involved in Cowboys-Saints Confrontations
One of the most circulated moments featured Saints rookie wide receiver Brock Rechsteiner and Cowboys safety Jalen Thompson. Thompson stepped in during a face-mask incident involving Rechsteiner and Caelen Carson, only for Rechsteiner to lift him up and drive him to the ground.
Rechsteiner, the son of professional wrestler Scott Steiner, added an extra layer of intrigue to the altercation that quickly gained widespread attention.
Another clash saw Saints center Erik McCoy walk away from the fray clutching a Cowboys helmet, which he then hurled as far as possible.
Preseason Finale Looms for Both Teams
Despite the repeated confrontations, the joint practice was not halted early. The Cowboys and Saints are set to meet again on the gridiron as they wrap up their preseason schedules.
That matchup is slated for Friday, Aug. 28, offering both teams an opportunity to resolve their differences in a competitive exhibition game rather than another volatile practice environment.