NFL start with scandal: Spitting attack on Cowboys star quarterback

Philadelphia. The NFL season began with a blatant unsportsmanlike conduct and an ejection before the first pass was thrown. Six seconds into the game between the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys, Jalen Carter spat at Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott from close range. Carter, one of the Eagles' most important defenders, was ejected.

At this point, only the kickoff had been played. The Cowboys were waiting for their first offensive tackle due to an injured Eagles player.

Carter is in his third season in the NFL. He has a reputation for at least pushing the boundaries of what's allowed. Just a few days ago, Eagles defensive line coach Vic Fangio said of Carter: "I don't know if nasty is the right word. I think he just has to play with the right attitude to reach his potential, or get close to it."

RND/dpa