The Dallas Cowboys have been hit with a hefty fine from the NFL following multiple altercations during their joint practices with the New Orleans Saints, and owner Jerry Jones made it clear that he believes the punishment should serve as a serious warning to everyone inside the organization.
The league fined both Dallas and New Orleans $500,000 after several fights broke out during the practices in Oxnard, California, with the NFL emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship and player safety during joint sessions. Jones acknowledged that the fine was significant and said the Cowboys plan to appeal the league’s decision.
However, the owner also made clear that the Cowboys cannot simply dismiss what happened as part of the competitive nature of training camp. “Without any humor at all, this is a serious matter and it needs to be taken that way by everybody associated at the club level, right up through the top. You have to have consequences and that needs to register. We all know, whether you play in a game or out here in society, if you aren’t sensitive about the consequences of your behavior, then you’ll get brought to your knees pretty quick.”
What happened between Cowboys and Saints?
The Cowboys’ punishment could also go beyond the NFL’s $500,000 penalty. Jones said Dallas will review the incidents and impose fines on individual players deemed responsible for the altercations. One player who drew particular attention was linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku, who was ejected from practice after throwing a punch, marking his second ejection during training camp.
Jones’ comments reflect the seriousness with which the Cowboys are treating the incident. Joint practices are designed to give teams valuable competitive work against another opponent, but repeated fights can eliminate that benefit and increase the risk of injuries before the regular season even begins.
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer had already expressed disappointment with the practice, while Saints coach Kellen Moore also acknowledged that the session included behavior that went beyond normal football intensity.
The NFL had reminded teams before training camp that they were responsible for preventing unsportsmanlike behavior during joint practices. The league’s decision to hand both organizations $500,000 fines demonstrates how seriously it is enforcing that message. Jones himself acknowledged that the penalty was a way for the league to get everyone’s attention, particularly because there are fewer traditional consequences such as game penalties during a practice.
