The NFL has delivered a major financial penalty to the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints after their joint practice descended into a series of heated confrontations, including a fight that forced coaches to consider ending the session early.
Both teams have been fined $500,000 by the league, making the incident one of the clearest early examples of the NFL’s renewed determination to curb fighting during joint practices this preseason.
The punishment comes after the league warned teams before training camp that players, coaches and clubs could face serious consequences for unsportsmanlike conduct, particularly when incidents create a risk of injury.
Multiple Fights Turn Practice Into Chaos
What was supposed to be a competitive preparation session quickly became chaotic as tempers repeatedly boiled over between the Cowboys and Saints.
At least six separate fights were reportedly witnessed during the practice, with players exchanging punches, removing helmets and becoming involved in physical confrontations away from the main action.
Cowboys linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku was ejected after allegedly throwing a punch, while Saints receiver Brock Rechsteiner became involved in one of the most eye-catching moments of the day when he was filmed suplexing Cowboys safety Jalen Thompson.
Rechsteiner is the son of former WWE star Scott Steiner, adding another unusual layer to an already extraordinary scene.
Coaches Considered Ending the Session
The escalating confrontations became serious enough for Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer and Saints head coach Kellen Moore to discuss whether the joint practice should be abandoned.
Schottenheimer later explained that the coaches had agreed they could call off the session if the situation deteriorated further.
“We kind of had agreed that if a couple of other things happened, we would cancel it, but they worked through it,” Schottenheimer said.
The Cowboys coach acknowledged that the players eventually settled down but admitted the teams had failed to demonstrate the level of discipline expected during practice.
“There’s a discipline element to playing this football game, and unfortunately we didn’t handle that very well today,” he said.
Saints Coach Admits Practice Was Far From Ideal
Moore also acknowledged the problems that unfolded, describing the session as an undesirable experience while maintaining that his players still achieved the football work they needed.
“It was not the ideal flow of joint practice,” Moore said.
He added that the “chippiness” of the session was obvious to everyone watching.
The NFL subsequently requested video footage from the practice as league officials reviewed the incidents and determined the appropriate punishment.
NFL Had Already Warned Teams
The fines did not come without warning.
On July 14, the NFL distributed a memo titled “Conduct at Training Camps” to team chief executives, presidents, general managers and head coaches.
The document specifically addressed behavior during joint practices and emphasized that players and coaches were expected to maintain professionalism and sportsmanship.
The league warned teams against creating an environment where fights could develop or escalate.
It also stated that player fights could result in individual fines, club fines or the loss of practice time.
The memo further made clear that clubs could be held responsible when players or staff engage in conduct that causes, or could potentially cause, injuries to members of an opposing team.
Coaches Could Also Face Consequences
The league’s warning went beyond player discipline.
According to the guidance, possible accountability measures include fines, suspensions, draft-pick forfeitures, changes in draft position and other competitive penalties.
Head coaches were also placed under scrutiny because they are ultimately responsible for controlling the pace, intensity and environment of their practices.
That makes the Cowboys and Saints punishment particularly significant.
The $500,000 fines demonstrate that the NFL is prepared to impose substantial club-level penalties when teams fail to keep joint practices under control.
Players See Both Sides Of The Intensity
Saints linebacker Pete Werner offered a more nuanced view of the confrontations.
He acknowledged that nobody wants punches being thrown but said players naturally feel an obligation to protect teammates when tensions rise.
“You don’t want punches thrown or anything like that,” Werner said, while also stressing the importance of players protecting one another.
He suggested there can be a positive competitive edge to the physicality of joint practices, provided players recognize when things have gone too far.
The challenge, he indicated, is knowing when to stop and get back to football.
Cowboys and Saints Still Set for Preseason Meeting
Despite the explosive joint practice, the Cowboys and Saints are scheduled to meet again in the preseason on August 28.
Before that matchup, Dallas will face the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday, while New Orleans will travel to Los Angeles to take on the Rams.
The August 28 meeting will therefore attract additional attention after the teams’ practice erupted into multiple fights.
What Happens Next?
The NFL’s decision to fine both clubs $500,000 sends a strong message to the rest of the league as joint practices continue throughout the preseason.
Teams have now been reminded that competitive intensity cannot be allowed to turn into uncontrolled violence, particularly when players face an increased risk of injury before the regular season even begins.
For Dallas and New Orleans, the immediate priority will be ensuring the lessons from the chaotic session carry over to their upcoming preseason games.
Summary
The Cowboys and Saints have each been fined $500,000 after multiple fights broke out during their joint practice.
Donovan Ezeiruaku was ejected after throwing a punch, while Brock Rechsteiner was filmed suplexing Jalen Thompson during one of the most dramatic incidents.
The NFL had already warned teams that fighting could lead to fines, lost practice time and other competitive penalties.
With both clubs now facing substantial financial punishment, the league has made it clear that it intends to take a much harder line on fights during joint practices.
