NFL Fines Cowboys and Saints $500,000 Each for Joint Practice Brawls

What Happened?

Imagine two football teams getting together for a big practice session before the season starts. That’s called a joint practice — and it’s supposed to help teams get better by practicing against different opponents.

But on Tuesday, when the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints met in Los Angeles for their joint practice, things got way out of hand. Multiple fights broke out, punches were thrown, and the NFL had to step in with some serious consequences.

Important Point: The NFL fined each team $500,000 — that’s half a million dollars per team — for the unsportsmanlike behavior during this practice.

The Details: What Went Down?

Here’s a breakdown of what happened during that chaotic practice:

• Two separate fields were being used — one for offense vs. defense drills, the other for the opposite matchup
• Fights erupted on BOTH fields at the same time
• Punches were thrown by players on both teams
• One player threw a helmet during a scuffle
• Another player was body-slammed to the ground
• Play had to be stopped multiple times as players rushed over to join the fray
• Coaches considered ending practice early but decided to finish on schedule

Why Did the NFL Come Down So Hard?

The league didn’t just wake up and decide to hand out fines. Here’s the backstory:

1. This Was a Known Priority

• The NFL’s Competition Committee has made sportsmanship a major focus for years
• This includes behavior at joint practices specifically
• Every team got a memo before training camp reminding them of their responsibility to prevent fights

2. The League Warned Everyone

"All clubs were reminded by memo prior to training camp of their responsibility in preventing unsportsmanlike behavior at joint practices that has the potential to result in injury."
— NFL Spokesperson

3. There Were Officials Present… But It Wasn’t Enough

• Two NFL officiating crews were on hand to monitor the practice
• But in practice, there are no flags, no ejections, no instant consequences like in a real game
• That lack of immediate accountability can let things spiral

Reactions From Both Sides

Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones Called the Fine "Stiff" — But Fair

• Said the fine "gets your attention" and shows the league is serious
• Confirmed the Cowboys will appeal the team fine (teams are allowed to do this)
• Said the Cowboys will also fine individual players involved — which is allowed under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)

Saints Coach Kellen Moore Noted the Contrast

• Said they had "a clean one today [against the Rams]" and "a clean one with Jacksonville last week"
• Called Tuesday’s session "a lot of non-football stuff… unfortunately"

Cowboys Coach Brian Schottenheimer

• Confirmed the NFL requested film of the practice to review the altercations
• Said the fines are appealable

One Player in Particular: Donovan Ezeiruaku

• Rookie defensive end for the Cowboys
• Ejected from practice for throwing a punch
• This was the SECOND time he’s been kicked out of training camp for throwing a punch
• Jerry Jones on Ezeiruaku: "Knowing him, I think he has the capability of being sensitive to consequences."

Important Point: The NFL and teams want players to understand that actions have consequences — whether on the field or in life. As Jones put it: "If you aren’t sensitive about the consequences of your behavior, then you’ll get brought to your knees quick."

Why Joint Practices Are Tricky

Summary

• Dallas Cowboys & New Orleans Saints each fined $500,000 for multiple fights at a joint practice
• Punches, helmet-throwing, body-slams — practice stopped repeatedly
• NFL had warned all teams via memo before camp about sportsmanship at joint practices
• Two officiating crews were present but couldn’t prevent escalation
• Both teams plan to appeal the fines
• Cowboys will fine individual players involved (allowed under CBA)
• Donovan Ezeiruaku ejected — second time this camp for fighting
• League’s message: Sportsmanship matters, even in practice

FAQ

Why are joint practices a thing if they lead to fights?

Joint practices give teams high-quality reps against different schemes and personnel — something you can’t get practicing against your own teammates every day. They’re valuable… when they stay under control.

Can teams really appeal a $500,000 fine?

Yes! The NFL’s fine system includes an appeal process. Both the Cowboys and Saints have indicated they’ll appeal.

Why doesn’t the NFL just ban joint practices if they’re so dangerous?

Because the vast majority go smoothly. The league would rather enforce consequences for bad behavior than take away a valuable preparation tool for everyone.

What happens to the fine money?

NFL fines don’t go to the other team or the league office — they’re donated to charitable causes through the NFL Foundation.

Could players get suspended for this?

For practice fights? Unlikely. Suspensions typically require in-game incidents or repeat egregious behavior. But team-level fines and internal discipline are the standard response here.

Article based on reporting by Katherine Terrell and Todd Archer (ESPN), August 20, 2026.