Eagles’ Jalen Carter Apologizes After Allegedly Spitting on Cowboys’ Dak Prescott

Philadelphia Eagles player Jalen Carter has issued an apology following an unsportsmanlike conduct incident in the team’s season opener.

Carter, 24, was ejected from Thursday night’s NFL game just before the kickoff after he appeared to spit on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott — which was caught by a referee who threw up the yellow flag. 

The incident was replayed on NBC’s Sports Center, which showed Carter and Prescott, 32, appearing to step near each other and exchange words before Carter appeared to spit on Prescott’s football jersey. 

Another referee then announced that Carter would be ejected from the game due to “unsportsmanlike conduct” and that the Eagles would earn a 15-yard penalty.

“One of the officials observed him spitting on an opponent,” referee Shawn Smith told a pool reporter, per Associated Press. “It’s a disqualifiable foul in the game. It’s a non-football act.”

Following the game, Carter apologized for his actions, saying, per the AP and CNN, that “it was a mistake that happened on my side. It won’t happen again.”

“I feel bad for just my teammates and fans out there,” he continued. “I’m doing it for them. I’m doing it for my family, also. But the fans — they showed the most love.”

After the game, Prescott called Carter’s ejection from the game “unfortunate circumstances,” per NBC Sports, and recalled the exchange on the field to reporters. He told them that he had spit straight ahead and it landed on the ground near Carter, which prompted the defensive tackle to ask him, “Are you trying to spit on me?”

“At that point, I felt like he was insulting me. I wouldn’t spit on somebody and I’m damn sure not trying to spit on you. We’re trying to play a game,” Prescott told reporters, per the AP.

“I step through and say the words: ‘Why the hell – excuse me probably even more colorful – but why would I spit on you for?’ He just spit on me in that moment, and it was more of a surprise than anything,” he added.

Despite the penalty at the start to the game and Carter’s absence, the Eagles managed to pull forward, winning 24-20 over the Cowboys.

PEOPLE has reached out to the NFL for comment on the incident and whether Carter would face any punishment.

The NFL told CNN in a statement that while it wouldn’t comment specifically on the situation involving Carter, “a player who is disqualified could face potential further discipline in the form of a suspension or fine.”

When Carter was asked what he would do if he has to face a potential punishment for the incident, he reportedly said, per CNN: “If I get that text or that call and have that conversation, we will handle it.”