NFL Referee Makes Reason For Jalen Carter's Ejection Very Clear

Before he could even play a single snap in the ongoing game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys, Eagles star DT Jalen Carter found himself getting sent off after an ejection during the pre-snap huddle.

Carter was ejected after being flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct by referee Shawn Smith. Video showed that he got into Cowboys QB Dak Prescott's face and exchanged words with him before spitting on Dak's jersey. Carter did that right in front of the official, who promptly pulled out the flag and sent him off.

In the third quarter there was a lightning delay and everyone had to leave the field for about an hour. During that time, Smith spoke to a pool reporter who questioned him on Carter's ejection.

In not too many words, Smith confirmed that Carter was ejected after being observed spitting on an opponent. He called Carter's actions "a disqualifiable foul" and "a non-football act."

“One of the officials observed him spitting on an opponent," Smith said.

“It’s a disqualifiable foul in the game. It’s a non-football act.”

Some would argue that Dak holds some responsibility for spitting in the direction of the Eagles huddle, prompting Carter to confront him in the first place. But it was Carter who esaclated.