Cowboys, Saints Fined $500K Each for Joint Practices

The NFL fined the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints $500,000 each after multiple brawls during their joint practice in Oxnard, underscoring the league’s ongoing emphasis on sportsmanship. A pre-camp memo reminded all clubs that coaches and players must prevent unsportsmanlike conduct, with the league indicating that violations can lead to fines for individuals and clubs and even loss of practice time. Cowboys and Saints coaches discussed ending the session early but ultimately allowed it to continue as tensions spilled into scrums and helmets were thrown. The fines, the maximum allowed for a single violation, came amid comparisons to prior incidents and a reaffirmation that discipline is non-negotiable in joint practices. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he would appeal the fine and would punish involved players, while the Saints’ stance on appeals was not reported. The incident occurred after Kamara suffered an MCL sprain in practice, adding to the preseason narrative surrounding both teams.