ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The physical battle between the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles didn’t end when the clock hit zero on Sunday. Bills star left tackle Dion Dawkins has ignited a post-game firestorm by accusing Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter of a “nasty” and “disrespectful” act that he believes warrants immediate league intervention.
Speaking to reporters in the locker room following the Bills’ narrow 24-21 loss, a visibly frustrated Dawkins alleged that Carter spit on him during a heated exchange in the second half. Spitting on an opponent is considered one of the most egregious violations of NFL sportsmanship and typically results in an automatic fine or a multi-game suspension if verified by league officials.
“I’ve been in this league a long time, and you expect the chirping, you expect the hitting, but that man over there did something nasty,” Dawkins said, gesturing toward the Eagles’ tunnel. “He spit on me. Straight up. It’s disrespectful to the game, it’s disrespectful to me as a man. The league needs to look at the tape. You can’t have that. If the NFL is about player safety and respect, he shouldn’t be on the field next week.”
Carter, the former first-round pick known for his immense talent and occasional on-field volatility, has not yet commented on the specific allegation. However, the two players were seen engaged in several intense face-to-face confrontations throughout the afternoon as they battled in the trenches.
The NFL’s officiating department and the Department of Player Safety are expected to review all available broadcast and “all-22” coaching film to determine if there is visual evidence of the act. While “he-said, she-said” allegations can be difficult to prove without clear footage, the league has historically taken a hard line on spitting incidents, most notably when former Raiders defensive back Michael Crabtree was disciplined for similar conduct.
The timing of the controversy is critical for both teams. The Eagles are fighting to maintain their top-tier seeding in the NFC, and losing a foundational piece of their defensive line like Carter could be devastating. For the Bills, the frustration of the loss is now compounded by what they perceive as a lack of professional respect from an opponent.
“Dion is a pro’s pro,” said Bills head coach Sean McDermott when asked about the claim. “If he says it happened, we believe him. We’ll let the league handle the investigation, but there’s no place for that in football.”
As the NFL prepares its Week 18 disciplinary report, the eyes of the football world are on Jalen Carter. Whether he faces a suspension or a hefty fine, the “nasty” accusation has added another layer of vitriol to a potential cross-conference rivalry.
