The New Orleans Saints were involved in a brawl. © APA / MORGAN SIMMONS

NFL imposes million-dollar fine after training brawl

Following brawls during a joint training session between the NFL teams New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys, the NFL has imposed a million-dollar fine.

August 21, 2026

From: dpa

Both teams must pay $500.000 (around €428.000) each after their professional football players engaged in several scuffles and fights during the week.

The teams trained together for a day in California during preparations for the NFL season, which begins in September. Three weeks before the season starts, many professionals are fighting for roster spots – and their income for the upcoming season. Consequently, the stakes on the field are high, and nerves can fray more easily than usual.

Cowboys owner expresses understanding

"In recent years, the Competition Committee has made sportsmanship – including during joint training sessions – a particular focus," the league said in a statement. "All clubs were reminded of their responsibility to prevent unsportsmanlike conduct during joint training sessions that could lead to injuries, via a memo before the training camp."

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones also criticized the athletes involved. "Taking off helmets and then swinging and punching and things like that isn't good for anyone, and it's certainly not the message we want to send to our fans as a league or as a team," he said. The NFL needs to take firm action in such cases. "And that's why it's understandable that they're imposing really high fines." However, Jones believes the fines shouldn't be quite so high: According to him, the Cowboys intend to appeal what they consider to be an excessive penalty.

The NFL season begins on September 9th with the New England Patriots facing the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. The Saints open their season on September 13th against the Detroit Lions, featuring German wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. The Cowboys kick off their campaign against the New York Giants.