Over the last handful of seasons, the NFL has cracked down on what it deems bad sportsmanship – taunting, celebrations mimicking firearms and other similar acts.
Throw joint-practice fights during training camp in that category, as well.
The NFL fined both the Dallas Cowboys and the New Orleans Saints $500,000 each following the joint practices held at the Cowboys' summer home in Oxnard, California earlier this week that were marred by fights – including one featuring the son a former WWE wrestler.
The league confirmed to USA TODAY Sports that the fine was due to "actions that took place at the joint practice between the teams."
Precedent exists for fighting during joint practices to be met with hefty financial punishment. The Detroit Lions and New York Giants were both fined $200,000 for their transgressions in 2024.
On Tuesday, Brock Rechsteiner, an undrafted rookie in training camp with the New Orleans Saints, tossed Dallas Cowboys eighth-year safety Jalen Thompson to the ground during a brawl between the two teams, evidenced by videos shared on social media. Cowboys edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku and Saints center Erik McCoy also became entangled at one point.
The NFL also reiterated that the clubs received a memo prior to training camp reminding players of their "responsibility in preventing unsportsmanlike behavior," especially since incidents could potentially result in injury.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL fines teams combined $1 million for practice fight. What we know
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