Two NFL franchises fined $500k for WWE-like joint practice that resulted in ten fights

The NFL have fined the New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys $500k for their WWE-like joint practice.

Double digit fights reportedly broke out between the two teams on Tuesday, and the NFL have taken action.

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“NFL fined the Cowboys and Saints $500,000 each for what it called ‘the actions that took place at the joint practice between the teams earlier this week,'” ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted.

“The Competition Committee has made sportsmanship – including at joint practices – a point of emphasis over the past several years. 

“All clubs were reminded by memo prior to training camp of their responsibility in preventing unsportsmanlike behavior at joint practices that has the potential to result in injury.

Saints wideout Brock Rechsteiner, who is the son of WWE legend Scott Steiner and cousin of current superstar Bron Breakker was involved in one of the incidents.

The rookie, who went undrafted, got tangled with Dallas cornerback Caelen Carson before his facemask was pulled.

Dallas safety Jalen Thompson came flying in before Rechsteiner tossed him to the ground with a suplex takedown.

The two sets of players were quickly separated after that, but practice was marred by plenty of other incidents.

Cowboys linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku was ejected by officials after throwing punches, and Saints center Erik McCoy was seen throwing an opponent’s helmet in the air.

The Cowboys and Saints will clash one final time in their preseason finale on August 28.

Whether the lingering tension from Tuesday’s melee spills over onto the field remains to be seen.

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AP

New York Giants – Detroit Lions set precedent for training camp fines

Joint practice with other teams is supposed to offer players and coaches a different perspective.

After months of competing in house, it’s important that plays are tested and players are challenged ahead of the regular season.

In 2024, multiple fights during the New York Giants – Detroit Lions joint practice saw both franchises handed a $200k fine.

The Giants’ and Lions’ two days of joint sessions were littered with brawls, including a massive skirmish that started with Big Blue rookie Malik Nabers and Detroit safety Kerby Joseph.

It was so bad that the league had to issue a memo to teams that fights won’t be tolerated.

2026 has seen multiple joint practice fights but this is the first to have been penalized by the NFL.

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With half a million dollars flushed down the drain before the regular season even kicks off, both franchises have already paid a massive price for a Tuesday afternoon fight club.