Spitting incidents spark disciplinary action across leagues
TOI World Desk | TOI Global Desk | Sep 09, 2025, 18:56 IST
Highlight of the story: Recent spitting incidents in MLS, NFL, and college football have sparked concerns over player discipline. Luis Suárez received a three-match ban, while actions involving Jalen Carter and Brendan Bett await further penalties. Critics are urging sports authorities to take stricter and more consistent action to uphold sportsmanship and game integrity.
Spitting incidents in recent matches have raised serious questions about discipline in American sports. Players in MLS, NFL, and college football were involved in separate cases last week. These incidents have been widely criticized, and many are now calling for stricter action from sports authorities.
The first incident took place during the Leagues Cup final on September 1. Inter Miami forward, Luis Suárez, was seen spitting on a Seattle Sounders staff member after his team lost 0-3. MLS has banned Suárez for three regular matches, in addition to a six-match ban already given by the Leagues Cup. He will now miss upcoming games against Charlotte FC, Seattle Sounders, and DC United.
Another case happened during the NFL season opener. Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle, Jalen Carter, was sent off just six seconds into the game for spitting at Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. Carter later admitted his mistake and said it would not happen again. Video replays showed that Prescott had spat earlier, though not directly at anyone. Carter responded by spitting at Prescott, which led to his ejection. Prescott explained after the game, "I wasn’t going to spit on my linemen. I just spat ahead. I’m pretty sure he knows I didn’t try to spit on him or wasn’t even aiming to spit on him".
The third incident occurred in college football. Florida player Brendan Bett was ejected for spitting at Cole Skinner of South Florida. The foul led to a 15-yard penalty, which helped South Florida kick a winning field goal in the final play. Florida head coach Billy Napier called Bett’s act “unacceptable.” Bett later apologized on Instagram, saying there was “no excuse” for his behavior.
So far, only Suárez has received a confirmed match ban. The NFL and college football officials have not yet announced further penalties for Carter or Bett. This has led to criticism over the lack of consistency in how different leagues handle such cases. Many believe that leagues need to send a strong message. Spitting is not only disrespectful but also harmful to the spirit of sportsmanship. Sports bodies are now under pressure to take stricter and more uniform action against such behavior.
The first incident took place during the Leagues Cup final on September 1. Inter Miami forward, Luis Suárez, was seen spitting on a Seattle Sounders staff member after his team lost 0-3. MLS has banned Suárez for three regular matches, in addition to a six-match ban already given by the Leagues Cup. He will now miss upcoming games against Charlotte FC, Seattle Sounders, and DC United.
Another case happened during the NFL season opener. Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle, Jalen Carter, was sent off just six seconds into the game for spitting at Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. Carter later admitted his mistake and said it would not happen again. Video replays showed that Prescott had spat earlier, though not directly at anyone. Carter responded by spitting at Prescott, which led to his ejection. Prescott explained after the game, "I wasn’t going to spit on my linemen. I just spat ahead. I’m pretty sure he knows I didn’t try to spit on him or wasn’t even aiming to spit on him".
The third incident occurred in college football. Florida player Brendan Bett was ejected for spitting at Cole Skinner of South Florida. The foul led to a 15-yard penalty, which helped South Florida kick a winning field goal in the final play. Florida head coach Billy Napier called Bett’s act “unacceptable.” Bett later apologized on Instagram, saying there was “no excuse” for his behavior.
So far, only Suárez has received a confirmed match ban. The NFL and college football officials have not yet announced further penalties for Carter or Bett. This has led to criticism over the lack of consistency in how different leagues handle such cases. Many believe that leagues need to send a strong message. Spitting is not only disrespectful but also harmful to the spirit of sportsmanship. Sports bodies are now under pressure to take stricter and more uniform action against such behavior.