The NFL has fined the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints for the brawls that broke out during Tuesday's joint practice. The league announced a "major punishment" for the Cowboys, a designation that signals Dallas took the lead role in the melee. The Saints weren't spared either, drawing a hefty fine of their own.
According to reports, the practice featured "heated brawls" between the two clubs. The league's decision to hit both teams with financial penalties underscores the extent of the fight. The Cowboys, though, carry the heavier label. That's uncommon for a joint practice incident, where both sides usually share the blame. Here, the NFL appears to have identified Dallas as the biggest offender.
The fines land during a critical stretch of the preseason. Teams are using joint practices to evaluate rosters and build chemistry, not to settle scores. A brawl like this can derail that work, especially for the Cowboys, who have a target on their backs every season. The league's response sends a clear message: this behavior won't be tolerated, and the punishment scales with the offense.
What comes next is simple. Dallas and New Orleans have to keep their composure in their remaining preseason games. Another incident could mean player suspensions, not just team fines. The Cowboys, in particular, have the most to lose. They came out of this with the "major" punishment, and the league will be watching their next practice closely.
The NFL just drew a line in the sand. The Cowboys need to make sure they don't cross it again.