DONOVAN EZEIRUAKU FACES NFL FINE FOR FACEMASK PENALTY ON DART

The New York Giants beat the Dallas Cowboys 28-20 at MetLife Stadium in their season opener on Sunday night, according to the report. Quarterback Jaxson Dart threw three touchdown passes in the win. Late in the fourth quarter, Cowboys linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku grabbed Dart's facemask and pulled him to the ground, the report said. The personal foul cost Dallas 15 yards, moving New York to the Cowboys' 31-yard line and helping the Giants run down the clock. It was one of two late hits by Dallas players that drew attention, according to the report.

Under Rule 12 of the NFL rulebook, grabbing or pulling an opponent's facemask can draw a personal foul, and the league reviews incidents afterwards, according to the report. Ezeiruaku could face a fine on top of the penalty; the NFL's fines schedule sets $11,941 for a first facemask offence and $17,911 for a second, the report said. Ezeiruaku was previously involved in a training camp altercation between the Cowboys and the New Orleans Saints, throwing a punch at Saints centre Erik McCoy and sparking a brawl, according to the report. The NFL fined both franchises $500,000 over that incident.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said after the camp brawl that players needed to understand the consequences of their actions, according to the report. "I think that you have to have consequences, and that needs to register," Jones said. "If you aren't sensitive about the consequences of your behaviour, then you'll get brought to your knees pretty quick," he added. Jones said players involved could face further internal discipline, including fines from the team. The report did not confirm whether Ezeiruaku would be fined over the penalty.