Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott made waves during COVID-19 lockdowns after holding a social gathering over the weekend in which running back Ezekiel Elliott was reportedly present.
Speaking on 103.5 FM The Fan, Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said Tuesday the team has talked to Prescott and Elliott about not conducting gatherings while most of the country remains under quarantine.
"We've certainly communicated with Dak and Zeke," Jones said, via Jon Machota of The Athletic. "And I think they're certainly aware now of how sensitive these situations are. I don't think you'll be seeing that any more. They are certainly guys that we have the utmost respect for. I certainly know they understand the sensitivity of the situation we're in, it's certainly very serious and something we know they understand."
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport obtained a statement released by Prescott:
"I understand and accept that there are additional responsibilities and media scrutiny that come with being an NFL quarterback, but it is very frustrating and disappointing when people provide completely inaccurate information from anonymous sources, especially now," Prescott stated. "To set the record straight -- I know that we all need to do our best to socially distance and like everyone else, I am continuing to adjust to what that requires, but the truth is that I was with fewer than 10 people for a home dinner -- not a party -- on Friday night. I am very sensitive to the challenges we are all facing and making sure to support the first responders and medical personnel and everyone else putting in long hours. We are all at a time when we need to keep educating ourselves about the importance of health and isolation during this pandemic and I will continue to make sure to do my part by following the guidelines until we are approved to start returning to normal activities."
The NFL has closed facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic and stressed to players to follow social distancing requirements implemented by state and local governments to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. The circumstances have led to the league conducting the 2020 NFL Draft virtually and beginning a virtual workout program for teams beginning next week.
