Dallas Cowboys VP Stephen Jones: Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott 'aware now' of coronavirus guidelines
Dallas Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones says star quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott are “certainly aware now” of the sensitivity of COVID-19 social-distancing guidelines.
“Yes, we certainly have communicated with Dak and Zeke,” Jones said Tuesday afternoon on Dallas radio station 105.3 The Fan. "I don’t think you’ll be seeing that anymore."
Local police received an anonymous call Friday evening that Prescott was violating social-distancing guidelines at his home in Prosper, Texas. A Prosper police offer responded to the call.
“The officer was unable to verify the report of a ‘party’; therefore, he just reminded the resident of the current CDC guidelines – to include social distancing,” Scott Brewer, a Prosper Police Department assistant chief, said in a statement to Paste BN Sports.
"The Town of Prosper continues to seek voluntary compliance with regard to all applicable local and state disaster orders. As needed, we will consider additional enforcement actions/options.
“As always, our primary concern is the safety and health of all our residents.”
Prescott did not receive a citation, a person with knowledge of the situation told Paste BN Sports. The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.
He “did not have over 10 people and was not in violation of any social distancing," the person added.
Representation for Elliott, whom TMZ pictured at a gathering, declined comment.
The Cowboys and their new coach, Mike McCarthy, are eligible to begin a virtual offseason program next week. Dallas placed the exclusive franchise tag on Prescott last month but has not yet locked him into an extension. The two sides have until July 15 to agree to a long-term deal. Otherwise, Prescott will play 2020 on the tag.
Jones said he didn't know if Prescott will participate in voluntary team activities. Either way, Jones said, Prescott can access McCarthy’s materials.
“(Prescott) certainly was sent an iPad, and I know he certainly can participate,” Jones said. “For every player, it’s voluntary in terms of their participation in the virtual meetings. But I’m not aware and haven’t made aware of to what degree Dak’s participation level would be.”
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The Cowboys have shifted their philosophy and scheme on defense but said the offense will maintain its general principles under returning coordinator Kellen Moore.
Prescott and Elliott have apparently been working out, according to pictures and videos shared by former Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant.
Texas governor Greg Abbott has issued a stay-at-home directive through April 30. It reads: “Every person in Texas, shall, except where necessary to provide or obtain essential services, minimize social gatherings and minimize in-person contact with people who are not in the same household.”
Prescott and Elliott have been reminded, Jones said.
“They’re certainly guys we have the utmost respect for,” Jones said. “And I certainly know they understand the sensitivity of the situation we’re in today. It’s certainly very serious and something that we know – certainly know – they understand.”
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Follow Paste BN Sports' Jori Epstein on Twitter @JoriEpstein