It is still unknown if Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott will participate in the team's virtual offseason program, which begins next Monday.
He remains at an impasse with the Cowboys regarding a long-term contract extension and he has yet to sign the exclusive franchise tag. Per reports, he plans to skip the offseason program, as expected.
But what is certain is that Prescott won't be hosting any more parties at his residence in alleged violation of Texas' social-distancing rules and stay-at-home orders during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
While the team can't force Prescott to be part of the voluntary offseason meetings, Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones said they have spoken to him regarding a party at his home in Prosper last Friday that reportedly had over 30 people present, including running back Ezekiel Elliott.
"We've certainly communicated with Dak and Zeke," Jones said on 105.3 The Fan Tuesday. "I think they're certainly aware now of how sensitive these situations are and I don't think you'll be seeing that anymore. They are certainly guys 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."
A source close to Prescott disputed the initial report that more than 30 people were at Prescott's home, saying no more than 10 people were present.
Prescott released a statement to the Star-Telegram Tuesday:
"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 said. "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."
An investigation by the Prosper police couldn't verify the report of a party after being called to the scene but an officer "reminded the resident" of the CDC guidelines for social distancing.
The state of Texas has told residents to stay at home amid the pandemic.
Gov. Greg Abbott's executive order signed on March 31 states: "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."
This is not the first time Prescott has made headlines amid the pandemic.
He has been seen working out at gyms with former Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant and pictured arm-in-arm, which goes against state and county mandates.
It was enough for the Cowboys to get involved and make contact with Prescott.
Of course, getting him to participate in the virtual offseason is another story.
Boycotting the offseason program was always on the table for franchise-tagged Prescott as leverage for continued negotiations on a long-term contract extension.
The impact of his absence has been muted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the closing of team facilities across the league. Instead of starting the program April 6, the Cowboys won't start until April 20 and it will be virtual with meetings and workouts held via live-stream.
There will be no on-field work.
Jones said he hasn't heard whether Prescott would participate in the virtual meetings with new coach Mike McCarthy.
"I have not been made aware of what degree Dak's participation will be," Jones said.
But he reminded me that the entire program was voluntary.
Jones said Prescott has been sent an iPad with the new offense and terminology.
So impact on the learning curve is moot.
