Cowboys’ Dak Prescott fined for supporting fans who threw garbage at referees in loss to 49ers
Following his comments crediting fans for throwing trash at referees following the Cowboys’ controversial loss to the 49ers last weekend, Dak Prescott has been disciplined.
Dak Prescott has been fined $25,000 for his postgame comments related to the game officials, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 20, 2022
After Dallas’ loss, Prescott said ‘credit to them’ when reacting to fans throwing garbage at NFL officials leaving the field.
“The fans felt the same way as us,” Prescott added. “I guess that’s why the refs took off and got out of there so fast. I think everybody is upset with the way this thing played out.”
After reflection and public backlash, Prescott apologized.
I deeply regret the comments I made regarding the officials after the game on Sunday.
I was caught up in the emotion of a disappointing loss and my words were uncalled for and unfair.
— Dak Prescott (@dak) January 19, 2022
I hold the NFL Officials in the highest regard and have always respected their professionalism and the difficulty of their jobs.
The safety of everyone who attends a game or participates on the field of a sporting event is a very serious matter.
— Dak Prescott (@dak) January 19, 2022
That was a mistake on my behalf, and I am sorry.
— Dak Prescott (@dak) January 19, 2022
Precott’s comments were widely rebuked across the NFL community. It even spilled over into the NBA community, leading the NBA Referees Association to come to the NFL Referees Association’s defense.
“The NBRA condemns the comments by Dak Prescott condoning violence against game officials,” the association said via Twitter on Tuesday. “As an NFL leader, he should know better. We encourage the NFL to take action to discourage this deplorable behavior in the future.”
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The NFL Referees Association has yet to comment on the matter, though this act from the NBRA appears to be one of solidarity to the NFLRA.
The Cowboys, who advanced the football to San Francisco’s 24-yard line with eight seconds remaining, were unable to snap the ball after an official ran into the Cowboys’ offensive line, disabling them from calling another play.
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The league’s $25,000 punishment is in line with previous fines revolving around criticism of officials. Players and coaches have previously received fines ranging from $12,500-$25,000.
