Amid immense backlash, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott apologized via Twitter for his support of team fans throwing trash and other objects at NFL officials after Sunday’s NFC-wild card playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
“I deeply regret the comments I made regarding the officials after the game on Sunday,” one of Prescott’s tweets read. “I was caught up in the emotion of a disappointing loss and my words were uncalled for and unfair.”
Sunday’s game ended in controversy. Prescott rushed up the middle of the field to the 49ers’ 24-yard on a designed QB draw with 14 seconds remaining and the Cowboys out of timeouts.
Prescott and the Cowboys scrambled to line up for a spike. However, the team appeared unaware the umpire had to spot the football before the next snap.
The official bumped into Prescott and the Cowboys offensive line in an attempt to spot the football. Unfortunately, the game clock expired in the process, ending the game and sending the Cowboys home from the playoffs with a 23-17 loss to the 49ers.
After the game, Prescott was critical of the officials’ part in the clock running out. When he was made aware of the Cowboys fans throwing objects that were initially believed to be directed towards Cowboys players, Prescott chastised the fans.
However, when he learned the fans were actually throwing the objects at officials, the Cowboys QB switched up his tune.
“Credit to them then,” Prescott told reporters Sunday.
“The fans felt the same way as us,” he continued per Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News. “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.”
Prescott immediately faced criticism for praising the Cowboys fans, especially after initially ripping them when he thought his teammates were the targets.
On Tuesday, the NBA’s referees issued a statement condemning Prescott’s comments against their NFL counterparts.
Thankfully, Prescott realized how wrong his comments were against the officials, even if it took him two days after the game.
Prescott is a Walter Payton Man of the Year finalist. Thus, his comments are striking and not a good look. Nonetheless, the Cowboys’ season is over.
