Can NFL fine Dallas Cowboys’ Ezekiel Elliott, Dak Prescott for swearing in interviews?
Will the NFL fine Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott for using an expletive when talking with the media after Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams?
Or fine Dak Prescott for using the same four-letter word when addressing the media about his disappointment that he likely won’t play this week against the Philadelphia Eagles?
According to the NFL, that’s not likely.
“The league does not,” said Brian McCarthy, the league’s vice president for communications, in an email to the Star-Telegram. “That’s a question for the team.”
The Cowboys are not likely to fine either player.
The NFL hands out large fines each week for bad on-field behavior such as late hits , touching officials, taunting and for not following wardrobe protocols such as uniform violations and using incorrect logos.
But there is not fine structure for using abusive language in press conferences or in media scrums.
Elliott dropped an expletive amid the post-game euphoria following Sunday’s 22-10 victory against the defending Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams when asked about the possibility of growing controversy of backup quarterback Cooper Rush keeping the job over Dak Prescott. The topic has become a popular talking point on social media, radio and television talk shows.
“We’re the Cowboys. People always have something to say about us,” said Elliott, who then used an expletive to stress his displeasure.
He continued: “All we care about is what’s in this locker room, what’s in this building.”
The Cowboys return to the field on Sunday when they take their four-game winning streak and their 4-1 record to Philadelphia to face the unbeaten Eagles (5-0) in a battle for first place in the NFC East.
Prescott, who’s been recovering from thumb surgery on his throwing hand, used the same expletive when asked if he was disappointed he would likely not play this week.
“Yeah, whatever is best for the team,” Prescott said “I would play on one leg.”
“I understand the process,” Prescott said, adding the expletive. “The week can be frustrating. But game day, I’m excited for my brothers. Excited to watch them go and do my part and supporting. The week is the frustrating part. Game plan, going through it. Something you are used to doing.”