When NBA referee association wanted NFL to penalize Dak Prescott for comment on referees
The NBA community has always been a big fan of the NFL. Some of basketball’s biggest superstars and executives have always been supportive of pro football players and the association itself.
Early in 2022, officials of the NBA, however, were aghast and offended by Dak Prescott’s comments after the San Francisco 49ers beat the Dallas Cowboys. A stunning ending to the Wild Card game between the two historic rivals saw fans throwing debris at referees, who ran off the field.
Here’s what the association of NBA Referees tweeted after Prescott’s infamous postgame interview:
“The NBRA condemns the comments by Dak Prescott condoning violence against game officials. As an NFL leader, he should know better. We encourage the NFL to take action to discourage this deplorable behavior in the future.”
The NBRA condemns the comments by Dak Prescott condoning violence against game officials. As an NFL leader, he should know better. We encourage the NFL to take action to discourage this deplorable behavior in the future.
Dak Prescott was extremely frustrated, even dumbfounded, when time ran out for the Dallas Cowboys’ fourth-quarter rally. Referee Ramon George bumped into Prescott as the official was trying to spot the ball. George needed to touch the ball before the Cowboys could start their desperation drive.
When Prescott snapped the ball to start the play, time had already expired for the Cowboys. Both the 49ers and the Cowboys were confused with what had happened before another referee, Alex Kemp, informed them that the 49ers won the game.
NBA referees have had their share of gaffes before and a few have been in the hot seat because of blatant mistakes. Despite that, they’ve largely received nothing more than boos, catcalls and the occasional complaints from coaches and referees.
Here’s what Dak Prescott had to say when he learned that the fans threw trash at the refs:
“Credit to them then, yeah, credit to them.”
"I mean if they weren't at us and the fans felt the same way as us, and if that's what they were doing it for, then yeah, I guess that's why the fans … I guess it's why the refs took off and got out of there so fast.
"So, I mean, yeah, I think everybody is upset with the way that this thing played out. I'm sure a fan would feel the same way that we do."
"Credit to them then. Credit to them."
Dak Prescott voiced support for fans who threw trash at referees Sunday 🤦🏾♂️ #DallasCowboys
https://t.co/1jCAoZvQ3P
The media at that time laughed at Prescott’s comments, but it didn’t take long for NBA referees to call out the quarterback.
NBA referees got their satisfaction after Dak Prescott’s apology and consequent fine from the NFL
NBA referees had their small measure of karma when the NFL ultimately fined Dak Prescott $25,000. It may not be that much considering the quarterback’s salary, but the points they wanted to prove were supported by the pro football league.
Before the fine was handed out, Prescott had already tried to appease football fans and probably the NBA officials who tweeted their complaint:
“That was a mistake on my behalf, and I am sorry.
“I hold 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.
“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 apologizes for his post-game comments
No fine for him though… https://t.co/OwPuXY2gJj