Jerry Jones discusses backlash over jab at Ezekiel Elliott: I've earned the right to joke with Zeke

It doesn’t look like fans should expect a quick resolution to Ezekiel Elliott’s holdout.

The star running back of the Dallas Cowboys continues to sit out in hopes of obtaining an updated contract. However, it looks like Elliott and Jerry Jones are now engaged in a back-and-forth mini-feud through the media.

It started when Jones made a playful comment. He recently made a “Zeke who” joke following an impressive preseason outing by running back Tony Pollard. Jones made it clear it was just a playful jab, but it appears Zeke did not take it as such. Elliott and his agent both felt the comment was disrespectful.

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When asked about the backlash from his joke, Jones did not back down or offer an apology. He said he believes he has earned the right to joke with Zeke.

Jon Machota with The Athletic shared Jones’ comments:

Jerry Jones when asked today about the backlash over his “Zeke who?” joking comment: “I’ve earned the right, with Zeke, to joke. Period. I’ve earned that. Let me be real clear about it, I’ve earned that right to joke.”

(Video: @PaulJonesNBC5) pic.twitter.com/SeNhq0ICoT

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 20, 2019

Jones was also discussing the new contract extension of linebacker Jaylon Smith Tuesday. He did not single out Elliott by name, but he made it very clear in comments that the team trumps the wants of an individual player:

Jerry Jones was not playing around today: "The team takes precedent at a point over the opinion or the demand of the individual. The team takes precedent. This was a team move we are talking about today. The team takes precedent. And I've got the backbone to keep it that way."

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 20, 2019

It will be interesting to see how Elliott’s holdout ends.