One of the only exceptions to the rules of the lockout relates to charity events. In those situations, players and coaches are allowed to come together.
In Dallas, that’s precisely what happened on Sunday night.
Per the Associated Press, the Cowboys held the seventh annual Taste of the NFL: The Ultimate Cowboys Tailgate Party. Several coaches and players attended.
“We’ll talk about the bread and the water,” coach Jason Garrett said, smiling.
Speaking about the situation before the event, Garrett predicted that the first interactions between coaches and players since March 11 would go smoothly. “Not awkward at all,” Garrett said. “We’re all here for this event. The way the rules have worked, we’re allowed to be here together. Everyone is focused on being here, having a good time and supporting this event.”
Linebacker DeMarcus Ware, one of the event hosts, said he never considered not attending. “Giving back is what I do,” Ware said. “To be able to do that even though with what’s going on with the NFL, it doesn’t matter. I’d do it regardless.”
As to the lockout, Ware said he recently joined a gym to stay in shape and he has added Pilates to his repertoire.
“I’m ready to play,” Ware said. “Everybody is going to be ready because you never know when [the lockout is going to end]. It’s going to come, and then it’s going to be time to play.”
Everyone says the end of the lockout is going to come. No one seems to know when. Hopefully it’ll happen before the eighth annual Taste of the NFL: The Ultimate Cowboys Tailgate Party.