Dallas vs. Oxnard: Cowboys Leave Camp, Neighbors Still Mad at Jerry Jones
The Dallas Cowboys have departed Oxnard, California for the final time this year as their camp there comes to a close. And for some residents, the Cowboys' exit couldn't come soon enough.
In mid-July, Oxnard residents complained about the team building structures close to their property without prior notice. A month later, the relationship between the Cowboys and Oxnard residents has seemingly only grown more tenuous.
Even die-hard Cowboys fans have reportedly been bothered by the team's actions. Warner Cutbill had hung a Cowboys flag from the second story of his home, which is right next to where the team practices, each of the last two years. This year, though, the obstructive temporary structure inches from his backyard has left him so discontent that he burned that flag, as well his Tony Romo jersey that helped make him a Cowboys fan.
“It’s just sad,” Cutbill told the Dallas Morning News. “It’s sad that it had to come to this.”
According to the Morning News, Cutbill's house is one of five obstructed by the Cowboys' temporary structure, with three being fully blocked and two partially so. A team spokesperson said the structure would be completely removed by Monday, which residents believe is long overdue.
“It won’t be a moment too soon,” said Michelle Payne, whose backyard is also obstructed.
Over the years, Oxnard residents have welcomed the Cowboys with open arms. Andy Quan says that the team had previously been "great neighbors," but developments this year left a sour taste in his mouth. The Cowboys' multi-level structure has allowed guests to look into Quan's backyard, prompting him to take preventative measures.
“In the past, we’ve always gotten along," Quan said. "We knew when we moved here there would be noise associated with training camp. That wasn’t an issue. But this has been a totally different situation. They have really showed poor faith in being good neighbors. I’m just excited to have them gone. ... I hope that next year they come out with a different approach.”
No legal action has been taken as of Friday night, but attorneys for the Cowboys and residents have reportedly discussed a resolution to offset the negative experience. A team spokesperson told the Morning News that the Cowboys are uncertain if the structure will return next year.
You can find Jonathan Alfano on Twitter @JonAlfano_News
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