It starts. Here comes the drama. The Dallas Cowboys' team plane closed it's doors as it was ready to take off to training camp in Oxnard, California. Running back Ezekiel Elliott has been in the middle of a contract dispute with the team, and he wasn't on present.

The dispute between the Cowboys and Elliott wasn't exactly hidden. People have known for quite some time now that the running back wasn't thrilled with his contract situation.

In fact, just a few days ago it was reported that Elliott might not be going to training camp right away. Not only that, but he might not even be in the country when it starts.

Therefore, this really shouldn't come as much of a surprise. However, that doesn't mean the entirety of Cowboy Nation wasn't holding out hope he'd show up right away anyways.

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You could argue this isn't much of a story as players are allowed to take their own transportation to camp. That being said, it becomes much more of a story when the player that didn't show up is one that already indicated he might not.

It's also noteworthy that the running back has until Friday to show up before he starts getting fined. That's when you'll be able to find out how serious he is. If Elliott starts to accept the fines instead of show up, you'll know this is no bluff.

For now, both sides should be extremely motivated to work out a deal. Elliott has had a lot of success in the offense. Meanwhile, the Cowboys are clearly a much better team when he's around.

We don't know where they are in contract talks though. For now, all we know is that Ezekiel Elliott was not on the Cowboys' team plane as it headed to training camp in Oxnard, California.