IRVING (AP)  Those wayward snaps from Phil Costa to Tony Romo have become a political football.

The Cowboys have accused the Redskins of causing Costa’s itchy trigger finger by mimicking Romo’s cadence. The culprit was thought to be Washington defensive end Stephen Bowen, who spent the last five seasons in Dallas.

Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said Wednesday that “the NFL understands what was going on and they’re trying to address it and handle it the right way.”

In Washington, Bowen insisted he’s not that kind of player. Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said no such thing happened, and there’s proof because the center wears a microphone.

League spokesman Greg Aiello said via email, “Our communication on that will be with the team.”

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)