I understand the Cowboys have a multitude of problems.
They abandon the run. Tony Romo’s decisions. Sean Lee’s back. And the defense. My Lord, that defense.
The Cowboys are 1-2 when they score 35+ points this season. The rest of the NFL? 51-2. That’s because this defense – with two games remaining, mind you – has already surrendered franchise records for the most yards (5,982) and passing yards (4,163).
But there’s another issue, and it needs to be addressed.
The Cowboys’ best player has a major character flaw. No?
Next time you have a bad day at work, just leave early. And if you feel like you're about to cry, screw it, just walk out on your co-workers. Why not? That's what Dez Bryant did Sunday in the final 90 seconds against the Packers.
I did appreciate - and accept - his apology Monday at Valley Ranch. "That was not the right thing to do," he admitted, adding that he didn't want to be seen crying.
Sports Connection
Connecting you to your favorite North Texas sports teams as well as sports news around the globe.
But his premature evacuation of the field tells you all you need to know about the current No. 88. When he scores, he demands the world stops what it's doing to admire his preening "X" celebration. But when he fails, he'd prefer the world goes away and forget he existed.
Folks, that's a character flaw. That's the definition of a diva.
Being consistent in your personality and your actions in good times and bad is difficult, but it's what separates great role models from good people. And, by the way, the only DFW athlete given a pass to leave a game early because of tears is Dirk Nowitzki, and that was at the end of Game 6 in the 2011 NBA Finals.
Jason Garrett says he talked to Bryant about his early exit, but won’t fine or otherwise discipline him. This sends a horrible message. To the Cowboys, when the going gets tough, the tough … turn soft and disappear.
Dez must be disciplined, and be accountable for his actions. In times like these the Cowboys need to show more character, not less.
A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He currently writes a sports/guy stuff blog at DFWSportatorium.com and lives in McKinney with his fiancee, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
