Dallas Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones said he spoke extensively with troubled wide receiver Dez Bryant on Tuesday. Jones said he avoided speaking with Bryant because he was angry after the players July 16 arrest for allegedly hitting his mother and being charged with a Class A misdemeanor for family violence.
Jones wouldn’t say if he’s still angry with Bryant but described the Tuesday talk as “a great visit.”
Bryant hasn’t been available to reporters since training camp started on Monday, but he’s looked good in practices the past two days and is fighting blisters on both feet. Yet it’s his off-the-field issue that has the front office concerned because there’s a chance of a suspension or a fine by the NFL, in addition to the Dallas district attorney’s office pressing charges.
“One of the reasons I didn’t (talk to him) was because I didn’t want to talk to him emotionally,” Jones said. “That was one of the reasons why I haven’t talked to him because I was disappointed. That’s one of the main reasons. As a daddy, sometimes you’re not suppose to spank when you’re mad. I wanted to get the information (about the arrest) but my mind is right so we can have a good talk about this.”
While speaking on KRLD-FM on Tuesday morning, Jones indicated he was still upset with the wide receiver.
“The reason I hadn’t talked to him is because I’m so pissed that I’m not ready to talk to him,” he said. “When I get all my stuff together, I’ll talk to him.”
Jones wasn’t asked if he spoke to Bryant prior to Tuesday’s afternoon practice.
Last week, a Dallas County district attorney’s spokeswoman said the case was filed by DeSoto police against Bryant includes an affidavit of non-prosecution from the complainant. The affidavit means the complainant, Angela Bryant, doesn’t want to proceed.
The district attorney’s office is still reviewing the case and hasn’t determined if it will press charges against Dez Bryant.
“They ask that there not be a rush to judgement concerning their family,” the Bryant’s family lawyer, Texas senator Royce West, said in reading a statement last week. “They also ask for your continued prayers and support for their family as they work through this matter.”
Several of Bryant’s teammates have offered support for the talented wide receiver who finished second on the team in receiving yards (928) and touchdowns (nine) last season.
“Some things happen off the field but you can’t let that carry over onto the field,” outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware said. “It hurts your team. Guys are 100 percent behind him, always talking to him and being there for him.”
WRITTEN BY Calvin Watkins | ESPNDallas.com & FULL STORY HERE
