Jones’ family needs to put the Dallas Cowboys first

Before a single padded practice in 2018, the Joneses went out of there way to make the Dallas Cowboys a mockery in the media, failing to put the team first.

With so many words in the English language, it’s easy to choose the wrong ones sometimes. For the Jones family, when it comes to all things related to the Dallas Cowboys, they are masterful at doing so. Not even two full days into the 2018 training camp, both owner Jerry Jones and his son, executive vice president Stephen Jones, were up to their usual tricks.

During the annual “state of the union” address to kick off camp, Jerry Jones was asked about the National Anthem. Now, regardless of your position on the topic, you have to be smart when you’re dealing with the media. You see, when you’re a celebrity like Jones unquestionably likes to make himself, we have access to your words and actions at all times.

For example, in May, Jerry Jones was part of a committee that voted on allowing players to remain in the locker room if they chose to protest the anthem. Beginning in the 2018 season, the new policy requires players to stand if they are on the field during the performance, but it gives them the option to remain in the locker room if they prefer.

When asked a general anthem related question on Wednesday, here was his response via the Star-Telegram:

"Our policy is you stand during the anthem, toe on the line."

That, of course, is completely contradictory to his actions just a few months prior. Beyond that, it puts an unnecessary amount of stress and spotlight on the actual players. You know, those guys whose jobs it is to play actual football.

The smart way to address the question would have simply been to say something like, “you know where I stand but I’m not going to continue to discuss that topic. The league and its player’s union are constantly working towards solutions that both can be amicable for both.”

Done and done.

Sadly, that would be too easy. As if they had some sort of odd who can make a bigger mistake contact, it was Stephen’s turn Thursday.

Doubling-down on daddy’s comments, Stephen told KTCK 96.7 FM that if a player wants to be a Dallas Cowboy he will stand for the anthem. He also alluded to punishments for players who choose to remain in the locker room.

Again, completely unnecessary. A simple, “what Jerry said yesterday, still stands today” would suffice.

To make matters worse, the younger Jones felt it necessary to take a swipe at a few former players when asked about Dak Prescott‘s performance last year. During an interview with Sirius XM NFL Radio, Stephen said this per the Sporting News:

"“He’s gotta trust the system, which at times last year there was pressure, with Dez (Bryant) in his ear, to some degree Jason (Witten) in his ear, those great players want balls .. “"

First of all, what pass catcher does not want the ball thrown to them? Secondly, why should Dak feel pressure to appease anyone?

Dez Bryant is gone and Jason Witten retired. They are no longer Cowboys and have no relevance to 2018. Any current player, coach or front office member would be wise to remember this and act accordingly.

Of course, the next day, Jones realized how nonsensical this whole thing was, backtracking by telling reporters he “thinks the world of Dez.”

At the end of the day, it is all just distractions that this team desperately does not need. The football world gravitates toward the Dallas Cowboys like moths to a flame. There will always be extra scrutiny and spotlight for anyone who is a part of this team.

Wars of words and regurgitated statements would best be left alone. The time, energy, and negativity that things like this bring to the players is not helpful.

As we all know, getting back to the promised land for the Dallas Cowboys has proven difficult. The degree of difficulty does not to be increased by loose lips. The Jones family would be wise to put the Dallas Cowboys first as they seem to want the players to so diligently do as well.