Cowboys News: Mike McCarthy calls out Micah Parsons, former Dallas DL arrested

The Dallas Cowboys started their second week of OTAs on Thursday. Notable player absences included Trevon Diggs, Micah Parsons, CeeDee Lamb, DeMarcus Lawrence and Osa Odighizuwa. It's seldom a big deal when players miss voluntary practices, but Parsons was expected back at The Star this week after he spent the start of OTAs training away from the team.

Parsons was in town on Wednesday for media obligations, but did not practice. He also wasn't spotted at Thursday's practice available to the media.

A Defensive Player of the Year finalist and First-Team All-Pro in each of his first three seasons, Parsons has little to gain from participating in voluntary practices. However, his absence left Mike McCarthy disappointed. McCarthy feels that Parsons has missed an opportunity to grow as a leader.

Cowboys' Mike McCarthy calls out Micah Parsons over OTAs absence

"I think any time that you have a chance to be together, it's an opportunity to improve," McCarthy said, via the team's official website. "Whether it's in the mental realm, the physical realm and the emotional connection and so forth. It's a long year. Training camp is really the heightened focus for all of that, but it's definitely an opportunity that's been missed."

McCarthy noted that Parsons has kept in excellent shape, but he added that there is "work to do" in terms of getting up to speed with a new defense. While Parsons has stayed in contact with McCarthy and defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, it's admirable of McCarthy to call out Parsons publicly. It should send a message to the locker room that no player is above criticism.

Some Cowboys fans may think that McCarthy is overreacting, but this accountability is nice to see following the most embarrassing playoff loss in franchise history. Hopefully McCarthy's criticism strikes a cord with Parsons.

Former Cowboys defensive end Everson Griffen arrested

In other Cowboys news, former pass rusher Everson Griffen was arrested in Minneapolis on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to county records. Griffen was taken into custody at Hennepin County Jail.

The Cowboys signed Griffen as a free agent during the 2020 offseason. It was part of a surprisingly busy free agency for Dallas, but that season came off the rails quickly after Dak Prescott dislocated his ankle in Week 5.

Heading for a last-place finish, Griffen was traded to the Lions before the deadline for a conditional draft pick. In seven games before the trade, Griffen amassed 2.5 sacks, 21 tackles, six QB hits and 14 pressures.

Griffen's latest incident follows a troubling trend of behavior since he last played in the NFL three years ago. As recently as last July, he was arrested on suspicion of DWI. He pleaded guilty in February to a reduced careless driving charge and received one year of probation.

Between his arrest and plea deal, Griffen was cited and charged with two separate petty misdemeanors: one for crashing into a fence and one for driving 55 mph in a 30 mph zone.

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