ESPN Dallas: Jerry Jones to dine with Dez Bryant... runs 4.52 at pro day

[visionary]

I hope this kid doesn't drop to 27.

I want guys that love to compete and have their crap together.

No more idiots.

+1000

 

[Arch Stanton]

Dez Bryant: 'I ain't never got in trouble with nobody'
12:13 PM CDT on Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Associated Press
Dez Bryant is fed up. With less than a month to go before his football fate will be decided in the NFL draft, Bryant has faced a barrage of criticism from all angles.

The latest round came after his workout for NFL scouts Tuesday, his first chance to show whether he's kept in shape after having his final college season cut short by an NCAA suspension.

Bryant had already endured questions about his integrity, stemming from the fact that he lied to an NCAA investigator about his interaction with former NFL player Deion Sanders in the offseason between his sophomore and junior seasons at Oklahoma State.

He had dealt with questions about his background, being raised by a young mother in Texas.

He had faced rumors that he skipped meetings, classes and was even late for games while at OSU.

And then, of all things, his pro day was spoiled by banter that he'd forgotten to bring the cleats he planned to wear for the workout.

"I'm not the type of person that will try to confront somebody but now I feel like it's gone too far. It's gone too far," Bryant said in an interview with The Associated Press. "I ain't never got in trouble with nobody. I never said anything. I don't say anything wrong to nobody. I'm friendly. This here is too far.

"What do this got to do with me playing football? Even if I did forget my cleats, what do that have to do with me playing football? I don't think it has anything to do with me playing football."

Bryant questions why he has faced such a flurry of rumors following his college career, which came to an early conclusion just three games into his junior season. He had 87 receptions for 1,480 yards and 19 touchdowns and also returned two punts for scores in 2008.

He was the only 2008 Biletnikoff Award finalist to return to school last season and entered the season as the top receiver in college.

But most of the scrutiny Bryant has been facing has dealt with everything but his playing ability.

"What is this? Y'all don't want me to go to the NFL or something? It's going to happen," Bryant said. "It is going to happen. God blessed me to have this ability to play this game.

"I haven't did anything wrong to nobody."

Bryant said he believes he has received more criticism than even players who have had run-ins with the law.

"I don't look for trouble. I don't find trouble or none of that stuff. I'm not a troublemaker," Bryant said. "Just because I've experienced bad things, that don't make me no bad person. That don't make my mom a bad person. My mom overcame a lot of adversity just as well as I have.

"People change. I don't think people understand that. People change, and I thought my mama did that. And all this stuff that I've been reading, I just feel like it's foolish. It is foolish."

Bryant won't know for sure until the draft begins on April 22 whether NFL teams are questioning his character or believe his side of the story.

"Any teams who don't draft me who think I have background problems or any of that, you're not going to draft me because of stuff that happened in my childhood? What about now? What's been going on with Dez now? Nothing bad's been going on with Dez. Nothing at all," Bryant said.

"Whoever passes up on me, it's over with. I feel like I'm going through the same situation Randy Moss did," he added. "That man had issues and teams were passing up on him, and when he got on that field, he killed them. He murdered them. Look at him today: One of the best players in the NFL."

Until he can prove himself on the field, Bryant can only defend himself with his words.

— He said he brought six pairs of shoes to his pro day-style workout at his high school in Lufkin, Texas, and — regardless of the hubbub around his missing cleats — he was happy with his performance although "in my mind I always feel like there's room to improve."

"You know how players have their particular cleats that they want, the ones they are comfortable in? I didn't have those," Bryant said. "I'm not saying it would have made any difference. But I'm saying I didn't have those."

— He said it was "just not possible" for him to be late for a game while he was at Oklahoma State and takes issue with the suggestion that he's irresponsible.

"It ain't about my background. It's what I'm going to do for the team. It's what I'm going to bring to your team," he said. "That's what it's about."

— He even defends his decision to work out with Adam "Pacman" Jones, who was suspended for the entire 2007 season after a series of off-the-field incidents.

"Why down talk the man? The man did everything right. He's working out. He's doing good. What happened in the past was the past. That's just like anybody else. If they did something wrong, they would be looking for a second chance."

Bryant could use a second chance, too — in the eyes of his critics.

"Whenever somebody gets the wrong impression about somebody — not just me, about anybody — I don't like that at all because I just feel like that's not right," Bryant said. "Especially whenever someone goes and gets some information about this person and then goes to that person, I just feel like that is not right because it's not right.

"I've never spoke my mind. I just sit back and listen. But now I just feel like it just went too far."

http://www.***BANNED-URL***/sharedc...boys/stories/040110dnspobryant.20068b5b3.html

 

[zrinkill]

I feel sorry for the kid ....

But he really needs to take speech classes if he plans on getting endorsement deals.

 

[RS12]

"What do this got to do with me playing football? Even if I did forget my cleats, what do that have to do with me playing football? I don't think it has anything to do with me playing football."

Well it shows that on one of the most important days of his life, his focus wasn't totally where it should be. I doubt throwing millions of dollars at him solves that problem. What has this this guy had to do for the last 6 months but focus on getting ready for the draft?

 

[Chocolate Lab]

I feel sorry for the kid ....

I do, too.

What he and some posters need to understand is that people aren't saying he's a criminal or a scumbag or a "bad guy" at all. He might have the best heart in the world. But being a professional means you have to be responsible and dependable, and right now he doesn't show signs of being that.

 

[superonyx]

I actually feel sorry for him as well. I couldnt imagine having my mom bashed by the national media like that. You cant blame him for defending her...

I really dont understand the criticism of him as strongly as it is. I dont really get to excited about the draft since we usually end up drafting some lineman i never heard of. But i keep hearing what a troublemaker he is and what a bad person he is. Can someone please explain what it was he did that makes him so much worse of a person than every other player in the draft. Was it the Lie? I cant bash him too hard for that. He lied to avoid trouble. In ways i can understand that. Not condone, but understand. Has he been in legal trouble? Has he been known as a thug? I'm just not seeing the criticism.

As far as his 40 times.... He ran as fast as Larry Fitzgerald and Brandon Marshall did at their combines. Yet he out jumped both of them. Look back at past combines at the 40 times. Its not a big deal. Didnt Roy Williams run a 4.4? Its how you play. He seems to play with a lot of explosiveness. His hands dont seem to be a problem.

Now i am not completely sold on our need for a WR, but i cant seem to understand why people seem to really have it out for this guy.

It's a shame but this negative media attention actually helps our chances of getting him. I dont believe we will be able to draft him. But it will make it fun to watch.

 

[superonyx]

I do, too.

What he and some posters need to understand is that people aren't saying he's a criminal or a scumbag or a "bad guy" at all. He might have the best heart in the world. But being a professional means you have to be responsible and dependable, and right now he doesn't show signs of being that.

Because he brought 6 pairs of cleats but forgot the most comfortable 7th pair? It seems like people already have an agenda and the best ammo they could find to criticize was his favorite shoes.

When watching him interview he doesnt come across as unpolished. But i dont think that makes his work ethic bad. Listen to how charismatic Marry B sounds. Yet he is lazy and unmotivated. This kid seems like he plays with aggression.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Because he brought 6 pairs of cleats but forgot the most comfortable 7th pair? It seems like people already have an agenda and the best ammo they could find to criticize was his favorite shoes.

As if that's the only red flag on the guy? Have you read this thread or any of the other ones?

I have no agenda against Dez Bryant. Why would I?

 

[zrinkill]

It has to be frustrating knowing that what non athletes say about you over a few months time could cost you literally 10's of millions of dollars.

I think I would hate the press for the rest of my life. :laugh2:

 

[TNCowboy]

Or what if he gets around Sherman, Austin, Witten, Romo. And sees what it takes to be a professional football player.

People act like a guy can't mature. What he is in college when he is 22-23 years old is what he is going to be when he is 28-29.

A lot of players never do. Wishing that he isn't a major risk doesn't make it not so. At some point, his talent will be worth the gamble. I don't know where those 2 lines cross. Hope it isn't at 27.

He's made a series of bad decisions (seriously, having your name associated with Pacman in any capacity a month before the draft is just plain stupid), and evidently still is. I hope he goes on to stay out of trouble and have a great career. But if I had to wager, I'd bet against that happening.

 

[Chief]

What he and some posters need to understand is that people aren't saying he's a criminal or a scumbag or a "bad guy" at all. He might have the best heart in the world. But being a professional means you have to be responsible and dependable, and right now he doesn't show signs of being that.

That's it in a nutshell.

 

[superonyx]

As if that's the only red flag on the guy? Have you read this thread or any of the other ones?

I have no agenda against Dez Bryant. Why would I?

I meant the agenda of the national media. Not your agenda. I think they need a controversial player to talk about and criticize every draft. I guess its just his turn. I have read the post and NFL network/ESPN ect and hear all the "red flags" on the guy. But to deserve all the labels and criticism he has received i was thinking he must have really gotten into some trouble in life.

I dont like bad personality players. I didnt like pacman signing, I was against the TO signing and didnt understand the Tank signing either. So i dont have a lot of sympathy for millionaire athletes who do stupid things. But the Dez Bryant situation just doesnt seem like that. He doesnt seem like a bad person that will always get into trouble. At least not based on what info they have leaked so far. He seems like he has done well for himself considering his childhood.

So many young athletes have made some mistakes with the fame and attention they receive at such a young age. Reggie Bush was doing wrong. The media darling Labron James was driving a Hummer in high school that caused his team to forfeit some games.

 

[Cover 2]

I meant the agenda of the national media. Not your agenda. I think they need a controversial player to talk about and criticize every draft. I guess its just his turn. I have read the post and NFL network/ESPN ect and hear all the "red flags" on the guy. But to deserve all the labels and criticism he has received i was thinking he must have really gotten into some trouble in life.

I dont like bad personality players. I didnt like pacman signing, I was against the TO signing and didnt understand the Tank signing either. So i dont have a lot of sympathy for millionaire athletes who do stupid things. But the Dez Bryant situation just doesnt seem like that. He doesnt seem like a bad person that will always get into trouble. At least not based on what info they have leaked so far. He seems like he has done well for himself considering his childhood.

So many young athletes have made some mistakes with the fame and attention they receive at such a young age. Reggie Bush was doing wrong. The media darling Labron James was driving a Hummer in high school that caused his team to forfeit some games.

No one has said he will get in a lot of trouble. They just question his maturity and if he has what it takes mentally to be successful.

 

[AsthmaField]

He wouldn't forget the lesson of last year's offseason so quickly, would he?

I don't know... but Stephen sure won't. I fully believe that Stephen now has a big enough voice at Valley Ranch that he can stop Jerry from making a mistake in any personnel decision. As long as Stephen feels strongly against it, I think Jerry will go in another direction.

That's not to say that Bryant won't be picked by Dallas. Im just saying that, if Dez ends up being drafted here, then I think Stephen will have signed off on the move. And that is a good thing.

Stephen Jones is a very good football man and is only getting better. He has learned from the likes of Jimmy Johnson, Barry Switzer, Chan Gailey, Bill Parcells, and Wade Phillips. Of course, the younger Jones has learned from Jerry himself too. Yes, I think that Switzer had some positive traits that Stephen was able to observe... and he also saw some of what NOT to do with Barry.

All-in-all, I think that Stephen is going to be one hell of an owner for a long, long time. The Cowboys are in very capable hands for the next 30 or so years.

 

[MarionBarberThe4th]

Strengths:
Excellent size with long arms --- Outstanding athlete --- Plays fast with good acceleration and a burst --- Soft hands and will make the difficult catch --- Aggressive with terrific ball skills and body control --- Fantastic leaping ability --- Strong and Physical --- Knows how to get open, separate and use his big frame --- Great agility and balance and does not go down easy --- Elusive runner with nice vision and instincts --- Is tough and not afraid to go across the middle --- Competitive --- Above average blocker --- Can also contribute as a return man --- Productive.

Weaknesses:
Immature --- Unreliable --- Just average timed speed --- Not a polished route runner --- Lapses in focus and concentration --- Must adjust to a pro style system --- Intelligence may be an issue --- Limited experience.

Notes:
Started 19 games in three seasons with the Cowboys --- A consensus All-American selection in 2008 --- Named 1st Team All-Big 12 as a wide receiver and return man in 2008 --- Honored as the Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year in 2008 --- Averaged 19.6 yards with 3 touchdowns on 22 punt returns and 23.8 yards on 6 kick returns in college ---Product of a very rough upbringing --- Was a high school All-American but struggled in the classroom, in part due to a learning disability --- Was ruled ineligible for most of the 2009 season after lying to NCAA investigators about his interactions with mentor Deion Sanders --- Rare talent with the physical tools to be a gamebreaker at the next level but shaky intangibles could threaten his ability to fulfill that promise --- Every bit as good of a prospect as Michael Crabtree was -- Potentially a true #1 target in the NFL --- Legitimate Top 10 Pick.



I dont know if hes got a good chip on his shoulder or if hes just got this problem w/ authority like Pacman.

He totally reminds me of Brandon Marshall though

 

[AMERICAS_FAN]

He totally reminds me of Brandon Marshall though

The last highly talented WR Dallas drafted was Antonio Bryant. The kid had all the talent in the world. If only he could get his head straight and be a professional. Dallas let him go because he could not; kid was never serious enough about listening ot his coaches and doing the little things to get his game right. Yeah, he's still a starting QB in the NFL somewhere, only you don't now where because it's not for a playoff-calliber team.

why do I bring Bryant up? It's because he's the kind of WR that Brandon Marshall reminds me of. And I'm not comparing the tamlent so much as their approach to the job. I see Dez Btryant in a similar light - multi-talented, yet consumately unprepared. In college, that may get you some highlight reels; in the NFL what it won't get you is a Super Bowl.

 

[casmith07]

DeMaryius Thomas has his head on much straighter than Dez Bryant.

 

[montgod]

If somehow we did draft Bryant I would send him to Michael Irvin for 6 weeks for training.

As far as trades go, dont be suprised if Bryant is the player we want and he's there at 21 we dont package Bennett and 27 to Cincy for 21. I know 99 percent will hate that trade and Im not for or against it, but to me that's the most likely trade situation if we do like Bryant. Hopefully, we could squeeze Cincy's 2nd round pick out of them here.

SF might have an interest in Barbar because they really don't have a back up to Frank Gore. Glen(I think thats his first name) Coffee is just maraginal. This is another team that might be a suitor for a trade up. All in all

You are joking right? If this scenario came up where Cincy was drafting, they would be jumping all over themselves since he fits their ideal criteria!

Besides that, you forget that they don't have a real #2 or potential replacement for Ocho. They signed Matt Jones for goodness sake!

 

[MarionBarberThe4th]

You are joking right? If this scenario came up where Cincy was drafting, they would be jumping all over themselves since he fits their ideal criteria!

Besides that, you forget that they don't have a real #2 or potential replacement for Ocho. They signed Matt Jones for goodness sake!

They signed Antonio Bryant

 

[superpunk]

Bryant: Pre-draft criticism has `gone too far’

By JEFF LATZKE

AP Sports Writer

EDITOR’S NOTE—This is the second installment of a periodic diary-style story from Dez Bryant that will move in the weeks leading up to the April 22 draft.

Dez Bryant is fed up. With less than a month to go before his football fate will be decided in the NFL draft, Bryant has faced a barrage of criticism from all angles.

The latest round came after his workout for NFL scouts Tuesday, his first chance to show whether he’s kept in shape after having his final college season cut short by an NCAA suspension.

Bryant had already endured questions about his integrity, stemming from the fact that he lied to an NCAA investigator about his interaction with former NFL player Deion Sanders in the offseason between his sophomore and junior seasons at Oklahoma State.

He had dealt with questions about his background, being raised by a young mother in Texas.

He had faced rumors that he skipped meetings, classes and was even late for games while at OSU.

And then, of all things, his pro day was spoiled by banter that he’d forgotten to bring the cleats he planned to wear for the workout.

“I’m not the type of person that will try to confront somebody but now I feel like it’s gone too far. It’s gone too far,” Bryant said in an interview with The Associated Press. “I ain’t never got in trouble with nobody. I never said anything. I don’t say anything wrong to nobody. I’m friendly. This here is too far.

“What do this got to do with me playing football? Even if I did forget my cleats, what do that have to do with me playing football? I don’t think it has anything to do with me playing football.”

Bryant questions why he has faced such a flurry of rumors following his college career, which came to an early conclusion just three games into his junior season. He had 87 receptions for 1,480 yards and 19 touchdowns and also returned two punts for scores in 2008.

He was the only 2008 Biletnikoff Award finalist to return to school last season and entered the season as the top receiver in college.

But most of the scrutiny Bryant has been facing has dealt with everything but his playing ability.

“What is this? Y’all don’t want me to go to the NFL or something? It’s going to happen,” Bryant said. “It is going to happen. God blessed me to have this ability to play this game.

“I haven’t did anything wrong to nobody.”

Bryant said he believes he has received more criticism than even players who have had run-ins with the law.

“I don’t look for trouble. I don’t find trouble or none of that stuff. I’m not a troublemaker,” Bryant said. “Just because I’ve experienced bad things, that don’t make me no bad person. That don’t make my mom a bad person. My mom overcame a lot of adversity just as well as I have.

“People change. I don’t think people understand that. People change, and I thought my mama did that. And all this stuff that I’ve been reading, I just feel like it’s foolish. It is foolish.”

Bryant won’t know for sure until the draft begins on April 22 whether NFL teams are questioning his character or believe his side of the story.

“Any teams who don’t draft me who think I have background problems or any of that, you’re not going to draft me because of stuff that happened in my childhood? What about now? What’s been going on with Dez now? Nothing bad’s been going on with Dez. Nothing at all,” Bryant said.

“Whoever passes up on me, it’s over with. I feel like I’m going through the same situation Randy Moss(notes) did,” he added. “That man had issues and teams were passing up on him, and when he got on that field, he killed them. He murdered them. Look at him today: One of the best players in the NFL.”

Until he can prove himself on the field, Bryant can only defend himself with his words.

— He said he brought six pairs of shoes to his pro day-style workout at his high school in Lufkin, Texas, and—regardless of the hubbub around his missing cleats—he was happy with his performance although “in my mind I always feel like there’s room to improve.”

“You know how players have their particular cleats that they want, the ones they are comfortable in? I didn’t have those,” Bryant said. “I’m not saying it would have made any difference. But I’m saying I didn’t have those.”

— He said it was “just not possible” for him to be late for a game while he was at Oklahoma State and takes issue with the suggestion that he’s irresponsible.

“It ain’t about my background. It’s what I’m going to do for the team. It’s what I’m going to bring to your team,” he said. “That’s what it’s about.”

— He even defends his decision to work out with Adam “Pacman” Jones, who was suspended for the entire 2007 season after a series of off-the-field incidents.

“Why down talk the man? The man did everything right. He’s working out. He’s doing good. What happened in the past was the past. That’s just like anybody else. If they did something wrong, they would be looking for a second chance.”

Bryant could use a second chance, too—in the eyes of his critics.

“Whenever somebody gets the wrong impression about somebody—not just me, about anybody—I don’t like that at all because I just feel like that’s not right,” Bryant said. “Especially whenever someone goes and gets some information about this person and then goes to that person, I just feel like that is not right because it’s not right.

“I’ve never spoke my mind. I just sit back and listen. But now I just feel like it just went too far.”