Usually players aren't dumb enough to allow a journalist to print their name with a quote especially when about a fellow player. But Mincey either feels like he's retiring or he's not coming back to the Cowboys.
This is another of my pet peeves and one I alone must deal with. This wasn't a situation involving an important event where words would inflict real collateral damage on surrounding men, women and children.
This example should not have anything to do with intelligence or lack thereof. This was a situation where a player was posed a question. The player has a choice to either stand by his statements or not say anything at all. If it's the former, a player should allow their name to be published if they feel strongly enough about what they are saying and deal with the consequences, if any. If it's the latter, a player should not say anything because they fear reprisal for telling truth that doesn't truly endanger anyone but themselves.
For all the overt drama implied by some, the franchise will not be shaken to its core if the truth reveals that Hardy created tension in the locker room. It will not even rock the boat. Would it give the media something to run with for awhile? Sure. Would media heads slobber over themselves? Yes. Would some fans scream and yell and command others to repent? Of course. But real damage done to the franchise itself? Not really.
National security will not be threatened. Mincey answered the question and didn't hide from his words. Good for him. There are very few instances where statements given by players, coaches, general managers, owners, league officials, etc., will harm franchises and the NFL or have truly legal ramifications for anticipated or ongoing legal issues.
For me, people shouldn't hide behind the press for commenting about topics requiring nothing to be shielded from. In short, people talking to the media should man up or shut up about a bunch of nothing.
