Pac Man, or no Pac Man... that's the question

[Verdict]

There seems to be two different schools of thought on the Cowboys' interest in Pac Man Jones and both sides seem to firmly entrenched in their respective postions. The proponents of a Pac Man trade cite his rare skills, his versatility as a return man, and his lofty draft status as the 6th overall pick. One could also add the fact that the position he plays is one of need for the Cowboys. Jerry Jones' interest in at least considering acquiring Pac Man seems to be prudent.

The opponents to acquiring Pac Man cite his many errors in judgment, his suspension by the league, uncertainty over whether he can be trusted, and the possibility that he may be suspended when you need him the most. All of the foregoing are valid concerns.

I am not really in either camp. I decision of whether to acquire Pac Man should not be based on anything other than a risk/benefit analysis.

If the Cowboys choose to roll the dice on Pac Man Jones, he will not be the first player the Cowboys have taken a chance on. Charles Haley immediately comes to mind. Looking back, historically, it is clear that he was one of the final pieces of the puzzle that helped the Cowboys win the super bowl. If you think about it, the list could be considered quite extensive, as Tank Johnsom, Terrell Owens, Deion Sanders, Michael Irvin, Nate Newton, Mark Stepnoski, Darren Hambrick, Troy Hambrick, and yes, even good old Greg Ellis could be added to that list. Granted each player brings a different type of baggage to the table. The question is can the Cowboys deal with that type of baggage and is the player worth it.

Terry Glenn has been a great addition to this team and IIRC he was considered a severe malcontent at the time we traded for him. We gave up a 6th rounder for him and he has been a great acquisition. We acquired another perpetual malcontent in Keyshawn Johnson and he did everything the Cowboys ever asked of him.

I am not saying that trading for Pac Man would be the same as trading for Key, or Terry Glenn, because it isn't. If he comes cheaply though in terms of draft choices and/or players, and in terms of cap, the decision should be looked at in terms of a risk/benefit analysis. Risk is part of the game. If the Cowboys risk little, there would seem to be little downside for the Cowboys.

 

[Hostile]

I can't and won't deny his talent and say he could really help this team.

I would rather not do it. I am not a fan of the circus atmosphere the media creates around this stuff. We have enough of that just in the DFW media wanting to be paparazzi and write for People of Us because Tony Romo is dating an "A-lister."

I want this season to be about football not weather it is "raining" in Dallas.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Risk is part of the game. If the Cowboys risk little, there would seem to be little downside for the Cowboys.

Jerry Jones has already admitted he is concerned about the PR hit the Cowboys will take if they get Jones. Imagine how bad it could be if they do get Jones and he flames out.

 

[Verdict]

Jerry Jones has already admitted he is concerned about the PR hit the Cowboys will take if they get Jones. Imagine how bad it could be if they do get Jones and he flames out.

I am not going to say that public perception doesn't really matter, because it does, but I think Jones saying this has more to do with being politically correct than the real cost of Pac Man failing. He is saying the right things, in case it doesn't work out. I think it is a little bit of preemptive damage control.

I also think it is a bit of a smoke screen to try to drive the price of poker down a little. Do you think if he were to say, "You know Pac Man is a really the 'Demon Spawn From Hell' but at the bargain basement price the Titans have him listed at we are going to make out like bandits" other teams might consider making a play for Pac Man, and/or the Titans would hold firm on the price for trading him?

Don't eat this cheese.

 

[iceberg]

I can't and won't deny his talent and say he could really help this team.

I would rather not do it. I am not a fan of the circus atmosphere the media creates around this stuff. We have enough of that just in the DFW media wanting to be paparazzi and write for People of Us because Tony Romo is dating an "A-lister."

I want this season to be about football not weather it is "raining" in Dallas.

for the most part i do agree with you hos. the question is does the talent outweight the baggage? we'll only see. if he really was doing the gray goose show thing, then he's not learned and he'll be done in short order. unfortuantely the media won't let him turn it around very easily. TO was right when he railed on the media for railing on romo. they want a story and they will get one, real or not.

i'd rather we got someone w/less baggage but for what we have to spend, it's a gamble. looks like we're going to do it so me wringining my hands and starting 2 dozen HE'S A THUG!!! threads are TOAN useless. (no, i can't spell that out, i get mod warnings. : )

either way i'm going to do my best to enjoy the coming season and see how things unfold.

 

[Sarge]

Very tough question for me - I hate the guy, love the player. I hate the guy more than I love the player but IMO, we are in SERIOUS trouble in our secondary so much so that, for the right, cheap deal, I could live with it. I don't like being affiliated with scumbags, but.........if it means a ring.......I'd fill the whole team with scumbags...........

 

[Typhus]

If Pacman does indeed come to Dallas, and is able to finally get it together, one exec. in this organization, above all others deserves some serious credit.
Mr. Calvin Hill...... You sir, will certainly have your hands full.

 

[Woods]

After 12 years of not winning a playoff game - this doesn't even SOUND right - I have to admit that I'm hoping we give PacMan a shot ONLY IF we aren't going to get screwed on the contract (and I doubt we would) and if we don't have to give up too much (nothing more than a conditional 4th rounder).