The Cowboys and the Media

[Alexander]

We all realize that the team is a lightning rod for the media.

The Cowboys are always at the top of the news. Our season ended three weeks ago and there is still the same amount of media firestorm

My issue is why do we encourage this now? Take some pressure off the players who want to be able to do their jobs without the mental drain. Give them a chance to breathe. If some players enjoy the spotlight too much, end it. Fine them if that's possible. Enough is enough.

If there is one philosophy I appreciated from Coach Parcells (and many of his proteges like Belichick follow it as well) was that the media simply was viewed as the enemy. Even the Cleveland media is panicking now because they will not have nearly as much juicy information now that Mangini is taking charge.

To me, this organization is so scrutinized that there needs to be a clamp down on the amount of media contact and the depth of what is disclosed. And where it is mandatory per league rules, there needs to be even tighter team controls on what is said. There should be no reason a "snitch" causes such problems.

All I can say is that I am tired of reading comments from "sources", apparent or not, named or anonymous. Jerry Jones specifically has to learn to appreciate the value of silence. Our individual stars need to understand what is best for them and it is his job to set the example.

There is no reason why a player should ever be on television or radio airing the team's problems. If that's the case, one of two things are happening. Either the communication is bad on the team (nobody talks) or the player is grandstanding.

Either way it has to be stopped. That is one "change" I would hope is being considered.

 

[visionary]

We all realize that the team is a lightning rod for the media.

The Cowboys are always at the top of the news. Our season ended three weeks ago and there is still the same amount of media firestorm

My issue is why do we encourage this now? Take some pressure off the players who want to be able to do their jobs without the mental drain. Give them a chance to breathe. If some players enjoy the spotlight too much, end it. Fine them if that's possible. Enough is enough.

If there is one philosophy I appreciated from Coach Parcells (and many of his proteges like Belichick follow it as well) was that the media simply was viewed as the enemy. Even the Cleveland media is panicking now because they will not have nearly as much juicy information now that Mangini is taking charge.

To me, this organization is so scrutinized that there needs to be a clamp down on the amount of media contact and the depth of what is disclosed. And where it is mandatory per league rules, there needs to be even tighter team controls on what is said. There should be no reason a "snitch" causes such problems.

All I can say is that I am tired of reading comments from "sources", apparent or not, named or anonymous. Jerry Jones specifically has to learn to appreciate the value of silence. Our individual stars need to understand what is best for them and it is his job to set the example.

There is no reason why a player should ever be on television or radio airing the team's problems. If that's the case, one of two things are happening. Either the communication is bad on the team (nobody talks) or the player is grandstanding.

Either way it has to be stopped. That is one "change" I would hope is being considered.

great point alexander, i absolutely agree.
they need to place a gag order on the players, no TV/radio appearances period.

 

[Doomsday101]

On the other hand the NFL requires teams to make players available to the media which is why most locker rooms are filled with the press and why players win or lose are brought in to the media rooms for post game comments. I'm sure there were times that Romo did not want to stand up in front of the media.

 

[Alexander]

On the other hand the NFL requires teams to make players available to the media which is why most locker rooms are filled with the press and why players win or lose are brought in to the media rooms for post game comments. I'm sure there were times that Romo did not want to stand up in front of the media.

Thank you for the newsflash. This is why I said this:

And where it is mandatory per league rules, there needs to be even tighter team controls on what is said.

There is no reason why they have to say more than what amounts to vague commentary. They do not need to do what we see Patrick Crayton doing each time there is a microphone in front of his face. We do not need our "team leaders" going voluntarily on radio shows and talking about how there is no "accountability" from the coaching staff.

 

[tyke1doe]

Alexander, here are the fundamental problems with your position:

1. Jerry Jones loves the spotlight. He loves the attention the Cowboys get, whether it's from him, from named sources or unnamed sources. It keeps the Cowboys in the public's eye - and making Jerry money.

2. Freedom of speech. Yes, it applies to government censorship, but many believe in the concept/right to the point they believe it should be granted to everyone, no matter what area of life - government controlled or private controlled.

3. Backlash. You issue a "gag order" (a legal term that shouldn't be applied here, but I'll use it), and it will probably have the reverse effect. You'll then have players resenting the fact that ownership doesn't let grown men do what they think grown men should do, and I'd predict they'd do even more talking. People start to "snitch" when they don't feel they have a voice. You take away their voice, and you'll have even more people talking on background.

 

[Mr Cowboy]

We all realize that the team is a lightning rod for the media.

The Cowboys are always at the top of the news. Our season ended three weeks ago and there is still the same amount of media firestorm

My issue is why do we encourage this now? Take some pressure off the players who want to be able to do their jobs without the mental drain. Give them a chance to breathe. If some players enjoy the spotlight too much, end it. Fine them if that's possible. Enough is enough.

If there is one philosophy I appreciated from Coach Parcells (and many of his proteges like Belichick follow it as well) was that the media simply was viewed as the enemy. Even the Cleveland media is panicking now because they will not have nearly as much juicy information now that Mangini is taking charge.

To me, this organization is so scrutinized that there needs to be a clamp down on the amount of media contact and the depth of what is disclosed. And where it is mandatory per league rules, there needs to be even tighter team controls on what is said. There should be no reason a "snitch" causes such problems.

All I can say is that I am tired of reading comments from "sources", apparent or not, named or anonymous. Jerry Jones specifically has to learn to appreciate the value of silence. Our individual stars need to understand what is best for them and it is his job to set the example.

There is no reason why a player should ever be on television or radio airing the team's problems. If that's the case, one of two things are happening. Either the communication is bad on the team (nobody talks) or the player is grandstanding.

Either way it has to be stopped. That is one "change" I would hope is being considered.

I agree with all of this, but I also have a strong feeling that Jerry himself. or one of cronies is the actual snitch. To much "source" info is coming out of Valley Ranch for it to be one or two persons.

I think Jerry is just as content with the Cowboys being the lead story on ESPN and NFLN during the post season, when the Cowboys are not even involved in the playoffs, as he is with a playoff win.

 

[Doomsday101]

Thank you for the newsflash. This is why I said this:



There is no reason why they have to say more than what amounts to vague commentary. They do not need to do what we see Patrick Crayton doing each time there is a microphone in front of his face. We do not need our "team leaders" going voluntarily on radio shows and talking about how there is no "accountability" from the coaching staff.

Don't know why you feel the need to be combative anytime I respond to any of your post I only made a comment that you can't keep players from the media and am I'm not sure about fining them because they don't repond as you would like. If a team feels like they have a player who is not buying into to what you are trying to do then cut him. I think Sean Peyton did the right thing when he went to NO he asked the player who wanted out and then proceeded to release player who did not want to be there.

 

[wileedog]

3. Backlash. You issue a "gag order" (a legal term that shouldn't be applied here, but I'll use it), and it will probably have the reverse effect. You'll then have players resenting the fact that ownership doesn't let grown men do what they think grown men should do, and I'd predict they'd do even more talking. People start to "snitch" when they don't feel they have a voice. You take away their voice, and you'll have even more people talking on background.

I don't remember all of snitching, anonymous sources and behind the scenes media ambushes when Parcells was clamping everone down.

I say put on the gag order and see who complains the loudest.

Then you will know who cares about winning and who cares about getting their mug on TV.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

And where it is mandatory per league rules, there needs to be even tighter team controls on what is said.

What does this even mean? You can go on TV, but if you say the wrong thing, you're, what, fired? Is this the USSR?

 

[Chief]

Good points Alexander.

But I don't think Jerry is capable of being quiet or keeping his team quiet and under the radar. He's nuts when it comes to this ... like someone needing a fix. He's addicted to publicity and creating headlines.

For what it's worth, Tex Schramm was much the same way. He loved keeping the team in the headlines. He and Jerry both had/have some P.T. Barnum in them.

As long as the ringmaster is in charge at Valley Ranch, it will continue. I'm surprised he doesn't enter each news conference with a red and white top hat and shout, "Ladies and Gentlemen ...."

 

[wileedog]

What does this even mean? You can go on TV, but if you say the wrong thing, you're, what, fired? Is this the USSR?

If I go on national television and announce my boss is a clown who has no idea what he is doing, how long do you think I would keep my job?

Even if I gave an interview stating my companies management is screwy and employee morale has never been lower (ironically, true ATM), you think the shareholders would be happy with that?

THere's free speech and there is common sense.

 

[Alexander]

What does this even mean? You can go on TV, but if you say the wrong thing, you're, what, fired? Is this the USSR?

Fine them. Have a policy that states if you put the team in a bad light, then it draws a fine. Repeating this garners a suspension. Does such a thing as "conduct detrimental to the team" mean anything?

Everyone is so afraid of drawing the ire of the NFLPA, I would not care at this stage.

 

[Alexander]

Good points Alexander.

But I don't think Jerry is capable of being quiet or keeping his team quiet and under the radar. He's nuts when it comes to this ... like someone needing a fix. He's addicted to publicity and creating headlines.

For what it's worth, Tex Schramm was much the same way. He loved keeping the team in the headlines. He and Jerry both had/have some P.T. Barnum in them.

As long as the ringmaster is in charge at Valley Ranch, it will continue. I'm surprised he doesn't enter each news conference with a red and white top hat and shout, "Ladies and Gentlemen ...."

That is part of the real problem.

He seems to think that even negative attention is good.

The last big boom we as fans saw was during the Super Bowl years. That brings in fans. Not the headline grabbing signings and scandals.

 

[Doomsday101]

Fine them. Have a policy that states if you put the team in a bad light, then it draws a fine. Repeating this garners a suspension. Does such a thing as "conduct detrimental to the team" mean anything?

Everyone is so afraid of drawing the ire of the NFLPA, I would not care at this stage.

Does fining them make them change their views or how that individual feels? I would think if you had a player who feels that way you would look to remove that player as soon as possible.

 

[Alexander]

If a team feels like they have a player who is not buying into to what you are trying to do then cut him. I think Sean Peyton did the right thing when he went to NO he asked the player who wanted out and then proceeded to release player who did not want to be there.

This has absolutely nothing to do with the topic at hand.

 

[Alexander]

Does fining them make them change their views or how that individual feels? I would think if you had a player who feels that way you would look to remove that player as soon as possible.

The salary cap makes that impossible. If you cut every disgruntled star, then you have a mess.

The issue is keeping the information from the media so it does not pollute the waters and also disciplining character problems on the team. The Buccaneers had that with Keyshawn Johnson. He sat out the rest of the year. I am sure the point was made.

It all starts at the top. If the owner grins like a proud parent each time his team leads off Sportscenter, it is a problem.

 

[jwhardin]

I think it's more of a question of loyalty to your team mates and to your employer, than free speech. As far as some of the players go, it's the old adage, if you keep your mouth shut, people want know you're a fool.

 

[Doomsday101]

The salary cap makes that impossible. If you cut every disgruntled star, then you have a mess.

The issue is keeping the information from the media so it does not pollute the waters and also disciplining character problems on the team. The Buccaneers had that with Keyshawn Johnson. He sat out the rest of the year. I am sure the point was made.

It all starts at the top. If the owner grins like a proud parent each time his team leads off Sportscenter, it is a problem.

Which is why I said as soon as possible, I understand cap consideration is something that can tie a team’s hand then again I'm not sure how much a guy like Crayton would cost us if Dallas felt the need to make an example of a player. I don't think the problem is as big as some suggest I think there may be a few bad apples that we need to move on from but I don't think this is a team wide problem.

 

[bbgun]

It's a sad statement when you have to consider imposing a team-wide "no talking policy" to prevent players from saying something stupid or controversial. I don't remember Staubach, Dorsett, Emmitt, or Aikman being confined like that. Nor would this solve the "internal dissension" problems that have nothing to do with the media.

 

[wileedog]

Nor would this solve the "internal dissension" problems that have nothing to do with the media.

Well no, a real GM and a real Head Coach would do that.

We're trying to stay in the realm of possibility here.