The vultures are grasping impatiently, but all remains quiet

[erod]

Now, if we can just settle in to camp, do the football stuff, shut our pieholes, adopt Garrett-speak, and chill out.....maybe, just maybe, we can get to that Giants game in relatively good shape.

Nobody is more irked than me about all of this hullaballoo. Nobody is more irritated with Zeke and his drama-a-minute lifestyle and chicanery than me. Nobody squirms through the off-field idiocy and the tunnel-visioned CNN-like coverage of it than yours truly.

But as long as that's it, no more foolishness going forward, then what is the league really going to do to him? Goodell is painted into a corner with Mara screaming in his ear, but aside from perhaps a stern lecture and a warning, what can he do? I'm not buying this accepted media narrative that 1-2 games is "expected"

I heard David Moore saying yesterday that they have to give Zeke some kind of suspension after spending all that time on this. Huh? That's the barometer now, "spending a lot of time"? No, David, there has to be something concrete that breaks league rules to justify a suspension, and right now, there's nothing really in that category so far except for possibly the recent nightclub incident.

Unless, Zeke is in the league substance program and we just don't know about it, I'm struggling to find a suspension-worthy action right now if the domestic thing has been dropped as we've heard. And again, I'm really getting tired of his silliness and antics, too. I almost wish they would to make a point to him, but I can't the justification they could use.

Likewise, the Jourdan Lewis thing looks like nothing. Carroll shouldn't even be here, so who cares? Irving was predictable given his past, and that light will burn out fast. Lucky sucked anyway and was going to be cut. Wilson doesn't have a history like this, so that should blow over. Gregory's career is long over and not worth discussion.

All in all, if everybody will just nip it right now, the Cowboys are OK. Let the media and Twitter have its fun and paint whatever image in their minds that makes them feel better.

If Cooper can play guard, Switzer can return punts, Tapper is healthy, Lawrence can return to form, Jaylon Smith can contribute, and Charlton and the young guys in the secondary can find their way, then this thing looks like it'll be salty enough to do what it was going to do anyway.

This damn franchise just never makes it easy for itself. But so far, this thing isn't over the edge, as much as Mara's minions and the Cowboy-hating media is trying to make it so.

 

[jwooten15]

It's just a matter of time until the NFL tries to drop the hammer. All of this smoke isn't going to exist without some amount of fire on the horizon.

And the summer isn't over yet. Lots of time for more bad choices to be made. I'm not trying to be pessimistic, but we don't have the best track record.

 

[jwooten15]

To validate your point, though... One example we should draw optimism from is Adam Jones.

If he is going to be suspended for ONLY one game for his appalling behavior and attitude, then I really struggle to find justification in suspending Zeke any more than one game.

Then again, this is the Cowboys we're talking about. So who knows.

 

[erod]

It's just a matter of time until the NFL tries to drop the hammer. All of this smoke isn't going to exist without some amount of fire on the horizon.

And the summer isn't over yet. Lots of time for more bad choices to be made. I'm not trying to be pessimistic, but we don't have the best track record.

I'm worried that Zeke will be suspended eventually for something else. Yes. But right now, what would it be exactly? Goodell is really wrestling with this. He's taking this long because he can't seem to find a reason without opening up a can of worms that would get out of control. There's a bunch of smoke, but no fire to reference yet.

 

[Ranching]

Now, if we can just settle in to camp, do the football stuff, shut our pieholes, adopt Garrett-speak, and chill out.....maybe, just maybe, we can get to that Giants game in relatively good shape.

Nobody is more irked than me about all of this hullaballoo. Nobody is more irritated with Zeke and his drama-a-minute lifestyle and chicanery than me. Nobody squirms through the off-field idiocy and the tunnel-visioned CNN-like coverage of it than yours truly.

But as long as that's it, no more foolishness going forward, then what is the league really going to do to him? Goodell is painted into a corner with Mara screaming in his ear, but aside from perhaps a stern lecture and a warning, what can he do? I'm not buying this accepted media narrative that 1-2 games is "expected"

I heard David Moore saying yesterday that they have to give Zeke some kind of suspension after spending all that time on this. Huh? That's the barometer now, "spending a lot of time"? No, David, there has to be something concrete that breaks league rules to justify a suspension, and right now, there's nothing really in that category so far except for possibly the recent nightclub incident.

Unless, Zeke is in the league substance program and we just don't know about it, I'm struggling to find a suspension-worthy action right now if the domestic thing has been dropped as we've heard. And again, I'm really getting tired of his silliness and antics, too. I almost wish they would to make a point to him, but I can't the justification they could use.

Likewise, the Jourdan Lewis thing looks like nothing. Carroll shouldn't even be here, so who cares? Irving was predictable given his past, and that light will burn out fast. Lucky sucked anyway and was going to be cut. Wilson doesn't have a history like this, so that should blow over. Gregory's career is long over and not worth discussion.

All in all, if everybody will just nip it right now, the Cowboys are OK. Let the media and Twitter have its fun and paint whatever image in their minds that makes them feel better.

If Cooper can play guard, Switzer can return punts, Tapper is healthy, Lawrence can return to form, Jaylon Smith can contribute, and Charlton and the young guys in the secondary can find their way, then this thing looks like it'll be salty enough to do what it was going to do anyway.

This damn franchise just never makes it easy for itself. But so far, this thing isn't over the edge, as much as Mara's minions and the Cowboy-hating media is trying to make it so.

That's a lot of ifs. Should be fun to watch.

 

[jwooten15]

I'm worried that Zeke will be suspended eventually for something else. Yes. But right now, what would it be exactly? Goodell is really wrestling with this. He's taking this long because he can't seem to find a reason without opening up a can of worms that would get out of control. There's a bunch of smoke, but no fire to reference yet.

The NFL came up with the term "conduct detrimental to the league" to use as a means to discipline players even if they have no concrete reasons to do so.

So really, they can (and I think they will) eventually just say that as a cumulative result of his behavior, Zeke will be suspended. And probably for multiple games. Despite the fact that there is no solid evidence to support such a desicion.

 

[jday]

Out of all of this here is my biggest issue:

I have several places I go to to scratch my football itch.

I go to YouTube to check my Recommended list. Normally I can find several different perspectives on various things going on. However, if it has anything to do with off-the-field drama, I honestly could care less. I'm a football fan; not a drama fan. If the NFL is going to suspend players there is absolutely nothing I can do about it and no way I can go without hearing about, so no need to waste valuable time where I could be digesting various data pertinent to actual football. Right now, YouTube is wall to wall with Elliot, Lucky, Wilson and Jaylon. That is it.

I go to my Dallas Cowboys app where I can get direct access to various news videos and shows. The first several videos are all on Lucky Whitehead being cut. Just how many perspectives on this guy who wasn't likely to make the final 53 anyway do I really honestly need? Does anyone here need more than 1. The extent of that story could have been summed up in three words and no further explanation would have been required: Lucky was cut. Good to know, moving on.

I go to ESPN Dallas specific blog. Every article? About Lucky, Zeke, or Jaylon. The Jaylon news is somewhat forgivable because he will be a big part of the Cowboys defense success if healthy enough. But how many of these articles rehashing the same crap do we really need?

But for me, enemy #1 are the press conferences. It is clear the reporters sent to cover camp are far more concerned with off-the-field drama than they are actual football related news. And as a football fan, (I'm weird, I know) I really am a heck of a lot more interested in actual football related news. Its a crazy concept that I'm sure distinguishes me from the rest of you, that much is clear. Otherwise, the reporters in camp would actually report on news pertaining to football.

 

[Reality]

Out of all of this here is my biggest issue:

I have several places I go to to scratch my football itch.

I go to YouTube to check my Recommended list. Normally I can find several different perspectives on various things going on. However, if it has anything to do with off-the-field drama, I honestly could care less. I'm a football fan; not a drama fan. If the NFL is going to suspend players there is absolutely nothing I can do about it and no way I can go without hearing about, so no need to waste valuable time where I could be digesting various data pertinent to actual football. Right now, YouTube is wall to wall with Elliot, Lucky, Wilson and Jaylon. That is it.

I go to my Dallas Cowboys app where I can get direct access to various news videos and shows. The first several videos are all on Lucky Whitehead being cut. Just how many perspectives on this guy who wasn't likely to make the final 53 anyway do I really honestly need? Does anyone here need more than 1. The extent of that story could have been summed up in three words and no further explanation would have been required: Lucky was cut. Good to know, moving on.

I go to ESPN Dallas specific blog. Every article? About Lucky, Zeke, or Jaylon. The Jaylon news is somewhat forgivable because he will be a big part of the Cowboys defense success if healthy enough. But how many of these articles rehashing the same crap do we really need?

But for me, enemy #1 are the press conferences. It is clear the reporters sent to cover camp are far more concerned with off-the-field drama than they are actual football related news. And as a football fan, (I'm weird, I know) I really am a heck of a lot more interested in actual football related news. Its a crazy concept that I'm sure distinguishes me from the rest of you, that much is clear. Otherwise, the reporters in camp would actually report on news pertaining to football.

I agree completely! It's all about the views and clicks these days. Screw actual reporting!

 

[erod]

Out of all of this here is my biggest issue:

I have several places I go to to scratch my football itch.

I go to YouTube to check my Recommended list. Normally I can find several different perspectives on various things going on. However, if it has anything to do with off-the-field drama, I honestly could care less. I'm a football fan; not a drama fan. If the NFL is going to suspend players there is absolutely nothing I can do about it and no way I can go without hearing about, so no need to waste valuable time where I could be digesting various data pertinent to actual football. Right now, YouTube is wall to wall with Elliot, Lucky, Wilson and Jaylon. That is it.

I go to my Dallas Cowboys app where I can get direct access to various news videos and shows. The first several videos are all on Lucky Whitehead being cut. Just how many perspectives on this guy who wasn't likely to make the final 53 anyway do I really honestly need? Does anyone here need more than 1. The extent of that story could have been summed up in three words and no further explanation would have been required: Lucky was cut. Good to know, moving on.

I go to ESPN Dallas specific blog. Every article? About Lucky, Zeke, or Jaylon. The Jaylon news is somewhat forgivable because he will be a big part of the Cowboys defense success if healthy enough. But how many of these articles rehashing the same crap do we really need?

But for me, enemy #1 are the press conferences. It is clear the reporters sent to cover camp are far more concerned with off-the-field drama than they are actual football related news. And as a football fan, (I'm weird, I know) I really am a heck of a lot more interested in actual football related news. Its a crazy concept that I'm sure distinguishes me from the rest of you, that much is clear. Otherwise, the reporters in camp would actually report on news pertaining to football.

Few "like" the drama. I only listen long enough to know what's up, then I don't stick around for the paralysis by analysis.

But suspensions impact the team, so my interest lies there. That, and it's easier to root for good people than thugs and miscreants.

 

[jday]

I agree completely! It's all about the views and clicks these days. Screw actual reporting!

You know, it wouldn't be so bad if we hadn't just waited 7 months for football to return. And then when football finally does return, instead of football, we get Days of Our Life Cowboys Edition.

 

[erod]

The NFL came up with the term "conduct detrimental to the league" to use as a means to discipline players even if they have no concrete reasons to do so.

So really, they can (and I think they will) eventually just say that as a cumulative result of his behavior, Zeke will be suspended. And probably for multiple games. Despite the fact that there is no solid evidence to support such a desicion.

I know Goodell has that trusty card to play, but I'm not sure he can here.

The domestic violence issue was dropped and proven false. Walking into a pot shop is not illegal. Texting a girl about beating a drug test might be an infraction, but he gets four of those before suspension. He was a passenger in the car wrecks. He's appealing the speeding ticket. The girl he exposed was with him for weeks afterward. And nobody is talking from the nightclub incident, which the police suspended.

I can't find anything in there that would warrant "conduct detrimental" enough for a suspension. If Goodell does, that really widens the scope of that definition, and basically makes it an absolute free-for-all on appeals.

The NFLPA could even threaten a walk-out if Goodell oversteps this based on such little substance.

 

[Reality]

You know, it wouldn't be so bad if we hadn't just waited 7 months for football return. And then when football finally does return, instead of football, we get Days of Our Life Cowboys Edition.

I actually believe that's part of their strategy. They're trying to get sports fans, especially Cowboys fans, used to visiting their sites, watching and listening to their shows, etc. each day to keep them there throughout the season. By slamming fans with article after article and show after show, it makes them look like great sources for Cowboys and sports news. What the media doesn't get is that more and more people are getting tired of their drama content.

Suspend players, don't suspend. I really don't care any more. I now sound like Garrett and most coaches .. I just want to focus on the players who are there now.

 

[jwooten15]

I know Goodell has that trusty card to play, but I'm not sure he can here.

The domestic violence issue was dropped and proven false. Walking into a pot shop is not illegal. Texting a girl about beating a drug test might be an infraction, but he gets four of those before suspension. He was a passenger in the car wrecks. He's appealing the speeding ticket. The girl he exposed was with him for weeks afterward. And nobody is talking from the nightclub incident, which the police suspended.

I can't find anything in there that would warrant "conduct detrimental" enough for a suspension. If Goodell does, that really widens the scope of that definition, and basically makes it an absolute free-for-all on appeals.

The NFLPA could even threaten a walk-out if Goodell oversteps this based on such little substance.

I agree with you and I hope you're right!

But that's an awfully long list of things that Gooddell to comb through if he wants to try to fabricate a reason to suspend him. And we all know how much the commish enjoys overstepping his bounds as judge, jury, and executioner. Time will tell.

 

[DCBoysfan]

To validate your point, though... One example we should draw optimism from is Adam Jones.

If he is going to be suspended for ONLY one game for his appalling behavior and attitude, then I really struggle to find justification in suspending Zeke any more than one game.

Then again, this is the Cowboys we're talking about. So who knows.

Very good point, you can also throw in Adam Jones past history and he still only got one game.

 

[AbeBeta]

Now, if we can just settle in to camp, do the football stuff, shut our pieholes, adopt Garrett-speak, and chill out.....maybe, just maybe, we can get to that Giants game in relatively good shape.

Nobody is more irked than me about all of this hullaballoo. Nobody is more irritated with Zeke and his drama-a-minute lifestyle and chicanery than me. Nobody squirms through the off-field idiocy and the tunnel-visioned CNN-like coverage of it than yours truly.

But as long as that's it, no more foolishness going forward, then what is the league really going to do to him? Goodell is painted into a corner with Mara screaming in his ear, but aside from perhaps a stern lecture and a warning, what can he do? I'm not buying this accepted media narrative that 1-2 games is "expected"

I heard David Moore saying yesterday that they have to give Zeke some kind of suspension after spending all that time on this. Huh? That's the barometer now, "spending a lot of time"? No, David, there has to be something concrete that breaks league rules to justify a suspension, and right now, there's nothing really in that category so far except for possibly the recent nightclub incident.

Unless, Zeke is in the league substance program and we just don't know about it, I'm struggling to find a suspension-worthy action right now if the domestic thing has been dropped as we've heard. And again, I'm really getting tired of his silliness and antics, too. I almost wish they would to make a point to him, but I can't the justification they could use.

Likewise, the Jourdan Lewis thing looks like nothing. Carroll shouldn't even be here, so who cares? Irving was predictable given his past, and that light will burn out fast. Lucky sucked anyway and was going to be cut. Wilson doesn't have a history like this, so that should blow over. Gregory's career is long over and not worth discussion.

All in all, if everybody will just nip it right now, the Cowboys are OK. Let the media and Twitter have its fun and paint whatever image in their minds that makes them feel better.

If Cooper can play guard, Switzer can return punts, Tapper is healthy, Lawrence can return to form, Jaylon Smith can contribute, and Charlton and the young guys in the secondary can find their way, then this thing looks like it'll be salty enough to do what it was going to do anyway.

This damn franchise just never makes it easy for itself. But so far, this thing isn't over the edge, as much as Mara's minions and the Cowboy-hating media is trying to make it so.

Irving's past?

Can you elaborate? I see a kid who has an agent that does not appear to be doing his work

 

[jday]

I actually believe that's part of their strategy. They're trying to get sports fans, especially Cowboys fans, used to visiting their sites, watching and listening to their shows, etc. each day to keep them there throughout the season. By slamming fans with article after article and show after show, it makes them look like great sources for Cowboys and sports news. What the media doesn't get is that more and more people are getting tired of their drama content.

Suspend players, don't suspend. I really don't care any more. I now sound like Garrett and most coaches .. I just want to focus on the players who are there now.

I couldn't agree more. I think this is probably true of several zoners:

I enjoy the content that really digs in to the x's and o's and technique specific to each position. I'm at the point now in my fandom where I really want to learn and understand what it is each player is attempting to accomplish on each play dependent on the scheme and the look. Show me gif's where you break down plays, technique, or anything that has anything to do with actual football. You do that, and I'll be on your site everyday for hours at a time dependent on how much content checks the aforementioned boxes. But if you are going to wax-poetic on what you think might happen next in regards to suspensions, I really truly honestly could not care less.

 

[erod]

Irving's past?

Can you elaborate? I see a kid who has an agent that does not appear to be doing his work

He got kicked off the Iowa State football team. That's why he went undrafted.

 

[hornitosmonster]

If Zeke get a suspension it will be because of this. The players gave Roger the power because they were afraid of missing paychecks. Until a new CBA is worked out this statement is vague and open to Roger's interpretation.

“conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the National Football League.”

 

[erod]

I enjoy the content that really digs in to the x's and o's and technique specific to each position.

That's less than 2 percent of football fans though. You're not the target of the NFL, let alone the sports media outlets.

 

[jday]

That's less than 2 percent of football fans though. You're not the target of the NFL, let alone the sports media outlets.

No, I get that there are some drama-starved fans out there and they more than likely make up the majority, but that reality doesn't stop the result from being ridiculously disappointing for fans such as myself.