Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant is supposed to be the future of the franchise. He is supposed to lead this team in the years ahead. But a great leader leads by example. Right now, I, as a fan, hope no player is following his examples.
Bryant wasn't exactly a shining example coming out of college. In 2009, Bryant was suspended by the NCAA for lying to an investigator about his relationship with former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders. People also questioned his work ethic and maturity level. But Cowboys owner Jerry Jones took a chance on Bryant and drafted him in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft. The gamble paid off and Bryant had a great rookie season before injury his ankle in December 2010.
Bryant has been in the NFL just one season. He has already created negative headlines. In March 2011, Bryant was given a criminal trespassing warning at a Dallas mall. He also faced multiple lawsuits for owing money to different people.
Bryant was a no-show for a meeting with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on Friday April 29, 2011. Jones wanted to discuss Bryant's recent off-the-field issues. The Cowboys' staff also wanted to see how Bryant's ankle was healing from last season's injury.
Why do athletes with superior talent, like Bryant, insist on hurting their own careers? Why is it so hard for them to stay out of trouble? Why aren't there more Tim Duncans in the sports world? Duncan is one of the greatest players in NBA history. I can't think of a single negative story about him. His work ethic, excellent attitude and clean-cut image have allowed him to flourish in the NBA. His one vice is probably playing video games.
Bryant has the talent to become a great wide receiver. He had flashes of brilliance last season. But with Bryant's recent problems, I wonder if he can be a professional and have a successful NFL career. I wonder if he has the discipline, work ethic and desire to be great. He clearly has the talent, but Bryant must learn that there's more to it than that.
Edwin Torres has been a fan of the Dallas Cowboys since the days of Tony Dorsett and Roger Staubach. He enjoyed watching the Dallas teams of the 90s dominate opponents on both sides of the ball. Living in New Jersey, he is sandwiched between Giants and Eagles fans. But that has never deterred him from being a fan of America's team.
More from Edwin:
Five reasons why Tyron Smith was the right pick for the Cowboys: Fan perspective
Fan's view: Cowboys draft LB Bruce Carter, but what about his knee?
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