Bleacher Report - Articles by Roberto Arevalo

Dallas Cowboys: Ed Werder and the Good People of ESPN Are at it Again

Roberto Arevalo — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 11:56:21 -0500

(Writer's Note: this is another rant and I may or may not come back and add more. Also, feel free to post a relevant picture to match.)

"You want to know the 13 scariest words in professional football this year? "For more on the Cowboys, let's go to Ed Werder at Valley Ranch.''

— Ira Kaufman, pro football writer for the Tampa Tribune.

Ira Kaufman, you are absolutely correct.

Ed Werder is digging for dirt again.

His latest story—surprise...surprise—"The Dallas Cowboys are discussing the release of Terrell Owens."

Once again, Mr. Werder has come with a story based on "inside sources", that due to what everyone says was a divided locker room last season, the only way to promote team camaraderie is to get rid of T.O.

Now I have already given my stance on how I feel about T.O. and his place with the Cowboys—I won't repeat myself.

I just think that people need to form their own opinions on this matter and look at the facts objectively. Ed Werder and most of ESPN clearly have it out for him. If you are able to look past that, you will see T.O. is a valuable part of this team.

Everyone that is reporting this story is saying—"going off of what ESPN.com is reporting."

Do you want to know what a double-standard is? Try ESPN pushing this story and making T.O. the villain as usual when they did nothing to defend him or to address Cris Carter's comment (he released a pathetic statement later) of threatening to shoot T.O.!

That right there should let you know how ESPN feels about Terrell Owens.

Do you remember how Werder reported that T.O was jealous of Romo and Witten making plays? Well, I truly believe Carter, Keyshaun Johnson, and Werder are doing exactly the same thing—plotting against T.O.

Cris Carter let his feelings be known with his comment. We all remember T.O. laughing at Keyshaun and saying he was the reason that he's in the booth. And after this season, especially after the Giants' postgame press conference, we know how T.O. feels about Werder and vice versa.

I'm sure my frustration is evident as you read this, and it should be. I just find it ridiculous how the ESPN conglomerate devotes so much time to attacking the Cowboys instead of reporting real news.

In the NFC East alone, the topics are clear as day to report—Eli Manning reverting to his old form, what will the Eagles do with McNabb and Dawkins in the offseason, and even Plaxico's ongoing situation.

As for the rest of the league, why not talk about the mother of Larry's Fitzgerald's child accusing him of beating her? This guy is still in the playoffs, right?

Don't you think that would be more relevant news to the NFL and ESPN right about now.

Until ESPN has something to say with direct sources, I will not believe anything they have to say about the Dallas Cowboys and encourage you all to take the same stance.

Enough is enough.

Anthony Spencer Has Set the Tone for the 2009 Cowboys Season

Roberto Arevalo — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:25:49 -0500

And just like that, the tone for the 2009 season has been set.

Not by the firing of the special teams coach Bruce Reed.

Not by the release of Adam "Don't Call Me Pacman" Jones.

Not by any thought Wade Phillips might get fired or Jason Garrett becoming head coach somewhere else.

This has nothing to do with the usual suspects—Jerry Jones or T.O.

This has everything to do with Anthony Spencer, a 2007 first-round pick out of Purdue University. The Dallas Cowboys have big plans for him to replace Greg Ellis as early as next season and wreak havoc on opposing QBs along with sack machine DeMarcus Ware.

This has to do with the fact that this past week he showed absolutely no sense of judgment when being charged for public intoxication and disorderly conduct in Indianapolis.

According to Indy police his response to being charged was, "Who cares?" Exactly. No harm, no foul, right?

Absolutely not!

If you all remember, he was also a spotlight on HBO's Hard Knocks when he said the reason he skipped a rehab session was because the lights went out in his house.

Now, I have no reason to think of this man as nothing else than an outstanding citizen and player with tremendous upside. Especially since prior to Tank and Pacman, Spencer and the 'Boys have stayed clean off the field.

But here's what needs to happen with Anthony Spencer. The Dallas Cowboys need to grab the bull by the horns on this and at least release a statement that this will not be tolerated and they will deal with this accordingly.

I don't need to know—although I hope it involves a huge fine—what or how they do it. They just need to do it. It is time for this organization to absolutely demand accountability and settle for nothing less. Anything else will showcase this offseason as just more of the same and that will trickle down to next season.

Think it's too early? Well, guess again. There's no time like the present.

The tone for the 2009 season has been set. Let's just hope it's the right one.

Jerry Jones and Wade Phillips want us to believe in "change." Well, here's your chance to prove it to us.

Flag As Offensive: My Response To One Of BR's Finest

Roberto Arevalo — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 12:25:11 -0500

I understand this is not what Bleacher Report is intended for, but I could not let this go without merit. Below are the two comments that spurred me to write this:

1) by D about 12 hours ago:

First off Roberto, you need to drop the o at the end of your name, we aren't in Mexico anymore. Second anyone who's team is continually pounded by The Ohio State University should not talk about laying an egg. You are true reflection of the team you represent, MORON!

2) by D about one hour from now:

Sorry to disapoint [sic] you but I am one of the few legal american citizens who do still have job still thanks to you and your family members who jump the border to steal American jobs because you will work for $4 a day. I am also in the military so I can say for sure I do more for this country than you ever will. Later loser.

Let me begin by saying, in 2009, it is sad to see people like "DB" still, in fact, exist. Especially after we just elected an African American to the White House. While racism may still exist, the color of our skin should not be outdone by the content of our character.

These comments came in response to an article I wrote critiquing Ohio State and its recent failures in the BCS, fair or unfair. I wrote it and I stand by my work. I am well aware OSU fans had every right and to feel jaded and respond. And a lot of them had very good points in support of their team. Great, that's what BR was intended for.

Then comes this guy "DB," who has the audacity to come at me, questioning my citizenship, insulting my Mexican American background, my family, and culture as a whole. All because of what? Because I wrote about Ohio State losing in the BCS. A well-known fact. Please.

Just to be clear, I am 25 years old, a graduate of the University of Michigan, and live and work in Washington, D.C. I was born in Weslaco, Texas, and raised in Donna, Texas. My family and I are all U.S. citizens.

This "man", or so he falsely claims to be, says he is in the military. Great. He is serving our country and should be applauded for doing so. However, let me say this: What is the point of serving our country and trying to uphold our great American values if he does not understand what exactly he is serving for.

He can't even fill out a bio or use his name because it's clear he is uncomfortable in his own skin. Which is why he used no picture (or had my picture up at the time of this article) to inspire him on what a respectable human being looks like.

Comments like those above are exactly what is wrong with this country—and arguably most sports teams. Ignorant people with a backwards mentality that do nothing to serve push this great country forward.

It is one thing to attack my article, but to attack me personally when I had every right to write that article is just...well, you can call what it you like, because at the moment, I have nothing nice to put here.

I understand this "man" is not a true reflection of the good people on BR. I do not want to get into racism and race relations, although in this case I think I have every right. I just want to put this into perspective.

This should not happen, and quite frankly, I will not stand for it. So here I am taking time out of my work day to respond to this "man" because I think he deserves some credit for showing everyone what kind of people are still among us.

Thank you for your time. I will go back to writing about my teams now.

Ohio State Football Proving an Exercise in Futility

Roberto Arevalo — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:11:41 -0500

(Writers Note: The title was originally "Thanks, But No Thanks, Ohio State!!" but was changed by BR staff to add hits)

The Ohio State University is officially THE laughingstock of all college football after laying another egg in another BCS (Buckeye Choke Series) bowl game.

The latest team to benefit? The 2009 Fiesta Bowl Champion Texas Longhorns.

Is it a stretch to say OSU coach Jim Tressel is or should be under the hot seat, or are the Columbus faithful actually happy with these dismal performances year after year?

One would certainly hope not.

And please, do not point to the Notre Dame game, because we all know who they are now—that team was simply just a Brady Quinn makeover at the time.

What is the point of having All-Big Ten and All-American players on your squad if your team cannot compete on a national level?

More importantly, what about all the seniors? A senior class that includes LB James Laurinaitis, CB Malcom Jenkins, WR Brian Robiskie, T Alex Boone, and the black sheep of the bunch, QB Todd Boeckman (who was unfairly benched and used sparingly despite clearly being able to still help the team in some capacity. Remember, it worked for the Gators—just look at the highlights).

Call it complacency on behalf of the Big Ten over the last few years, but that excuse can only go so far. I think the finger has to pointed at the the program at Ohio State.

Just what exactly is their goal?

To beat Michigan?

OK, this is the best rivalry in all of sports, so that is a respectable goal. And in all fairness, in the last couple of years, they have done a good job of doing so.

Is it to win the Big Ten?

OK, but take that to the bank now. The Big Ten Conference is viewed as a joke now, and a large reason for that is as a result of that team in scarlet and gray.

Sure, this discussion could be reversed if Quan Cosby doesn't shake loose for the game-winning score with 16 seconds left. But the same could be said for the last-second Longhorn field goal to knock off the Michigan Wolverines in the 2005 Rose Bowl and countless other bowl scenarios.

You cannot play the game of "what if" and if you are, you're playing games with yourself. You're not the only team that's hoping for "next year."

Ohio State has played for a national championship in two out of the last three years, for crying out loud!

James Laurinaitis basically alluded to saying the Bucks were scared last year, more so than the year before, according to commentary.

My question is, why would you even think like that when you're playing for what all legitimate teams hope to play for, and what should be your ultimate goal, a national championship?

Something is not right here.

The players.

The fans.

The head coach.

Something...

They may have been able to get away with the loss to Florida, but to come back again the following year and not show up is just pathetic.

If I were truly a part of this fan base, I would really start to ask some serious questions about the direction of the program, because enough is enough.

Do it for the students, faculty, and alumni that actually care.

Do it for the other Big Ten teams, because we're really all in it together at this point.

Better yet, why not let Michigan represent the Big Ten? We'll all be better off with the "Leaders and Best."

GO BLUE!!

Matt Millen: NBC Are You Serious!?

Roberto Arevalo — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 15:04:28 -0500

Matt Millen has joined NBC's "Football Night in America" pregame show.

Let that soak in for a minute.

Ok.

Now this is how I feel about it: NBC, WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING?!

Why would you add such a guy to what used to be an arguably well-respected cast of journalists, analysts, and former players?

Especially after the Broncos fired Mike Shanahan and could add great perspective from a coach's standpoint and as a former GM.

Mike Holgren also comes to mind.

There's also Brian Billick, who clearly loves the camera as is evident by his Coors commercial.

That's three quality coaches who all have Super Bowl rings who would almost certainly jump on a short gig with NBC for the playoffs, if not for next season as well.

When I think of Matt Millen, I think of the picture above. And that is not to be taken as a shot at Lions fans or the organization.

He used to be known as a good commentator but now as former GM with the Lions, his track record precedes him.

He is one of the main reasons, if not the reason, they did so poorly.

And the reason why the Lions won ZERO games in 16 tries this season.

He's the last guy I would want to hear commentary from now, especially in the playoffs.

NBC, I'm disappointed with you.

The Curious Case Of Terrell Owens

Roberto Arevalo — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 13:36:31 -0500

Terrell Owens is man of mythical proportions.

Say his name in San Francisco, and people will laugh in your face.

Say his name in Philly. Or, if you're brave enough, wear his jersey. And, well, good luck.

Do the same in Dallas, or anywhere around the country among the Cowboys faithful, and this is where the story gets interesting.

The 2008 season that had so much promise for the Cowboys has come to screeching halt, and all eyes seem to be on one man. Terrell Owens aka "T.O."

Now, before I go any further, let's go back to where it all started before we get to what's going on now. His humble beginnings started growing up in Alabama, where he raised by his mother and grandmother.

He grew up with three other siblings and did not play sports until high school. Some say the lack of a male-dominant figure early in his life has led to some of his outbursts with players and coaches, and his egocentric personality.

He attended the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, where he was a two-sport athlete in basketball and football.

He has said on more than one occasion hat tnot being recognized by top-tier college football programs is what drives him every Sunday.

He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the 1996 NFL Draft, with the 89th overall pick, in what seemed to be a dream come true being able to line up with and learn from his idol, the great Jerry Rice.

It is important to note here this was the "class of the receiver," with Keyshawn Johnson going No. 1 overall ,and Marvin Harrison, among others, being a part of the same class, as well. He has said on more than one occasion being among the last in this class is what drives him every Sunday.

He had several productive early years with the 49ers that included the game-winning catch against the Packers during the 1998 playoffs, an NFL record against the Bears—20 catches for 283 yards—and taking a Sharpie out of his sock and signing the football after a TD reception.

However, there was a certain disagreement he had with QB Jeff Garcia, and some name-calling that went after, and differences with then coach Steve Mariucci.

End of Chapter I, right?

Well, not exactly.

He demands, and gets traded to ,Philadelphia after wearing out his welcome for things just mentioned, and probably more.

But hey, new start right? All’s well that ends well.

Donovan McNabb is ecstatic about finally having a legitimate weapon, and they go crazy. Super Bowl bound in no time, right?

Yes, unfortunately they lose.

The next season things get interesting again.

All hell breaks loose in the Eagles locker room, and that has a ripple effect through the organization. They have no choice but to release him.

So what do you do when you get released—sit-ups in your driveway. Duh!

This leads us to our current situation—a marriage that seemed like destiny. Get Your Popcorn Ready!

It's not like this guy ever disrespected the Star in Texas Stadium, right?

Nope. All was forgotten.

The "All-World" receiver who loves the attention, with an owner who craves the spotlight, were getting together to bring America's Team back to dynasty form.

And so the stage was set.

Well, not exactly.

Among the fans, yes. Among the head coach, no. Bill Parcells aka "The Big Tuna," never meshed, or gave a chance, with T.O. to make it work.

Enter Wade Phillips—a player's coach. 2007 shows all the signs. A 13-3 season. A Pro Bowl season for T.O. He finally has a QB, in Tony Romo, he can appreciate. The possibilities were endless.

He even cried for his QB, at the end of last season! That’s his QB! Surely the man has changed.

This season was no different.

He sent a text message after the loss against the Eagles in good faith hoping he's doing well, mentally and physically.

But hey, not so fast remember, this is Terrell Owens we’re talking about and it was only a matter of time he got to the team.

And so here we are at the end of the 2008 season, and what do we have to show for it?

A Team Obliterator.

A Cancer.

A man who writes children’s books.

A man who helped a sportswriter, of all people, after a freak accident during last year’s ESPYs.

A man who only celebrated after scoring his 10 touchdowns this season with his initials, despite a reputation that precedes him.

A man who continues to have no off-the-field problems, and only demands the ball because he wants to help the team win.

A man who donates to 81 families in the greater Dallas area every Christmas to those less fortunate.

Who would want such a character in the great Cowboys locker in a league full of Angels and Saints?

Let's dump this guy. Or better yet, let Cris Carter take care of him!

We saw what happened last year against Carolina when he went out. The offense looked great! And now with Roy E. Williams here, Romo can really open it up.

Finding someone that can match his production, and the attention he demands from defenses each and every week, is a non-issue. That's what draft picks are for!

It's not like his teammates like him enough to name him team captain for the 2008 season, right?

It's not like he is a respected teammate that mentors the younger receivers.

This man has not learned a single thing from his experiences in Philly and San Fran. And because of his past, he cannot be a part of our future. Simple as that.

Cowboys fans deserve a leader.

Someone who will yell at his teammates on the sidelines.

Someone who is not afraid to show his emotions on the field.

Wait, come to think of it. Isn't that what everyone wants out of Tony Romo?

Eh, forget it. It's not a double standard—it's different. Romo's the QB and T.O. is a WR. If Romo does it, he's a leader. If T.O. does it, he's probably just whining about not getting the ball or throwing someone under the bus like always.

We can do without his brutal honesty at press conferences. It's not like he's the only one who senses the problems with the offense.

And if he does have a problem, why does he have to straight to the offensive coordinator and voice his opinion. Doesn't he know better? That's what Ed Werder is for! Tell him and he'll relay the message. Silly rabbit.

ESPN is right.

Cris Carter. Terrell Davis. They’re all right.

We can’t win with a guy like that.

He, and he alone, is the reason the Cowboys lost seven games this year, and failed to beat the Eagles with a playoff berth on the line.

We get rid of him, and all our problems go away.

The Passing of the Torch? Why Tony Romo Could be the Next Brett Favre

Roberto Arevalo — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:19:03 -0500

Tony Romo really plays a lot like Brett Favre.

I know, I know. This storyline has been made before and I am not claiming to be a ground breaker on this topic.

I finally decided this during week 16 after watching all the highlights and seeing all the reactions, I couldn't help but come out with one conclusion.

It was clear as day, especially if you look at the way both played against their respective opponents that week, Seattle and Baltimore.

Costly Turnovers. Check.

Inability to produce points. Check.

Belief in arm strength and/or a window that is probably not there. Check.

Now fast fwd to week 17 with both the Jets and Cowboys playing games with playoff implications and both teams arguably favored.

What happens?!

You guessed it.

More of the same in 60 minutes of disaster that now leaves both teams watching the playoffs from the comfort of their own homes (albeit nicer) just like the rest of us.

The funny thing about Sunday for those who were at the bar or had all games on, Romo and Favre threw their second quarter picks roughly five minutes apart.

What better comparison could you ask for?

I believe Romo went first and I said to myself, "C'mon Romo." Next thing you know I'm hearing "ooohs" and "ahhhs" and I look around to see Jets fans yelling "Brett, what was that!?"

Now if these past two weeks don't serve as a reminder about the legitimate comparisons between these two then you should probably stop reading this right now.

Now let me take this time to be absolutely clear, Brett Favre has had a helluva career. I understand he's 39 and Romo is 28.

I understand he is a first ballot Hall of Famer bar none. Has all the stats in the world. Has a ridiculous Ironman streak still going after 18 grueling seasons. Three league MVPs. One Lombardi Trophy.

The guy is simply a throwback QB to those of yester year. And we may not see another one of his kind for a while, if ever again.

Tony Romo on the other hand, was and kinda still is America's darling QB since he came on the scene against the Giants in the middle of the '06 season. He only has two and a half seasons of being an NFL starter. He's been to two Pro Bowls, led the Cowboys to two playoff berths, and more famously dated high-profile blonde bombshells.

Advantage clearly goes to Favre.

Their similarities lie in the fact it seems that both Favre and Romo are blessed/cursed with that infamous "gunslinger" mentality. And with that they both have the ability to provide us on any given play with what Mike Holmgren likes to call the "no, no, no, yesss" play.

However, the thing about Brett Favre is that the people of Green Bay, majority of media, and most of the Jets fans initially, is that they have given him a pass. This is the same "pass" Peyton Manning alluded to at his press conference the day after he won the Super Bowl.

He mentioned it for a reason, Peyton wanted no part of this "pass" just because he had exercised his demons with a victory against the Bears.

Most people may not admit but Brett Favre has gotten away with sloppy play for a while now due the child-like passion he plays with on Sundays, southern charm, and one-of-the-guys appeal.

Given his accomplishments it’s easy to do so with a guy like that.

Romo on the other hand has left the Cowboys hanging in two postseason losses and one colossal let down this past Sunday. In other words, Romo has not earned any pass of any sort.

So my article comes to a close with this, will the next six to eight years with Romo under the helm give us one Super Bowl, just enough to feed the rabid Cowboys fan base (present company included)? Only to have solid teams compete in the regular season only to mess it up in the playoffs like the drought we are currently experiencing.

Or will Tony Romo join the all-star class of Dan Marino, Charles Barkley, and A-Rod that puts up all the stats but never wins a ring?

I personally do not hope so. But after Sunday’s loss to that team from Philly, anything is possible. And the jury is still out on who Tony Romo is.

So with all that said, I propose something different.

Here's hoping Tony Romo becomes Tony Romo. And that definition is of a player with lots of Super Bowls, a Hall of Fame career, and a spot in the Ring of Honor with all the other great Cowboys QBs.

ESPN Should Fire Cris Carter, ASAP!

Roberto Arevalo — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 11:50:30 -0500

(Editor's Note: This is a rant)

Before we begin. Please be kind enough to clink on the link. Thank you.

Earlier today, Cris Carter had a Fruedian slip of gigantic proportions while on-air appearing on ESPN's Mike & Mike in the Morning.

The topic of conversation was the Dallas Cowboys end of season mishaps.

Upon asking for his input here comes Cris "former cokehead/alcohol abuser" Carter with his big mouth talking about the Cowboys problems and saying, "If it was me, I'd get rid of T.O. T.O. got to go from the beginning. Right from the giddy up. I take one bullet and put it right in him. Bam!"

I do not even know where to begin.

Actually, I do. ESPN needs to fire this guy ASAP! No ifs, ands, or buts about it. That on top of a sincere apology directly to T.O.

And I mean directly. No written statement. Call the guy on the phone. You owe him that much.

Depending on the sincerity and whether or not T.O. accepts, I may be inclined to give this another thought.

However, we live in a rough time in our society and there is lots that is wrong in the US and all over the world.

Christmas just passed and we had Santa wreak havoc in an L.A. community.

There's an ongoing war in Iraq.

We're in a recession.

And that is just the tip of the iceberg.

Plenty people, such as myself, look to sports and in particular the NFL as a way to get away from it all.

We root for our teams. We wonder what we do if were in situation on 3rd-and-2, down by four with 3:00 left in the fourth quarter.

We listen to the commentators and the hosts of SportsCenter for news and insight. Not this BS!

Call it ignorance.

Call it lack of professionalism

Hell, call it being a Buckeye.

Something is wrong with this guy. He does not deserve a broadcasting job if he is unable to speak in a coherent sentence, much less wishing death upon someone.

The irony of this is that he is supposed to be a great leader in the community. Someone who the youth can look up. Someone who just spoke on how the Cowboys winning the Super Bowl would be a discredit to the league.

So he goes on national radio and is promoting to adolescents that violence is the answer?!

I don't think so.

This may come off as being overly sensitive to his comments that may have been in good faith, but make no mistake about it.

ESPN Should Fire Cris Carter. ESPN Needs to Fire Cris Carter.

The Audacity Of ESPN: A Love/Hate Relationship With America's Team.

Roberto Arevalo — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:48:04 -0500

ESPN is, without a doubt, the Worldwide Leader in Sports. I check them out religiously, whether it be on TV or online, and I love what they do. So, now that I've gotten that out of the way, let me say how I truly feel about them as of late.

I have been a big fan of the ESPN family for a while now, and whenever I would hear whispers or see comments about them having a certain bias, or what have you, I usually would just chalk it up to fans taking things to heart. But now hear I am...

The icing on the cake for me came recently, during the whole Ed Werder fiasco. It was then that I had finally had it. This love/hate relationship with top teams has got to give. Either you love them or you hate them. It cannot be both.

As a Cowboys fan, I love hearing about my team when there is actual news to report. Stirring drama to create headlines is just childish, and I expect more from the ESPN network.

Just because Terrell Owens is on the roster, that should not give them a free pass to speculate on team drama that nearly every player in the league will tell you happens in every NFL locker room.

It is no secret that T.O. has a shaky relationship with ESPN, mainly Ed Werder, Keyshawn Johnson, Tom Jackson, and now probably Emmitt Smith; not to mention a Mr. Matt Mosley, who covers the NFC East on his weekly blog.

This is obviously a battle he cannot win and I do not want to get into defending T.O.

My argument is this: Is the lashing the Cowboys receive week in and week out not also relevant to all the other teams that are or were supposed to be at the top, regardless of injuries?

The San Diego Chargers were coming off a highly impressive run to the AFC Championship last season and gave the Patriots all they had despite being banged up, including QB Rivers and go-to runningback Ladanian Tomlinson. Fast forward to this season: They lose Shawn Merriman, and Norv Turner loses his team. They cannot even compete in the weak AFC West and you hear nothing but "the Cowboys should have been better prepared to lose Romo."
The Washington Redskins start off an impressive 6-2, Clinton Portis is running like a wild man, Campbell is playing efficiently, and all signs point to Jim Zorn being a "genius." The second half of the season comes around and the wheels fall off. Suddenly, Campbell is struggling horribly and Portis is trashing his coach (kinda reminds you of something, doesn't it?), yet all this gets swept under the rug after making a measly splash.
The Dallas Cowboys start 3-0 and are the toast of the town since everyone picked them to win the NFC East and go to the Big Show. However, the New York Football Giants start off even better, at 11-1, and suddenly are the best thing since sliced bread. A Mr. Plaxico Burress decides to enter a nightclub and shoot himself in the leg and that makes for great AP and ESPN coverage...for one week!!! The Cowboys go on, despite the drama, to beat the Giants in Week 15, and you would think it would be the Giants' turn for scrutiny. Instead, what do you hear?—"Cowboys Avoid Distractions...For Now."
This brings us to the last game at historic Texas Stadium, and with all the juices going and Cowboys legends in attendance, one would expect nothing but a storybook ending. Wrong. Ravens win. So here come the horses once again. Cris Carter makes one of the stupidest comments I have read. Mark Schlereth tries his best to land a subtle jab at T.O. and the 'Boys in reference to Derrick Mason playing with an injured shoulder and making crucial plays. Now, I am not taking anything away from Mason, because he played with heart, but this is exactly what I'm talking about. Why do other teams not get this kind of criticism when they fail to meet expectations?

I won't even begin to go into all the off-the-field issues that have surrounded teams, besides the Burress situation.

So, just to be clear, I have absolutely no problem with criticism. The Dallas Cowboys have brought a lot of this on themselves. Being "America's Team" does have its downside.

Yet, while the local media may make these arguments I mention, if you want to do it on a platform like ESPN, you have a responsibility to play Fox News—and be "Fair and Balanced" (or so they say). But that's neither here nor there.

The Cowboys may have many similarities to the Yankees, but there is no need to create turmoil in order to stimulate interest or generate ratings. Last I checked, the NFL was the king of all sports and ESPN was the Worldwide Leader in Sports.

You would think that marriage would be enough.