Yes, we’ve had this conversation before. About Jerry Jones, and the Cowboys, and enabling destructive behavior, and the whole sliding scale of talent.
We’ve had it very recently. Rolando McClain. Greg Hardy. The possibility of Johnny Manziel . The entire history of Jerry Jones’ ownership . The entire history of the NFL and every other sport. And now, we’re having it about Randy Gregory , and about Josh Gordon, and about Aldon Smith.
They’re being punished again, and when the punishment has been served, they’ll come back, and somebody — Jerry Jones or someone else — will say, “Gosh, this kid deserves a second chance, we’ve talked to him, he swears he’s on the right path now, and our pass rush/run defense/passing game really needs help.’’
MORE: NFL offseason, we won't miss you
We’re having this conversation again because nothing ever changes.
Ever.
Never mind whether all or any of these players really have an addiction problem, or whether rehab or counseling or more discipline or more character is the solution. Stop pretending you really care whether they find a solution. You care right up to the point where they can either help your favorite team, or they can’t.
There are fans all over America who ridiculed Jerry Jones mercilessly all last year because he signed Hardy. Many of those same fans are now debating whether Hardy can help their team this year.
Jaguars fans, we’re talking about you. Washington fans, you, too.
Wonder, instead, why the NFL is so addicted to talent at the expense of everything else.
Whether it’s addicted to winning, even if it means trusting and throwing millions at players who can’t get their lives together, either because they’re not seeking help or because the help they’re getting isn’t enough. Players who do nothing but hurt themselves or, far worse, hurt others without remorse.
MORE: 40 most hated NFL players of all time
The NFL isn’t going to stop doing what it does. You’re not going to stop letting them, or stop cheering them on when they do. Shockingly (sarcasm alert) another one of their affiliated projects that supposedly proved their concern about concussions was brought into question Wednesday, in a New York Times report debunking the Heads Up program's claim that it reduced the chance of head injuries.
If the league even feels a nick from that revelation, it won't be one they feel much.
Likewise, Jerry Jones isn’t going to have an epiphany and suddenly say, “Maybe we’re doing more harm than good by acting like this.” He’s an NFL owner, one of the most powerful and influential ones in the league. Having multiple players serving suspensions at the same time hasn’t hurt him one bit.
MORE: Each NFL team's most overrated player since 2000
He’s won Super Bowls with troubled players, and he’s finished dead last with them, too. The Cowboys float along just fine. The NFL floats along just fine. When camp opens for the Cowboys, they’ll be the same attention magnets they always are. You still won’t be able to get a ticket to see them play in their suburban palace, no matter what direction Hardy’s or Gregory’s life takes.
When another troubled player comes along that could help the Cowboys win if he stays straight, there will be a contract and an explanation ready for him.
The NFL isn’t suffering from any of this. The players, they’re a mess. Gregory might have real substance abuse problems, or his career might only be in jeopardy because the NFL can get away with taking that career away over marijuana.
Randy Gregory may or may not be an addict. The NFL’s addiction is well known. Same for its owners, like Jerry Jones. Same for its fans, who aren’t as different from each other as they want to think they are.
All their addictions still get fed, just like always.
That’s why nothing ever changes. Not with the Cowboys, or their owner, or anyone else.