Dez Bryant got into trouble with the Dallas Cowboys after failing to show up for his MRI last week, but apparently that isn’t the only case of irresponsible behavior this year.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the talented receiver has missed or been late to seven or eight meetings already this year.
“They said the wide receiver has shown improvement at times, but he has still been tardy or AWOL at least 20 times and possibly as many as 40 times during his seven-year Dallas career.”
This pattern has led one anonymous player to say, “If you were hoping for him to come to a scheduled meeting, he may or may not be there; but if you need a first down on third-and-14, throw it to Dez,” per the report.
Bryant has hired a driver to help him with his attendance, but he continues to have trouble making meetings a priority, it seems.
An emotional player and person, he expressed disappointment in himself after ditching treatment, his MRI and team meetings last week.
“Things could’ve been done a lot different,” Bryant said. “I could’ve done a way better job on my part. It was more so on really not wanting to see what was going on with my injury. Luckily, it was way better than what I thought and everything is good. And I’m just ready to get back on that field whenever that time is.”
Schefter reports at least one person is beginning to question whether or not the Cowboys are doing Bryant any good by not meting out stiffer punishment for his transgressions.
Another source indicated to Schefter that personal discipline could cost the receiver valuable years in the NFL, saying “Bryant’s lack of sleep and poor eating habits will prevent him from extending his career as long as he could.”
The past two years, injuries have become the main story surrounding Bryant. Almost 28, he’s already breaking down, it seems. He missed seven games in 2015 with a foot ailment and is set to miss at least one game this year dealing with a knee injury.