Is Dez Bryant 14? (1 Viewer)

[Donsmith753]

And the hits keep coming--

Bryant owes rent & damages to property

Dez Bryant pictured earlier....

 

[dhockster]

For those that don't think that this is a big deal for Dez's football performance, think about his situation:

-If he does in fact owe $800,000 (that we know of) just on Jewelry, how much does he owe on houses, cars, women, family, Posse, etc.

-He was the 24th pick in the draft so he only received a $3,000,000 signing bonus. I assume he signed the standard 4 year deal so his base is probably fairly low and his next big pay day will not be for another 3 years.

-As someone said, based on the above, he has to be functionally bankrupt. This is going to start making his life unpleasant. Once he actually becomes bankrupt, it will become more unpleasant.

-People under extreme financial pressure tend to make poor decisions. Since Dez is already making poor decisions, this could have major consequences on his life. The poor decisions might be manifested in violence, addictive behavior, suicidal behavior or just plain old depression. Not a great recipe for great football performance.

-He plays for the Cowboys which has never been known as an organization that helps its players avoid trouble.

-The players are locked out right now so there is no money coming in for the forseeable future. If the lockout goes on a long time, Dez is in real trouble financially.

Sure the problem right now is just financial. But it does not take long for financial problems to cause other problems in life. From a fantasy football perspective I would stay away from Dez unless you are willing to live with a very risky asset.

 

[Scooby1974]

All of this started out as more poking fun at some foolishness on Dez's part for making a mountain out of a molehill at the mall. Unfortunately it is FAR deeper than I even thought.

I do and have felt bad for this dude. He has had a rough start to life, and is now more prone to be surrounded by people who want something (money, jewelry, tickets, fame, etc)from him. I don't envy him at all, nor would I absolve him of ANY blame. I hope that he has a moment of clarity soon and calls somebody like Tony Dungy for some help.

 

[Concept Coop]

And the hits keep coming--

Bryant owes rent & damages to property

Wow. The guy is dumb. We should have seen the flags on draft day. There is no way he fell that far, because he lied (even though he did not wrong) and was suspended. There had to be other writing on the wall. A lot teams in need to Dez like talent willfully passed on him. The fact that he did go in the first round might only be true because of ole' Jerry. I would sell. He is still going round 1/2 in startups and his value is still high. I wouldn't sell low, but I would sell.

 

[JamesTheScot]

And to think Bryant had character concerns prior to being drafted.

I don't envy GMs. Sadly to remove all players that are numbskulls and/or risk of being financially irresponsible would make it next to impossible to field a team. But I agree with you, there were a LOT of Dez apologists out there even though he has off-the-field maturity and ethics concerns before anyone decided to draft the kid.

Being wise with finances can be taught or provided by an advisor. His support system is the thing that he needs to get and keep him on the right path. Regarding GM's and knuckleheads, just cross the guy off the list and move on.

While you are correct, that doesn't make me any more optimistic.It's one thing to not know how to handle money, it's another to not accept that you don't know how to handle money and try to fix it. The league can offer all the counseling/mentor/adviser services in the world, but many of these knuckleheads will never take advantage of those services. It's the old "you can lead a horse to water..." problem.

We act like these guys can be fixed because they simply lacked good role models or mentors in their lives. What I am coming to believe is that they did have good role models available but simply opted to follow the bad role models available to them. It will always boil down to bad decisions whether it's a stupid jewelry purchase, choosing to hang around with thugs, or not taking advantage of financial couseling offered through the league. You can't fix that kind of stubborn stupid, at least not often.

 

[gandalas]

And to think Bryant had character concerns prior to being drafted.

I don't envy GMs. Sadly to remove all players that are numbskulls and/or risk of being financially irresponsible would make it next to impossible to field a team. But I agree with you, there were a LOT of Dez apologists out there even though he has off-the-field maturity and ethics concerns before anyone decided to draft the kid.

Being wise with finances can be taught or provided by an advisor. His support system is the thing that he needs to get and keep him on the right path. Regarding GM's and knuckleheads, just cross the guy off the list and move on.

In the Tarrant County case filed in September, Eleow Hunt of Colleyville said he sold $293,000 worth of jewelry and $12,350 worth of sporting event tickets to Bryant on credit after Wells asked him to, beginning in late December 2008 or early January 2009.

His adviser and friend David Wells

He's going to need a new adviser that doesn't advocate buying on credit..

The part of that article that confused me was:

His adviser and friend David Wells, of DeSoto, declined to comment and referred questions to state Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas, an attorney, who did not answer messages left at his Austin and Dallas offices.

Why the hell is a State Senator being listed as the point of contact on issues with Dez Bryant? From an article that I found about him:

State Sen. Royce West , D-Dallas, has agreed to pay a $3,000 fine to resolve several campaign finance reporting violations that were identified by the Texas Ethics Commission in reports filed by the senator in 2007 and 2008.

Sounds like Dez has surrounded himself with quality people all around!

 

[Go deep]

The funny thing is as much of a tool bag as Bryant is, he is more likely to have a successful career than the guy picked right behind him who was only picked that high because of the person he is off the field.

 

[Tackling Dummies]

And to think Bryant had character concerns prior to being drafted.

I don't envy GMs. Sadly to remove all players that are numbskulls and/or risk of being financially irresponsible would make it next to impossible to field a team. But I agree with you, there were a LOT of Dez apologists out there even though he has off-the-field maturity and ethics concerns before anyone decided to draft the kid.

Being wise with finances can be taught or provided by an advisor. His support system is the thing that he needs to get and keep him on the right path. Regarding GM's and knuckleheads, just cross the guy off the list and move on.

While you are correct, that doesn't make me any more optimistic.It's one thing to not know how to handle money, it's another to not accept that you don't know how to handle money and try to fix it. The league can offer all the counseling/mentor/adviser services in the world, but many of these knuckleheads will never take advantage of those services. It's the old "you can lead a horse to water..." problem.

We act like these guys can be fixed because they simply lacked good role models or mentors in their lives. What I am coming to believe is that they did have good role models available but simply opted to follow the bad role models available to them. It will always boil down to bad decisions whether it's a stupid jewelry purchase, choosing to hang around with thugs, or not taking advantage of financial couseling offered through the league. You can't fix that kind of stubborn stupid, at least not often.

Well put, I agree all the way around. Going through the rough timeline here, his shenanigans started in OSU and are still rolling down the tracks. His mentor (Deion) dropped him like a bag of dirt and Bryant thinks it was about repping a shoe company? Ooof. To me, Bryant has an urgent need to have a suffocating inner circle compromised of top-of-their-profession advisors instead of worrying about going to Foot Locker at the mall. Cut Twitter, ensure his diet is in order, cut spending down to the minimum, make sure he's training, etc. Will he do that? Odds are long, but he's not in jail. Yet. Bryant's complete lack of owning up to his financial decisions and the statement from his camp that he is being singled out is laughable.Not that he is the Knucklehead Whisperer, but he should give Tony Dungy a call. Like right now.

 

[JamesTheScot]

Deion hates this guy. What was dez doing to the little kids, peddling drugs? It sounds like Deion wants zero to do with Bryant. I hope if it was something seriously wrong to kids that Deion calls goodell. To be blunt if he tried pushing drugs or anything sexual with little kids, even weed then Goodell should ban him for life.

I doubt it was that bad. At least I hope not. It's hard to know whose side to believe; however, I can see Deion not wanting him around just for being a potentially bad role model.

I take what Deion says with a grain of salt. There is a possibility that his falling out with Bryant had everything to do with the Under Armor deal that fell through. Whether Bryant screwed Deion with Under Armor or whether Deion is just pissed because he lost out by not being able to deliver Bryant to Under Armor, who knows? It wouldn't be the first time that bad business caused bad blood.Deion is a shameless self-promoter so it wouldn't surprise me to see him turn his back on Bryant for completely selfish reasons while claiming that "it's for the children" so he could keep his own image clean.It's more smoke, though. No question.

 

[BusMan]

Highlights from a current Twitter search for "Dez Bryant":

Dez Bryant is in a "dark place" according to David Wells.

David Wells said he's not getting any money from Dez Bryant.

--ESPNDallas.com's Calvin Watkins

 

[Multiple Scores]

The real debate is who is more intelligent... Dez Bryant or Patrick Starfish?

 

[Multiple Scores]

Sounds like Wells is fishing for the pity party. Boo Hoo.

Highlights from a current Twitter search for "Dez Bryant":

Dez Bryant is in a "dark place" according to David Wells.

David Wells said he's not getting any money from Dez Bryant.

--ESPNDallas.com's Calvin Watkins

 

[Tackling Dummies]

Dez's advisor and his plan

His plan should be to get him off the payroll and then his attorney.

 

[loose circuits]

Dez's advisor and his plan

His plan should be to get him off the payroll and then his attorney.

tough to have a financial plan when you have 0 income?His plan should probably be to start selling crap

How can he spend all that money at the mall when he doesn't really have any?

 

[BusMan]

From Calvin Watkins, ESPN.com:

The adviser for Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant said the man is in a dark place.

David Wells, who spent about 10 minutes on the Ben and Skin show today on 103.3 FM, said Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant is in a dark place right now.

Bryant has three lawsuits pending against him, the two biggest says he owes over $850,000, mainly on jewlery, sporting event tickets and personal loans.

Wells said the goal is for Bryant to repay the loans.

But the entire situation has wore him down.

"I talked to him yesterday and he wants to get past this," Wells said on the Ben and Skin Show. "He wants to get all these deals past him and closure. He’s in a dark place in his life. Until you find that light, you’re going to continue to be in a dark place."

After his interview, Wells was asked to speak further on the dark place comment to ESPNDallas: "When people are coming at you, and Dez doesn't like his name thrown out there, it bothers him. He just wants to be left alone."

Wells said Bryant is working out in Louisiana and is expected back to the Dallas area soon.

"He’s got a plan that he talked to me about yesterday, that he wants to move forward with," Wells said on the radio. "The greatest thing in the end is if Dez comes out and does what he has to do in the community, as a father, with the Cowboys organization, then I think he’ll be OK."

 

[Scooby1974]

"He’s got a plan that he talked to me about yesterday, that he wants to move forward with," Wells said on the radio. "The greatest thing in the end is if Dez comes out and does what he has to do in the community, as a father, with the Cowboys organization, then I think he’ll be OK."

Wait, he already procreated? Isn't it generally fatherhood that causes most people to start using their brain? Apparently despite his upbringing, he, like so many other fools, didn't learn from his parent's mistakes. Sad all around.

 

[FavreCo]

If this guy is not completely stupid, this may actually be a wake up call for him. BMW spent it all and realized that he screwed up while he was still able to make $ at football. Most of these guys go belly up after they can't command an NFL paycheck. He'll be playing for peanuts as his salary goes to everyone else until he can get another contract.

 

[corpcow]

Pants on the ground, pants on the groundLookin' like a fool with your pants on the groundWith the gold in your mouth, hat turned sideways, pants hit the groundCall yourself a cool cat, lookin' like a foolWalkin' downtown with your pants on the groundGiddy up hey get your pants off the ground!

 

[finito]

Wells said the goal is for Bryant to repay the loans.

Best advisor ever. I challenge you to find someone who could come up with such an elegant solution to this complex problem.

 

[Multiple Scores]

What a knucklehead!!!

 

[Steed]

For those that don't think that this is a big deal for Dez's football performance, think about his situation:

-If he does in fact owe $800,000 (that we know of) just on Jewelry, how much does he owe on houses, cars, women, family, Posse, etc.

-He was the 24th pick in the draft so he only received a $3,000,000 signing bonus. I assume he signed the standard 4 year deal so his base is probably fairly low and his next big pay day will not be for another 3 years.

-As someone said, based on the above, he has to be functionally bankrupt. This is going to start making his life unpleasant. Once he actually becomes bankrupt, it will become more unpleasant.

-People under extreme financial pressure tend to make poor decisions. Since Dez is already making poor decisions, this could have major consequences on his life. The poor decisions might be manifested in violence, addictive behavior, suicidal behavior or just plain old depression. Not a great recipe for great football performance.

-He plays for the Cowboys which has never been known as an organization that helps its players avoid trouble.-The players are locked out right now so there is no money coming in for the forseeable future. If the lockout goes on a long time, Dez is in real trouble financially.

Sure the problem right now is just financial. But it does not take long for financial problems to cause other problems in life. From a fantasy football perspective I would stay away from Dez unless you are willing to live with a very risky asset.

The bolded is incorrect. The Cowboys have a player development program headed up by Grant Hill's father that is supposed to keep them in check. This is how they oversaw PacMan while he was with them.

 

[dhockster]

For those that don't think that this is a big deal for Dez's football performance, think about his situation:

-If he does in fact owe $800,000 (that we know of) just on Jewelry, how much does he owe on houses, cars, women, family, Posse, etc.

-He was the 24th pick in the draft so he only received a $3,000,000 signing bonus. I assume he signed the standard 4 year deal so his base is probably fairly low and his next big pay day will not be for another 3 years.

-As someone said, based on the above, he has to be functionally bankrupt. This is going to start making his life unpleasant. Once he actually becomes bankrupt, it will become more unpleasant.

-People under extreme financial pressure tend to make poor decisions. Since Dez is already making poor decisions, this could have major consequences on his life. The poor decisions might be manifested in violence, addictive behavior, suicidal behavior or just plain old depression. Not a great recipe for great football performance.

-He plays for the Cowboys which has never been known as an organization that helps its players avoid trouble.-The players are locked out right now so there is no money coming in for the forseeable future. If the lockout goes on a long time, Dez is in real trouble financially.

Sure the problem right now is just financial. But it does not take long for financial problems to cause other problems in life. From a fantasy football perspective I would stay away from Dez unless you are willing to live with a very risky asset.

The bolded is incorrect. The Cowboys have a player development program headed up by Grant Hill's father that is supposed to keep them in check. This is how they oversaw PacMan while he was with them.

I was talking more historically under Jerry Jones, they have not always cared about helping their players avoid trouble. If Jerry has in fact learned something over the years and the Cowboys are actively trying to help problem players, then I applaud him. It looks like they may have their hands full with Dez because he seems to be a knucklehead.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

this thread need more critic and mass posting.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

this thread need more critic and mass posting.

I think this thread needs more cowbell.

 

[Sweet Love]

For those that don't think that this is a big deal for Dez's football performance, think about his situation:

-If he does in fact owe $800,000 (that we know of) just on Jewelry, how much does he owe on houses, cars, women, family, Posse, etc.

-He was the 24th pick in the draft so he only received a $3,000,000 signing bonus. I assume he signed the standard 4 year deal so his base is probably fairly low and his next big pay day will not be for another 3 years.

-As someone said, based on the above, he has to be functionally bankrupt. This is going to start making his life unpleasant. Once he actually becomes bankrupt, it will become more unpleasant.

-People under extreme financial pressure tend to make poor decisions. Since Dez is already making poor decisions, this could have major consequences on his life. The poor decisions might be manifested in violence, addictive behavior, suicidal behavior or just plain old depression. Not a great recipe for great football performance.

-He plays for the Cowboys which has never been known as an organization that helps its players avoid trouble.-The players are locked out right now so there is no money coming in for the forseeable future. If the lockout goes on a long time, Dez is in real trouble financially.

Sure the problem right now is just financial. But it does not take long for financial problems to cause other problems in life. From a fantasy football perspective I would stay away from Dez unless you are willing to live with a very risky asset.

The bolded is incorrect. The Cowboys have a player development program headed up by Grant Hill's father that is supposed to keep them in check. This is how they oversaw PacMan while he was with them.

How did that go for them? Didin't he beat a body guard or someone like that up and get kicked off the team?

 

[King of the Jungle]

Fast forward....Dez shows skills on football field and people forget about the mall.

 

[abricru]

Store clerks at Dallas mall say they'll miss Dez Bryant

TRANSLATION -- "He spends and spends, of course we love and will miss him."

Now people are bashing him for being liked by some, just absolutly ignorant.

Wrong. People are QUESTIONING the MOTIVATION of why he is "liked" (see also tolerated)by STORE OWNERS despite his foolish behavior. We are not bashing him for being liked. There is a large difference between the two. And if you are going to brandish us "absolutely ignorant", at least spell absolutely correct so YOU don't look like the ignorant one.

Since you brought it up... there is no such word as "irregardless.: (You used it twice in your post.) Also, it should be "spell absolutely correctly."

 

[Multiple Scores]

I haven't heard he paid these guys yet. How hard is it to pay your bills? I think dez will take attention anyway he can, he probably leaked all these stories to get the attention.

 

[cobalt_27]

Fast forward....Dez shows skills on football field and people forget about the mall.

Sure. That's what we Cowboys hope will happen.The concern remains, however, that he keeps behaving like a petulant adolescent who thinks he's above it all and that his inflated ego will put him into even sketchier situations that eventually removes him from the football field (e.g., arrests, drugs, suspensions, etc.). The good news is he hasn't done anything terribly egregious just yet. Some guys (Chris Carter is an example that comes to mind) who were a mess early in their careers, but eventually came out the other side just fine. I think many of us are just a bit nervous that he'll find his way into more serious trouble if he continues down this path.

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

He believes that things happen to him, not because of him. He needs a new mindset. New mindsets are rarely achieved, they cannot be bought, they are hard won. Usually they are reached by the introspective, by listeners, by those that respect the opinions, experience, wisdom, and judgement of others.

I don't see Bryant fitting that profile but I have been surprised before, so who can say?

 

[Multiple Scores]

Some of my friends had bryants victim mentality. Going into the armed services saved them and changed that mindset. Being a pampered athlete with a high paying isn't on par but anyone can change, it's up to Bryant.

He believes that things happen to him, not because of him. He needs a new mindset. New mindsets are rarely achieved, they cannot be bought, they are hard won. Usually they are reached by the introspective, by listeners, by those that respect the opinions, experience, wisdom, and judgement of others.

I don't see Bryant fitting that profile but I have been surprised before, so who can say?

 

[Agent575]

Fast forward....Dez shows skills on football field and people forget about the mall.

Fast forward: Dez acts tough and assaults a Footlocker employee at the mall, gets a suspension and Bryant owners are left telling tales of skill that may one day be seen.

 

[Dexter Manley]

More news emerging for Bryant. It appears the guy isn't even repsonsible enough to regularly get to practice on time, and thus his advisor arranged for someone to pick him up and get him to practice last season.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/category/rumor-mill/

Jean-Jacques Taylor explains that it’s not easy to get through to Dez Bryant

Posted by Mike Florio on April 4, 2011, 5:05 PM EDT

Jean-Jacques Taylor of the Dallas Morning News joined PFT Live on Monday to discuss various issues relating to the Cowboys.

The first topic? The troubles of receiver Dez Bryant.

Taylor has a friendship with David Wells, who serves as Bryant’s adviser. And Taylor suggested that Bryant isn’t listening to Wells. And Taylor said that Wells is reluctant to quit his position because Bryant has legitimate concerns regarding abandonment.

So what will Wells do? We asked Taylor, and he answered. Click the box below for more.

Among other things, Taylor explained that, in 2010, Wells arranged for someone to pick Bryant up and get him to work on time.

 

[fatness]

The concern remains, however, that he keeps behaving like a petulant adolescent who thinks he's above it all and that his inflated ego will put him into even sketchier situations that eventually removes him from the football field (e.g., arrests, drugs, suspensions, etc.).

Like this?

 

[Banger]

guy reminds me of Marshall. When Marshall started out he was a thug and a dope and Dez seems to be the same way. All the talent in the world but a .10 cent head. I hate to say that because I have them both. Dez really needs to turn himself around off the field.

 

[Jason Wood]

I realize Deion is basically rehashing the decision he made in March, but to see those kinds of pointed comments again illustrates the risks with Dez

http://espn.go.com/dallas/nfl/story/_/id/6761738/deion-sanders-worried-dallas-cowboys-dez-bryant#

Maybe his talent supersedes this risk for awhile, but I'm avoiding Bryant at all costs.

 

[Mark Wimer]

I realize Deion is basically rehashing the decision he made in March, but to see those kinds of pointed comments again illustrates the risks with Dez

http://espn.go.com/dallas/nfl/story/_/id/6761738/deion-sanders-worried-dallas-cowboys-dez-bryant#

Maybe his talent supersedes this risk for awhile, but I'm avoiding Bryant at all costs.

He seems to be really immature, which leads him into bad situations as Deion Sanders relates. Sanders hinting at "I had to cut my umbilical cord with him because a lot of things people do not know about." is particularly troubling, IMO.

 

[Hoosier16]

I realize Deion is basically rehashing the decision he made in March, but to see those kinds of pointed comments again illustrates the risks with Dez

http://espn.go.com/d...oys-dez-bryant#

Maybe his talent supersedes this risk for awhile, but I'm avoiding Bryant at all costs.

Deion sounds like he's more concerned about himself (reputation) than mentoring Bryant.

 

[Multiple Scores]

Disagree

I realize Deion is basically rehashing the decision he made in March, but to see those kinds of pointed comments again illustrates the risks with Dez

http://espn.go.com/d...oys-dez-bryant#

Maybe his talent supersedes this risk for awhile, but I'm avoiding Bryant at all costs.

Deion sounds like he's more concerned about himself (reputation) than mentoring Bryant.

 

[Hoosier16]

Disagree

I realize Deion is basically rehashing the decision he made in March, but to see those kinds of pointed comments again illustrates the risks with Dez

http://espn.go.com/d...oys-dez-bryant#

Maybe his talent supersedes this risk for awhile, but I'm avoiding Bryant at all costs.

Deion sounds like he's more concerned about himself (reputation) than mentoring Bryant.

Why? As a father, I can't imagine ever giving up on my kid. If you sign up to mentor someone, I don't know why you wouldn't treat the situation any different. The mentor shouldn't be the one calling it quits, no matter what happens.

 

[coolnerd]

Disagree

I realize Deion is basically rehashing the decision he made in March, but to see those kinds of pointed comments again illustrates the risks with Dez

http://espn.go.com/d...oys-dez-bryant#

Maybe his talent supersedes this risk for awhile, but I'm avoiding Bryant at all costs.

Deion sounds like he's more concerned about himself (reputation) than mentoring Bryant.

Why? As a father, I can't imagine ever giving up on my kid. If you sign up to mentor someone, I don't know why you wouldn't treat the situation any different. The mentor shouldn't be the one calling it quits, no matter what happens.

Very different to me. a mentor while he can be "like" a father does not have the responsibility to be a father especially to an adult. Sanders has real kids and other kids in his charity work. If Dez as adult is not holding up end his end of the relationship (assuming what Sanders claims is true) to detriment other either his real kids or his charity, the proper thing is to not have Dez (or any other mentee) around.

 

[Multiple Scores]

Well said!

Disagree

I realize Deion is basically rehashing the decision he made in March, but to see those kinds of pointed comments again illustrates the risks with Dez

http://espn.go.com/d...oys-dez-bryant#

Maybe his talent supersedes this risk for awhile, but I'm avoiding Bryant at all costs.

Deion sounds like he's more concerned about himself (reputation) than mentoring Bryant.

Why? As a father, I can't imagine ever giving up on my kid. If you sign up to mentor someone, I don't know why you wouldn't treat the situation any different. The mentor shouldn't be the one calling it quits, no matter what happens.

Very different to me. a mentor while he can be "like" a father does not have the responsibility to be a father especially to an adult. Sanders has real kids and other kids in his charity work. If Dez as adult is not holding up end his end of the relationship (assuming what Sanders claims is true) to detriment other either his real kids or his charity, the proper thing is to not have Dez (or any other mentee) around.

 

[cobalt_27]

The concern remains, however, that he keeps behaving like a petulant adolescent who thinks he's above it all and that his inflated ego will put him into even sketchier situations that eventually removes him from the football field (e.g., arrests, drugs, suspensions, etc.).

Like this?

Like what? Didn't see this before. I have no idea what your point is in connecting Vrabel continuously behaving like a petulant adolescent, nor do I see anything in this article that suggests he has an inflated ego, that he lacks remorse, etc., etc., etc.

 

[mrip541]

I've always wondered how guys keep their pants up when their belt is below their ###. It just doesn't make any sense.

Also, yes Dez is 14. He's never been asked to do anything more than catch a ball.

 

[Hoosier16]

Disagree

I realize Deion is basically rehashing the decision he made in March, but to see those kinds of pointed comments again illustrates the risks with Dez

http://espn.go.com/d...oys-dez-bryant#

Maybe his talent supersedes this risk for awhile, but I'm avoiding Bryant at all costs.

Deion sounds like he's more concerned about himself (reputation) than mentoring Bryant.

Why? As a father, I can't imagine ever giving up on my kid. If you sign up to mentor someone, I don't know why you wouldn't treat the situation any different. The mentor shouldn't be the one calling it quits, no matter what happens.

Very different to me. a mentor while he can be "like" a father does not have the responsibility to be a father especially to an adult. Sanders has real kids and other kids in his charity work. If Dez as adult is not holding up end his end of the relationship (assuming what Sanders claims is true) to detriment other either his real kids or his charity, the proper thing is to not have Dez (or any other mentee) around.

I guess I don't see it that way. Mentoring, or being a father, doesn't end because someone turns 18. There is usually a reason someone needs to be mentored, whether they are an adult or child. Bailing on that person at the first (or second, or third, . . .) sign of problems is the easy way out. It's easy to mentor someone who always listens and does everything right. But, then they probably don't need a mentor.As far as Bryant being a detriment to his school or charities, I don't see why this has to be the case. If Sanders is using Bryant to promote his school or charities, then Sanders is probably in it for the wrong reasons. It should be pretty easy to separate the two things. Bryant shouldn't be asked to mentor young children or represent charities before he is prepared for that. It would be pretty simple to not have him around those things and still be his mentor.

 

[Tackling Dummies]

I've always wondered how guys keep their pants up when their belt is below their ###. It just doesn't make any sense. He's never been asked to do anything more than catch a ball.

A players conduct is also part of the deal when he signed his name.

 

[3nOut]

Disagree

I realize Deion is basically rehashing the decision he made in March, but to see those kinds of pointed comments again illustrates the risks with Dez

http://espn.go.com/d...oys-dez-bryant#

Maybe his talent supersedes this risk for awhile, but I'm avoiding Bryant at all costs.

Deion sounds like he's more concerned about himself (reputation) than mentoring Bryant.

Why? As a father, I can't imagine ever giving up on my kid. If you sign up to mentor someone, I don't know why you wouldn't treat the situation any different. The mentor shouldn't be the one calling it quits, no matter what happens.

Very different to me. a mentor while he can be "like" a father does not have the responsibility to be a father especially to an adult. Sanders has real kids and other kids in his charity work. If Dez as adult is not holding up end his end of the relationship (assuming what Sanders claims is true) to detriment other either his real kids or his charity, the proper thing is to not have Dez (or any other mentee) around.

I guess I don't see it that way. Mentoring, or being a father, doesn't end because someone turns 18. There is usually a reason someone needs to be mentored, whether they are an adult or child. Bailing on that person at the first (or second, or third, . . .) sign of problems is the easy way out. It's easy to mentor someone who always listens and does everything right. But, then they probably don't need a mentor.As far as Bryant being a detriment to his school or charities, I don't see why this has to be the case. If Sanders is using Bryant to promote his school or charities, then Sanders is probably in it for the wrong reasons. It should be pretty easy to separate the two things. Bryant shouldn't be asked to mentor young children or represent charities before he is prepared for that. It would be pretty simple to not have him around those things and still be his mentor.

I use this emoticon very sparingly, but I am not sure how the topic got started during the interview, but I think this is more about Deion than Dez. Let it go. If you want to cut ties and not mentor him anymore, shame on you, but its your choice, just leave it be then.

The part that probably bothers me the most though, is how he says,"I'm trying to open schools and get these kids prepared for the future, and I can't have that on my record saying that: 'How am I going to send my kids to your school, and this is what you are turning out over here?' " Sanders told the radio station. "No, I am not turning that out over there. ...".

No he's not turning that out over there, but what he is really saying to the parents are, "I will take your child into my school, but will drop him once he starts causing problems (also read as 'When he needs mentoring the most).

 

[Cookiemonster]

Disagree

I realize Deion is basically rehashing the decision he made in March, but to see those kinds of pointed comments again illustrates the risks with Dez

http://espn.go.com/d...oys-dez-bryant#

Maybe his talent supersedes this risk for awhile, but I'm avoiding Bryant at all costs.

Deion sounds like he's more concerned about himself (reputation) than mentoring Bryant.

Why? As a father, I can't imagine ever giving up on my kid. If you sign up to mentor someone, I don't know why you wouldn't treat the situation any different. The mentor shouldn't be the one calling it quits, no matter what happens.

Very different to me. a mentor while he can be "like" a father does not have the responsibility to be a father especially to an adult. Sanders has real kids and other kids in his charity work. If Dez as adult is not holding up end his end of the relationship (assuming what Sanders claims is true) to detriment other either his real kids or his charity, the proper thing is to not have Dez (or any other mentee) around.

I guess I don't see it that way. Mentoring, or being a father, doesn't end because someone turns 18. There is usually a reason someone needs to be mentored, whether they are an adult or child. Bailing on that person at the first (or second, or third, . . .) sign of problems is the easy way out. It's easy to mentor someone who always listens and does everything right. But, then they probably don't need a mentor.As far as Bryant being a detriment to his school or charities, I don't see why this has to be the case. If Sanders is using Bryant to promote his school or charities, then Sanders is probably in it for the wrong reasons. It should be pretty easy to separate the two things. Bryant shouldn't be asked to mentor young children or represent charities before he is prepared for that. It would be pretty simple to not have him around those things and still be his mentor.

I use this emoticon very sparingly, but I am not sure how the topic got started during the interview, but I think this is more about Deion than Dez. Let it go. If you want to cut ties and not mentor him anymore, shame on you, but its your choice, just leave it be then.

The part that probably bothers me the most though, is how he says,"I'm trying to open schools and get these kids prepared for the future, and I can't have that on my record saying that: 'How am I going to send my kids to your school, and this is what you are turning out over here?' " Sanders told the radio station. "No, I am not turning that out over there. ...".

No he's not turning that out over there, but what he is really saying to the parents are, "I will take your child into my school, but will drop him once he starts causing problems (also read as 'When he needs mentoring the most).

So, because Deion says he's gonna help this guy he's chained to him for life? Regardless of what kind of turd he turns out to be? If people are bad for your life, get them out of your life. I'm sure Deion knows more about this guy and the situation than any of us, and if he's deemed Dez to be beyond help then that's his business. Some people can't be saved. Or maybe cutting the brat loose IS helping him. Maybe making him stand on his own two feet is exactly what this kid needs to do for a while to grow up some.

 

[Clifford]

And to think Bryant had character concerns prior to being drafted.

I don't envy GMs. Sadly to remove all players that are numbskulls and/or risk of being financially irresponsible would make it next to impossible to field a team. But I agree with you, there were a LOT of Dez apologists out there even though he has off-the-field maturity and ethics concerns before anyone decided to draft the kid.

Being wise with finances can be taught or provided by an advisor. His support system is the thing that he needs to get and keep him on the right path. Regarding GM's and knuckleheads, just cross the guy off the list and move on.

While you are correct, that doesn't make me any more optimistic.It's one thing to not know how to handle money, it's another to not accept that you don't know how to handle money and try to fix it. The league can offer all the counseling/mentor/adviser services in the world, but many of these knuckleheads will never take advantage of those services. It's the old "you can lead a horse to water..." problem.

We act like these guys can be fixed because they simply lacked good role models or mentors in their lives. What I am coming to believe is that they did have good role models available but simply opted to follow the bad role models available to them. It will always boil down to bad decisions whether it's a stupid jewelry purchase, choosing to hang around with thugs, or not taking advantage of financial couseling offered through the league. You can't fix that kind of stubborn stupid, at least not often.

I would make a joke here but after getting banned.

 

[T with T]

Wow, Shark pool never fails.He will be out of the league in 2 years, he must be 14 because he has his own style, lol, the fact that I share the earth with people who think like this scares me, maybe we should be more worried why a guy cant wear his clothes the way he wants without being harrassed.An opinion is fine, as long as ur educated on the topic and show no bias, but here people think with emotions and the way they personally feel, then about whats right.I dont like how old people wear slacks or rednecks wear tight jeans and cowboy hats, but that dont mean its wrong or they should be harrassed.Also, with wars in the middle east, oil slicks still in the gulf coast, and tsunamis earthquakes and nuclear reactors blowing up in Japan, that we have bigger things to worry about....not Dez Bryants pants.And I'm still laughing that a person said he would be out of the league in 2 years because of pants, lmao, but then again only 35% of Americans have common sense.

35 percent your being gracious sir, I was thinking more like 10 percent. But yea that is funny out of the league in 2 years give me a break... funny stuff. He will be a top 5-10 wr in 2 years.