Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith strongly criticized Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones for his handling of the Micah Parsons contract dispute, which has put the franchise in a tense position this offseason. The controversy centers on negotiations for Parsons’ contract extension and how Jones has publicly approached the situation.
When asked about the possibility of trading Parsons or extending his contract, Jones responded briefly on Monday with a vague warning about risks involved.
“All of it is risk,” Jones said.
Smith expressed serious concern over Jones’ interactions with Parsons, labeling the approach as bullying toward the young linebacker.
“I’m worried about the man,” Smith said on Tuesday during “First Take.” “I really was because some of the stuff that he was saying made no sense whatsoever. It makes no sense. But then this year it took on a life of its own because of the flagrant disrespect that he has shown towards Micah Parsons.
“To talk with this young man, to know who you are as a businessman, and to talk to a 25 or 26-year-old football player and act like that’s tantamount to an agreement without his representation. To go around talking as if you really did have an agreement. I don’t know what anybody’s talking about. That’s taking advantage. That’s bullying.”
The situation with Parsons has caused ongoing speculation, as the All-Pro linebacker has requested a trade amid contract disputes, yet the Cowboys have remained firm on keeping him. Despite the strained relationship, Parsons is participating in training camp while recovering from a back injury. He still has one season remaining on his contract, with the total value exceeding $24 million.
Emmitt Smith Differentiates His Contract Dispute from Parsons’ Current Standoff
Many observers have drawn parallels between Micah Parsons’ current impasse with Dallas and the highly publicized contract conflict from 32 years ago involving Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith. Emmitt Smith had pushed for a then-record salary of about $4 million after leading the team to a Super Bowl victory.
However, Smith pointed out key differences between his case and Parsons’ ongoing situation.
“He has another year on his contract,” Smith explained on Tuesday during “First Take.” “There is a distinct difference. The media never should have called me a holdout because I didn’t have a contract. I’m here to set the record straight.
As this contract drama unfolds, the Dallas Cowboys are preparing to face the Baltimore Ravens in their preseason opener scheduled for Saturday. The outcome of these negotiations will be closely watched by fans and analysts given Parsons’ importance to the team’s defense and future prospects.