Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones is under scrutiny regarding ongoing contract talks with linebacker Micah Parsons. Negotiations between the two sides have attracted criticism after it was reported that discussions took place without Parsons’ agent, David Mulugheta, present, a requirement under the Collective Bargaining Agreement. This situation has led to accusations that Jones violated rules about player negotiations.
Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee Darrelle Revis voiced his concerns publicly about both Jones’s methods and the National Football League Players Association’s response to the incident. In a statement released on social media, Revis said, “I don’t know if filing a grievance is necessarily the right battle at this moment, since the fine to him under the CBA amounts to pennies (… ) But doing nothing is not an option.” Revis went on to say, “The bigger issue is respect. Jerry’s actions show that owners have no problem taking advantage of us, and when our union fails to respond, it sends the message that they’ll be able to do the same in the next CBA negotiations if the current leadership remains in place. (…) Every player — past, present, and future — deserves a union they can trust to protect them and support them.” Both quotations were attributed in full to Revis.
Negotiations between Dallas and Parsons continue with just over a week before the season opener. It remains uncertain whether a deal will be reached in time or if there will be any further action by either party or the National Football League Players Association regarding these events.
