I Hate, I Detest, I Disdain”: NFL Hall of Famer Slams Cowboys Owner Following Unusual Warning to Radio Hosts
NFL Hall of Famer and ESPN analyst Shannon Sharpe has criticized Jerry Jones for misusing his power as the owner of the Cowboys.
This came after Jones seemingly threatened the job security of two Dallas radio hosts who questioned his off-season moves.
The confrontation occurred during Jones’s weekly appearance on the show “Shan & RJ” on Audacy’s 105.3 The Fan, following the Cowboys’ humiliating 47-9 loss to the Lions on his 82nd birthday.
Sharpe pointed out that Jones’s comments put the radio hosts, Shan Shariff, R.J.
Choppy, and Bobby Belt, in a precarious position regarding their jobs. He expressed strong disapproval, stating,
“I hate, I detest, I despise someone that will prey on the weak.” Sharpe emphasized that it’s concerning for someone in a position of power, like Jones, to publicly threaten others in this manner.
He continued, “That tells me a lot about a man who would abuse that power to say, ‘I will get somebody in here to ask me favorable questions.’”
According to Sharpe, this behavior illustrates Jones’s tendency to seek credit when things go well while avoiding accountability when issues arise.
He noted that Jones has frequently claimed, “The buck stops with me,” indicating that he is responsible for all major decisions.
However, after a poor performance, Jones appeared unwilling to face scrutiny when questioned about the team’s shortcomings.
Sharpe was clear in his stance, stating that he wouldn’t take Jones’s comments lightly.
“If the Cowboys don’t win another playoff game or another game as long as Jerry Jones is the owner, I’ll be the happiest man in the world,” he declared.
He expressed frustration over Jones creating a hostile environment for the radio hosts, saying, “For Jerry to say this publicly … I’m out.”
Jones reacted angrily when the hosts raised issues related to the Cowboys’ off-season activities.
Many fans were disappointed that the team did not make significant moves to enhance its roster. Despite promising to go “all in” during the off-season,
Jones delayed contract extensions for key players like quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.
In his response, Jones insisted on reviewing the decisions made in recent years but dismissed the notion of discussing them over the radio.
“Now if you think I’m interested on a damn phone call with you over the radio and sitting here and throwing all the good out with the dishwater, you’d have got to be smoking something over there this morning. I’m not,” he said.
He expressed frustration over the radio hosts’ role, insisting that it was not their place to question his decisions or seek apologies.
Jones further stated, “That’s not your job or I’ll get somebody else to ask these questions, men. No, no. I’m not kidding.”
He maintained that the hosts wouldn’t be able to accurately assess the team’s performance or decision-making from a distance.
He suggested that if they believed they were capable of offering insights on the Cowboys’ operations, they should attend the NFL owners meeting instead.
He also affirmed his support for head coach Mike McCarthy, stating that there are no plans to fire him, even as the team deals with various challenges.
While acknowledging that the Cowboys have been short-handed, he noted that this should not be viewed as an excuse in the NFL.
In his remarks, Jones highlighted the significant contracts awarded to Prescott and Lamb, expressing pride in the team’s personnel decisions.
He emphasized that despite the embarrassment of the recent loss at AT&T Stadium, he was not ready to give up on the season.
Jones’s comments reflect his ongoing commitment to the Cowboys and his belief in the team’s potential to bounce back.
Ultimately, the interaction between Jones and the radio hosts underscores the tension within the organization amid fan disappointment and criticism.
Sharpe’s strong reaction illustrates a broader concern regarding accountability and transparency within the Cowboys’ leadership.
As the season progresses, how Jones manages both the team’s performance and its public perception will be crucial for the Cowboys and their loyal fan base.