Cowboys' Randy Gregory: Dealing With The 'Demons'
Follow CBSDFW.COM: Facebook | Twitter
GRAPEVINE (105.3 THE FAN) – Cowboys' defensive end Randy Gregory has "issues." "Demons," even, as team owner Jerry Jones put it. But intelligence isn't among them.
"Randy Gregory had the highest SAT score we have on record (among players) we've signed," Jones said when I asked him about the state of Gregory's "mind and body." "I enjoy my conversations with him. He's clever, he's great to visit with, just a pleasure … We don't have to worry about that part (intelligence.) He understands."
What the Cowboys do have to worry about is Gregory being suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy — and Jones' characterization of the second-year pass-rusher's issue as an "addiction."
Gregory attended the team's annual golf event Wednesday at Cowboys Golf Club in Grapevine — pleasantly surprising his bosses, I believe. He was jovial and cooperative in dealing with sponsors and exchanged hugs and handshakes with the obviously supportive Jones.
"It is a big step for him to be out here interacting, a big smile on his face and meeting people," COO Stephen Jones said. "This is good for him, and I appreciate him being out here."
Gregory, drafted by Dallas in the second round in 2015 despite having tested positive for marijuana at the NFL scouting combine and entering the league in the first stage of its substance abuse program, looks like he might have added on some weight-room weight to his slim frame.
Now he needs to add some maturity … and to accept the guidance the Cowboys are attempting to provide.
"(We) pray for him and want him to have the kind of career his gifts will allow," Jerry said. "He's an exceptional, exceptional football player - probably was the top rusher of the last two drafts, that's just my opinion. We need him."
Gregory may have not been "the top rusher of the last two drafts." He may not have posted "the highest SAT score we have on record," either. But Jerry hyperbole aside, Gregory is talented, he is bright, and they do need him.
What we don't know is how much Randy Gregory needs and loves football.
(©2016 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
