Jerry Jones: Dez Should Know The 'Emmitt Smith' Rule
ARLINGTON (105.3 THE FAN) -- When Dez Bryant sneezes during a game, the national pundits ask why. When he shows emotion on the sidelines, he's a distraction and a cancer.
On Sunday, Bryant threw fuel on the fire after receiving an unsportsmanlike penalty in the second half for removing his helmet while arguing with officials.
"I did not know. Whenever he threw the flag, I was shocked," said Bryant following the game, claiming he was unaware of the rule.
The 'Emmitt Smith' rule was named after the former Cowboys running back, who routinely removed his helmet following a touchdown. The league established the rule in 1997.
"The Dallas Cowboys should know that one better than any team in the league," said owner Jerry Jones on 105.3 The Fan's New School with Shan & RJ. "When players don't know rules, that's the joint fault of coaching, as well as the player."
Some have criticized the Cowboys front office and coaching staff for taking a 'soft' stance with Bryant, but Jones disagrees with the idea that Bryant is treated differently.
"Dez' skin is very tough, very thick. He can take hard coaching," said Jones. "I'm not having any issues with being soft -- whether it be verbal or what you ask him to do -- with Dez Bryant. He gets as much as anybody out there and gets hard coaching."
The 15-yard penalty ultimately knocked the Cowboys out of field goal range. And in a tight game, that could have cost the team dearly.
"It was a lesson learned," said Bryant. "Do not take your helmet off."
(©2013 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
Sports Stories You May Also Be Interested In:
