Lawrence Drug Report Raises Cowboys Culture Questions

By Mike Fisher

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IRVING (105.3 The Fan) - Cowboys defensive end Demarcus Lawrence is reportedly facing a violation of the NFL's substance-abuse policy. And while he will certainly appeal the ruling, Cowboys Nation has reason to be concerned about the defensive end spots - and maybe the culture at Valley Ranch, too.

If Lawrence is indeed in this level of trouble (as first reported by Chat Sports) he would join fellow D-line youngster Randy Gregory on the suspended list for the first four games of the year. Meanwhile, Greg Hardy is not being invited back to Dallas due to what we've termed "The Uptown Flu,'' and 105.3 The Fan listeners will recall defensive lineman Jeremy Mincey (now a free agent and no longer with the Cowboys) questioning the team's choice of leadership — a direct indictment of Hardy's influence on players like Gregory and Lawrence.

Can the issue be fixed via the NFL Draft? In theory, though it's worth noting that three of the top defensive-line prospects — Joey Bosa, Noah Spence and Robert Nkemdiche - are alleged to have their own issues in this department.

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