Why The Cowboys Shouldn't Fight The NFL's 'Arm In Arm' Ruling

By Mike Fisher

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OXNARD (105.3 The Fan) - Where does the NFL draw the line on teams creating deviations from normal uniforms to celebrate or mourn or raise awareness?

The NFL draws the line at "Arm in Arm.''

The league, having already declined the Dallas Cowboys' request to wear a helmet decal to highlight the club's effort to work with the Dallas Police Department, has now also declined a request to wear the decals in preseason games.

The Dallas Police Department responded to the decision by the NFL on Thursday afternoon.

"We appreciate the support of the Cowboys organization and its players," Dallas Police said in a statement. "Their concern for the families of our fallen officers, the Dallas Police Department, and the City of Dallas is what matters most, and we know that support will continue for the immediate and long term future."

The Cowboys don't have to agree with the decision … and obviously don't. But they do understand it. Besides the desire for uniformity and the red tape involved in change, there is this: the NFL is trying to avoid being "political'' and "controversial'' … though I would argue that this effort, initiated in large part by Cowboys tight end Jason Witten as a response in part to the recent murder of five Dallas cops, isn't just about "Back The Blue''; I continue to push the idea that rather than "take sides,'' we should strive for "Unity in the Community.''

And to me, Arm In Arm does that.

As I've written before, the Cowboys don't need a sticker on their helmets to do good here. Arm In Arm can and will still be an initiative. And as to Cowboys followers who think Jerry Jones and the team should wear the decals anyway, should buck the NFL ruling, should tell commissioner Roger Goodall, "Screw you!''?

Wouldn't that be in direct conflict with the exact message "Arm In Arm'' is attempting to send?

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