Jerry Jones Puts Dallas Staff on Silence

For the Dallas Cowboys, a team that entered 2008 with Super Bowl expectations only to finish the year with nine wins and no playoffs, there haven't been many changes this offseason. The defensive coordinator and special teams coach were fired and Pacman Jones was released.

Other than that, though, not much has changed. Not 'til combine week, anyway. Jerry Jones slapped his coaching staff with a gag order -- nobody can talk to the media "independently" -- because, as the Dallas Morning News' Todd Archer writes, the Cowboys owner "has been upset with what he feels have been inaccurate stories this offseason."

"You can't get the full picture unless you visit with me," Jones said Saturday before leaving for dinner with the coaches, scouts and medical personnel in Indianapolis for the NFL scouting combine. ...

"Where I'm coming from here, I just want to make sure you're not getting bits and pieces of information," Jones said. "That's not doing anybody any good, and you're not making accurate reports."

Archer elaborates: Jerry was less than jazzed about the story "regarding an internal debate between himself and the team's executive vice president, Stephen Jones, regarding Terrell Owens' future and a report of players visiting Jones' Highland Park home to discuss personnel."

Seems like a fine strategy to me, but I wonder what took Jerry so long. The Cowboys are one of the league's highest profile teams, and rumors have always followed them, dating back to the pre-internet days of Jimmy Johnson, Michael Irvin and Nate Newton. On the upside, it's one less thing head coach Wade Phillips has to worry about, and he looks like a guy who could use a little help.

Latest Cowboys Photos

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones speaks during a news conference Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009, in Arlington, Texas. Jones announced that country icon George Strait will headline the first event at the new Dallas Cowboys stadium in Arlington on June 6. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

PHOENIX - FEBRUARY 13: Terrell Owens of the Dallas Cowboys shoots over NBA legend Clyde Drexler during the McDonald's All-Star Celebrity Game on center court during NBA Jam Session Presented by Adidas on February 13, 2009 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Terrell Owens;Clyde Drexler

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PHOENIX - FEBRUARY 13: Terrell Owens of the Dallas Cowboys holds the MVP trophy following the McDonald's All-Star Celebrity Game on center court during NBA Jam Session Presented by Adidas on February 13, 2009 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Terrell Owens was named Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive year. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Ray Amati/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Terrell Owens

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PHOENIX - FEBRUARY 13: Terrell Owens of the Dallas Cowboys dribbles against Special K Daley of the Harlem Globetrotters during the McDonald's All-Star Celebrity Game on center court during NBA Jam Session Presented by Adidas on February 13, 2009 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Ray Amati/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Special K Daley;Terrell Owens

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PHOENIX - FEBRUARY 13: Terrell Owens of the Dallas Cowboys shakes hands with actor Chris Tucker during the McDonald's All-Star Celebrity Game on center court during NBA Jam Session Presented by Adidas on February 13, 2009 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Terrell Owens;Chris Tucker

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PHOENIX - FEBRUARY 13: Terrell Owens of the Dallas Cowboys runs during the McDonald's All-Star Celebrity Game on center court during NBA Jam Session Presented by Adidas on February 13, 2009 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Ray Amati/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Terrell Owens

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PHOENIX - FEBRUARY 13: (L-R) Former NBA legend Magic Johnson and Terrell Owens of the Dallas Cowboys joke around during the McDonald's All-Star Celebrity Game on center court during NBA Jam Session Presented by Adidas on February 13, 2009 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Ray Amati/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Terrell Owens;Earvin Johnson

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PHOENIX - FEBRUARY 13: Terrell Owens of the Dallas Cowboys and former NBA player Dominique Wilkins joke around during the McDonald's All-Star Celebrity Game on center court during NBA Jam Session Presented by Adidas on February 13, 2009 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Ray Amati/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dominique Wilkins;Terrell Owens

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PHOENIX - FEBRUARY 13: Terrell Owens of the Dallas Cowboys wears a costume prior to the McDonald's All-Star Celebrity Game on center court during NBA Jam Session Presented by Adidas on February 13, 2009 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Ray Amati/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Terrell Owens

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

2-22-2009 @ 12:19PM

junior said...

So who is going to shut you up.

2-22-2009 @ 1:10PM

Al Nelson said...

There are 4 Dallas Cowboys in one car, Who is driving?

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The logic dictates that it would have to be the Sheriff

2-22-2009 @ 2:42PM

Dennis said...

that was GOOOOOOOOOOOD!

2-23-2009 @ 2:03AM

kcnorris49 said...

So right, their fight song is Jail House Rock.

2-23-2009 @ 10:25AM

jaunvivamexico said...

COWBOYS, STEELERS,JERRY JONES, DAN ROONEY,PAC MAN, TROY, TERREL OWENS, HEINZ WARD, I THINK I SEE A PATERN HERE.

2-22-2009 @ 2:44PM

I THINK AL DAVIS IS REALLY JERRYS DADDY....

2-22-2009 @ 3:14PM

papam11 said...

This guy is a real piece of work.

2-22-2009 @ 4:21PM

joecbaseball said...

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
Jerry Jones is the biggest laughing stock in the NFL. F'n egomaniac blowhard. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Signed, A former Dallas fan (before Jerry arrived)

2-22-2009 @ 4:39PM

alite515 said...

how can the cowboys, a once good team, go from that to a crappy team

2-22-2009 @ 6:14PM

ERD1947 said...

JERRY JONES IS NOTHING BUT A BIG JOKE. THE WAY HE TREATED TOM LANDRY, I DON'T CARE IF THEY EVER WIN ANOTHER BALL GAME. MOST OF THE PLAYERS ARE NOTHING BUT JOKES.

2-22-2009 @ 6:38PM

wmkingsman said...

Thank God Coach Landry isn't here to witness this.

2-22-2009 @ 7:16PM

davekjr2 said...

He's just like our Politican's all a bunch of Horses behinds. I hope this new stadium is a bust. There is no class since he bought the team, and I haven't gone to 1 game since he did and I'm a native Dallasite. Crash and Burn !!!

2-22-2009 @ 8:26PM

dskaalrud5 said...

Don't worry Jerry, Zygi Wilf is going to make you look like a genius very quickly.

2-22-2009 @ 8:58PM

skgiandubh said...

hmmm, anyone ever hear of the first amendment..??

2-22-2009 @ 9:42PM

Bill said...

Jerry, Dan Rooney put out an autobiography two years ago. At 19.95 at your local bookstore, read it and learn how to be an owner. You will have more money in your pocket too.

2-22-2009 @ 10:51PM

SouthernFan said...

Al Nelson asks: There are 4 Dallas Cowboys in one car; who is driving? ANSWER:......Donovan McNabb. Ha ha ha ha ha ha... (Eagles:44, Dallas:6). Ha ha ha ha ha ha..Hey, I don't even like the Eagles. I just love to see the Cowgirls suffer. Go 'Skins (and everyone else who hates Dallas)

2-23-2009 @ 1:47AM

truckcabbie2 said...

Well, we all know it ain't ROMO driving!
I love to watch em suffer too , and my favorite? Romo fumbling that snap against Seattle for a 4th quarter Field Goal to miss the playoffs a few years back, priceless!

2-25-2009 @ 12:09AM

Sky's the limit! said...

'Skins? and you're laughing at the Cowboys? Lay off the pipe please.

2-22-2009 @ 10:52PM

Brian said...

Let me get this straight, Jerry, Wade Phillips and the entire Cowboys coaching staff can no longer talk to the press. But it is OK for Terrell Owens to spit out his venom to ESPN, BET, or any network covering the NFL, without any facts to backup his claims. No wonder the Cowboys have become such a joke. Landry and schramm must be turning over in their graves.