Cowboys agree to babysit Dez Bryant

Character and talent do not have an inverse relationship. Good players don't always have "questionable" backgrounds. As a matter of fact, most good players are upstanding young people. They come from good homes and are raised by good parents. However, professional sports sometimes lead us to believe otherwise. Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant was charged with domestic assault earlier this summer stemming from and incident with his mom. Consequently, Dallas has agreed to terms with Bryant on an individual conduct policy. It covers Bryant's conduct away from the field. According to ESPN.com, here are some of the rules Bryant must abide by this season:

• A midnight curfew. If he's going to miss curfew, team officials must know beforehand.
• No alcohol.
• He cannot attend any strip clubs and can only attend nightclubs that are approved by the team and must have a security team accompany him to the club. 
• He must attend counseling sessions twice a week.
• A rotating three-man security team will have one man with Bryant at all times.
• Members of the security team will drive Bryant to practices, games and team functions.

A team should never create a special set of rules for an individual athlete. Team rules should be clear, fair and easy to follow for everyone. By agreeing to these terms with Bryant, the Cowboys have placed one man above the rest of the team. This will likely spell trouble as the team tries to win games in the ultra-competitive NFL and look after a star player at the same time. Please don't let a similar situation occur on your youth team. Sure, some kids need more help with certain things than others. We just can't allow gifted athletes to get away with behaviors we wouldn't tolerate from anyone else.

Personally, I think every coach should have a line. There has to be a point of no return - a point where you tell the kid that in order to play, he has to play somewhere else. For me, parents are the line. Dez Brant is charged with domestic assault against his mother. I don't know if he really did it or if the case will go anywhere legally. I do know the Cowboys think his behavior warrants a separate set of rules. That would do it for me. I refuse and have refused to coach athletes who disrespect their parents. If a kid won't listen to his mom or dad, there's nothing I can do for him. He'll probably disrespect me the first chance he gets. Teach and develop young people as best you can. Have rules. Have standards. Have integrity. You are a coach - not a babysitter. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol