ESPN: Jerry vs. McCarthy contract negotiations has generated a serious “anger” with Jones’ “mean-spiritedness.”
In a hilarious twist of events, the once militant “Army of Mike McCarthy Haters,” who brandished pitchforks and torches, has abruptly transformed into “The Big Mike Fan Club,” with both fans and members of the Dallas Cowboys watching the useless head coach who was the victim of Jerry Jones’ “mean-spiritedness.” How on earth could that occur? There is “no animosity” between the Joneses and the coach, according to a source close to the current contract extension talks taking place here in Frisco as you read this, if that gives you any comfort.
Given that Dallas has now prolonged its Super Bowl drought to 30 years, it appears that both parties would like to continue their five-year marriage, taking into account both the advantages and disadvantages that each party has contributed. There is an agreement here at The Star since his contract is legally ending on January 14—something that was agreed upon by both parties five years ago, recall. However, there is clearly a lot of angst-fueled miscommunication going on outside the building.
Jerry isn’t upset, even though this whole situation might theoretically go south and leave everyone involved divorced and unhappy. In that case, the Cowboys would hire a new coach (call Sark!) and McCarthy would, by all accounts, be almost guaranteed a top position in Chicago, New Orleans, or somewhere else. Stephen is not angry. And, worrywarts, give your pillows a gleeful hug! McCarthy is not angry. The fact that many of the same folks who a week ago wanted McCarthy to be run out of Frisco on a rail are now saying that they want him to be doused in holy anointing oil is enough to irritate Cowboys Nation and beyond. (In the words of Bill Parcells.)
From Mike Greenberg and Get Up!: “This is simply wrong. In the NFL, there is an agreement that states that no one should be denied an opportunity. Jerry is acting in this way just because he can and wants to have it both ways. From Blogging the Boys: “It is cruel to make Mike McCarthy perspire like this, not to mention all of the staff members and everyone’s families.”
From Jeff Saturday of ESPN: “It’s cruel and absurd. If you’re not interested in him, let him know and move on. It doesn’t make sense. From a SI-affiliated fanboy website: “The Cowboys and McCarthy’s marriage has been a difficult one…. What if McCarthy informed the Cowboys that he was prepared to move on? McCarthy and the Cowboys have had a difficult marriage. The whole coaching staff is being held captive by him, according to Domonique Foxworth of ESPN. It’s needless and unjust. “If he doesn’t give Mike McCarthy a new contract and keep him, we should scorch Earth on this show,” said Andrew Hawkins of ESPN.
Gentlemen… Accusations of “cruel” and “mean” maltreatment of someone who doesn’t feel wronged are already “going scorched Earth.” Mike McCarthy doesn’t feel like a victim, therefore you’re portraying him as such. In one form or another, we’re all eager for this to be resolved. And everyone of us will receive one. Set your pitchforks aside. Unwrap your underwear. Breathe.
