In matters of discipline, talent doesn't speak. It roars. Adam "Pacman" Jones is currently practicing with the Dallas Cowboys. It's possible he'll be playing in the regular season if NFL commissioner Roger Goodell gives the former West Virginia University and Tennessee Titan defensive back full reinstatement before the season starts.
Jones, who played for the Titans for three seasons, was suspended last year by Goodell for time after time violating the league's personal conduct rules. He has been arrested six times and has been involved in 12 matters requiring police intervention.
Jones participated in a Las Vegas incident in which Tom Urbanski, a bouncer at the Minxx Gentleman's Club, was shot and permanently paralyzed from the waist down. During the altercation, Pacman grabbed a dancer and punched her in the face before threatening another security man, saying "I'm gonna (expletive) kill ya'; matter of fact, all yous are gonna get it."
Jones obviously found skilled lawyers good enough to keep him out of jail.
But there's no legitimate reason he should be playing in the NFL. But he has talent. He's an outstanding cornerback and return man.
If Jones was just a run-of-the-mill player, an expendable player, he would likely have permanent NFL unemployment.
Another Jones, Jerry, the Cowboys' owner, figures it's worth the risk hiring Pacman. No owner wants to win more badly. The Cowboys haven't played in the Super Bowl in 12 years.
It's said that P-Jones has found religion in Dallas. That's a little shocking. But so far he's been a good boy, worked hard. He's been guided by former NFL stars, including Deion Sanders, Michaell Irvin, and Jim Brown.
Goodell has told Jones that his behavior has to be perfect or else. There will be plenty of temptations in "Big D."
Jerry Jones wouldn't say what he expected to hear from Goodell but the decision should come in late preseason. The Cowboys have to cut their roster to 53 players on Aug. 30.
"We're doing everything we can do to have an uneventful training camp relative to Adam, and he's doing his part," Jerry Jones said. "He's working his tail off. He's making his way."
Pacman's "pad" in Nashville was auctioned last Sunday. The highest bidder was an anonymous man who'll pay 1.1 million if Jones approves the deal. Jones wanted $2 million. He paid $1.5 million for the 30-acre spread located in Franklin, an affluent suburb located a few miles south of the Music City.
The property features a main structure, two guest quarters with game rooms, a two-acre lake stocked with fish, two barns, and a view of tree-covered hills and farmlands.
Bill Robinson is a former Marietta Times sports editor.
