Cowboys faced much turmoil, sources say

By Calvin Watkins
Dallas Morning News
Posted: Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009

MOBILE, Ala. As they gather for Senior Bowl scouting assignments this week trying to improve their product on the field, Dallas Cowboys officials also face significant issues off the field.

Multiple sources close to the team paint a picture of turmoil inside the locker room far greater than originally thought. Sources say there were many issues this season that call into question team discipline, commitment and accountability.

One issue is tardiness.

The team charter left late for road games five times this season because players were late to the airport, according to three sources. The total represented more than half of the eight regular-season away games. The Philadelphia trip was delayed by more than an hour.

Fines for being late or missing meetings and injury treatment sessions were far lower under coach Wade Phillips than they were under former coach Bill Parcells.

Under Parcells, players were fined $5,000 for being late to meetings, and as much as $12,000 for missing an injury treatment session.

This season, players were fined $100 for being late to meetings or missing a treatment.

Receiver Terrell Owens was a repeat offender in being late for team meetings, sources said.

According to five sources, several offensive players lost respect for offensive coordinator Jason Garrett for his failure to corral quarterback Tony Romo, who often did not treat practice work consistently.