Summary of "The Stephen A. Smith Show" Episode: Stephen A's Take: Ex-Dallas Cowboy Teammates Fighting in the Media

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Stephen A. Smith Show
• Host: Stephen A. Smith and iHeartPodcasts
• Episode Title: Stephen A's Take: Ex-Dallas Cowboy Teammates Fighting in the Media
• Release Date: March 16, 2025
• Description: On The Stephen A. Smith Show, Stephen A. Smith delivers his renowned viewpoints, extending beyond the realm of sports to tackle significant issues in entertainment, pop culture, society, business, and politics. Three times a week, listeners receive his unfiltered opinions on the day's biggest headlines, alongside straight-shooting interviews with top celebrities, game-changers, and thought leaders across various societal arenas.

1. Introduction

The episode begins with brief promotional segments from Greg Rosenthal and Julie Swearbinks, introducing their respective podcasts. These segments are quickly bypassed to delve into the main topic of the day.

2. The Feud Between DeMarcus Lawrence and Michael Parsons

Timestamp: [01:06]

Stephen A. Smith dives into an escalating conflict between former Dallas Cowboys teammates, DeMarcus Lawrence and Michael Parsons.

• DeMarcus Lawrence's Departure:

  • Quote: "Dallas is my home. I made my home there. You know, my family lives there. You know, I'm forever going to be there. But, you know, I know for sure I'm not going to win a Super Bowl there. So, yeah, we're here." ([01:06])

  Lawrence, after spending 11 seasons with the Cowboys, recently signed with the Seattle Seahawks. His candid remarks about not expecting to win a Super Bowl with the Cowboys have stirred controversy.

• Michael Parsons' Response:

  • Quote: "This is what rejection and envy look like. This some clown shit." ([03:30])

  Parsons took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to criticize Lawrence's comments, labeling them as envy-driven and disparaging.

• Lawrence's Retort:

  • Quote: "Calling me a clown won't change the fact that I told the truth. Maybe if you spent less time tweeting and more time winning, I wouldn't have left." ([04:15])

  Lawrence responded directly to Parsons, accusing him of prioritizing social media over on-field performance.

3. Analysis of the Cowboys' Performance and Management

Timestamp: [05:50]

Stephen A. provides a critical analysis of the Dallas Cowboys' current state, emphasizing the lack of free-agent spending and its implications.

• Free-Agent Spending:

  • Quote: "Jerry Jones, ranking 30th in the NFL this offseason in free agent spending at $22.2 million. Only the Ravens and the Eagles have spent less." ([09:00])

  Highlighting the Cowboys' minimal investment in free agents, Stephen A. points out that this strategy is detrimental to the team's competitiveness.

• Player Performance Metrics:

  • DeMarcus Lawrence's Stats:

    • Last two seasons: 10.5 sacks (2018) and 14.5 sacks (2017)
    • Total: 25 sacks in 11 seasons
    • Analysis: "The other nine years you had a grand total of 36 and a half, which averages out to about four a season." ([07:30])

    Stephen A. uses these statistics to question Lawrence's longevity and impact with the Cowboys.

• Dak Prescott's Contract:

  • Quote: "Dak Prescott on an annual salary is still the highest paid quarterback in the NFL, even though Josh Allen has been to two AFC championship games. Dak Prescott ain't one." ([10:45])

  He critiques Prescott's hefty contract, suggesting it might be more about the "sizzle" or brand value rather than on-field contributions.

4. The Impact on Team Morale and Future Prospects

Timestamp: [11:20]

Stephen A. discusses how internal conflicts and management decisions are affecting the team's morale and future prospects.

• Team Dynamics:

  • Quote: "You had a teammate that knew y'all weren't going to Super Bowl. You had a teammate that knew what Stephen A. Had been saying for 30 years. You had a teammate that let y'all know we really ain't." ([08:50])

  He underscores the importance of a unified team vision and how dissent can be detrimental.

• Jerry Jones' Leadership:

  • Quote: "You got away with it all these years because you got that man, Jerry Jones, right there." ([10:15])

  Criticizing Jerry Jones, Stephen A. suggests that Jones' management style and decisions have not only affected team performance but also fan sentiment.

• Future Outlook:

  • Quote: "I know what's coming come September and October and November and December. We don't need to mention January." ([11:00])

  Predicting a challenging season ahead, Stephen A. is skeptical about the Cowboys' ability to turn their fortunes around.

5. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: [12:10]

Stephen A. wraps up the discussion by reiterating his stance on the internal issues plaguing the Dallas Cowboys.

• Support for Michael Parsons:

  • Quote: "I side with Michael Parsons on that." ([11:40])

  Despite the ongoing feud, Stephen A. expresses support for Parsons' defense of the team.

• Looking Ahead:

  • Quote: "I like the subject personally. Michael Parsons, my man. Mad love for him. Demarcus Lawrence. Mad respect for him." ([11:50])

  Acknowledging the complexities of the situation, he maintains respect for both players while critiquing the broader organizational issues.

Key Takeaways:

• Internal Struggles: The conflict between DeMarcus Lawrence and Michael Parsons highlights deeper issues within the Dallas Cowboys, including player retention and team morale.
• Management Critique: Stephen A. criticizes Jerry Jones' approach to team management, particularly regarding free-agent spending and player contracts.
• Future Concerns: The Cowboys face a challenging upcoming season, with skepticism about their ability to secure a Super Bowl title amid internal and external pressures.

Notable Quotes:

• "Calling me a clown won't change the fact that I told the truth. Maybe if you spent less time tweeting and more time winning, I wouldn't have left." — DeMarcus Lawrence ([04:15])
• "Jerry Jones, ranking 30th in the NFL this offseason in free agent spending at $22.2 million." — Stephen A. Smith ([09:00])
• "Dak Prescott on an annual salary is still the highest paid quarterback in the NFL, even though Josh Allen has been to two AFC championship games." — Stephen A. Smith ([10:45])

Conclusion: In this episode, Stephen A. Smith provides a thorough examination of the turmoil within the Dallas Cowboys, focusing on the public disagreement between DeMarcus Lawrence and Michael Parsons. Through statistical analysis and sharp critique, he underscores the systemic issues that may be hindering the team's success. Listeners gain insight into the complexities of team dynamics, management decisions, and their broader implications on performance and fan engagement.