Stephen A's Take: Micah Parsons claims he was misquoted when criticizing head coach.

Summary

Episode Summary: Stephen A's Take: Micah Parsons claims he was misquoted when criticizing head coach

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Stephen A. Smith Show
• Host: Stephen A. Smith
• Produced by: Stephen A. Smith and iHeartPodcasts
• Description: On The Stephen A. Smith Show, Stephen A. Smith delivers his renowned perspectives, transcending the boundaries of sports to address critical issues in entertainment, pop culture, society, business, and politics. Airing three times a week, the show features unfiltered opinions on the day’s biggest headlines and candid interviews with top celebrities, game-changers, and thought leaders.
• Episode Title: Stephen A's Take: Micah Parsons claims he was misquoted when criticizing head coach
• Release Date: November 12, 2024

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1. Introduction to the Dallas Cowboys' Performance

Timestamp: [01:06]

Stephen A. Smith opens the discussion by addressing the recent performance of the Dallas Cowboys. Highlighting their latest defeat at home against the Philadelphia Eagles with a score of 34-6, Smith underscores the team's declining record.

"The Dallas Cowboys, who lost again at home yesterday to the Philadelphia Eagles 34 to 6. If I remember correctly, the Cowboys have now fallen at 3 and 6 and are now oh and 4 and at home." (01:06)

He notes that while the team's record is concerning, the more pressing issue arises from internal conflicts highlighted by player comments.

2. Micah Parsons' Controversial Comments

Timestamp: [01:06 - 03:30]

Smith transitions to focus on Micah Parsons, the Cowboys' defensive leader, who made headlines with his comments about the head coach, Mike McCarthy. Smith reads Parsons' statement:

"That's above my pay grade. If Mike's coach again next year, all coaching aside, Mike can leave and go where he wants to. Guys I kind of feel bad for are guys like Zach Martin and guys who might be on their last year on their way out, because that's who I wanted to hold the trophy for. You want to win games and do great things and those type of legends who put in more time and work than Mike McCarthy ever did. So those are the kind of guys that I have so much sympathy and hurt for." (01:30)

Smith highlights that Parsons later claimed he was misquoted regarding these remarks.

3. Micah Parsons' Response and Misquoting Claim

Timestamp: [03:30 - 04:22]

Addressing Parsons' attempt to clarify his statements, Smith references Parsons' social media post on X and his appearance on ESPN's Get Up show:

"You would think guys who played and coached the sport would have better journalism, but I was very wrong. They're trying to use my name, image and likeness with the Dallas Cowboys to continue to tear the beautiful organization with drama and bad media attention be better." (02:20)

Smith criticizes Parsons' response, questioning the sincerity and effectiveness of his attempt to rectify the situation.

4. Stephen A. Smith's Critique of Parsons' Comments

Timestamp: [02:20 - 05:12]

Smith launches into a critical analysis of Parsons' statements, expressing disappointment and frustration. He challenges Parsons' portrayal of the Dallas Cowboys as a "beautiful organization," pointing out the team's lackluster performance since their last trophy in 1995.

"You ain't had a trophy since 1995. What's beautiful? You, three and six, three games under .500. What's beautiful? You got a quarterback getting paid $60 million. Highest paid quarterback in the league. That brother home for the rest of the season." (03:30)

Smith emphasizes the discrepancy between Parsons' admiration for veteran players like Zach Martin and the reality of the team's struggles.

5. Proposed Strategies for Team Improvement

Timestamp: [05:12 - 07:08]

Transitioning from critique to solutions, Stephen A. Smith outlines a three-step plan to revitalize the Dallas Cowboys:

1. Fire Head Coach Mike McCarthy:

   "First things first, you gotta fire Mike McCarthy. You don't have to do it this year. There's no reason to do it until the end of the season. Cause the season ain't going nowhere anyway. So why not keep him around? You're paying him, right? Keep him around. Fire him at the end of the season, he's done. He's a dead man walking." (03:30)

2. Tank the Season:

   "Number two, tank the season so you can position yourself to have the number one overall pick." (04:39)

3. Hire Deion Sanders as Head Coach:

   "Step number three, you hire Prime Time Deion Sanders as your head coach, and you let him go draft his son Shador Sanders to become a Dallas Cowboy." (04:44)

Smith humorously suggests drafting Deion Sanders' hypothetical son, Shador Sanders, as the new quarterback, indicating a desire for fresh leadership and talent.

Damien Woody's Contributions

Throughout the discussion, Damien Woody interjects with supportive yet playful remarks:

• "Crowd that ain't beautiful." (03:30)
• "Not only is he not going to mind when Prime Time talks, he knows that Prime Time is going to go out there and get other players to want to play for him." (05:27)

Woody reinforces Smith's points by acknowledging the potential positive impact of hiring Deion Sanders, highlighting his ability to attract talent and evaluate players effectively.

6. Concluding Remarks and Final Recommendations

Timestamp: [06:15 - 07:08]

Smith reiterates his strategic plan, emphasizing the urgency and importance of each step to elevate the Cowboys' status:

"Prime Time Deion Sanders. Tank the season. Get the number one overall pick. Draft his son Shador Sanders as the new quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. Dak will be better off, better performing somewhere other than the pressurized environment of Big D. Shador Sanders shines under the bright lights." (06:01)

He underscores the necessity of decisive action to achieve long-term success, concluding with encouragement and determination.

---

Notable Quotes:

• Micah Parsons on Misquoting:

  "They're trying to use my name, image and likeness with the Dallas Cowboys to continue to tear the beautiful organization with drama and bad media attention be better." (02:22)

• Stephen A. Smith on Firing McCarthy:

  "Fire him at the end of the season, he's done. He's a dead man walking. No disrespect, it's just the truth." (03:30)

• Proposed Hiring of Deion Sanders:

  "Step number three, you hire Prime Time Deion Sanders as your head coach, and you let him go draft his son Shador Sanders to become a Dallas Cowboy." (04:44)

---

Conclusion:

In this episode, Stephen A. Smith passionately critiques Micah Parsons' comments regarding the Dallas Cowboys' head coach, Mike McCarthy. Smith does not merely express disappointment but also offers a bold, albeit unconventional, strategy to rejuvenate the struggling team. By advocating for significant changes in leadership and player acquisition, Smith underscores his commitment to accountability and excellence within the organization. Damien Woody's supportive interjections add depth to the discussion, highlighting the broader consensus on the need for transformative actions within the Cowboys' franchise.

Listeners gain insight into the internal dynamics of a major NFL team, the impact of player-coach relationships, and the high-stakes decisions that can shape a team's future. Smith's unfiltered opinions and strategic recommendations provide a comprehensive analysis, making this episode both informative and engaging for fans seeking a deeper understanding of the Dallas Cowboys' challenges and potential solutions.

Transcript

[Greg Rosenthal]

What's up, everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal, and I'm teaming up with the King of Spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs mock drafts to my top 101, free agents will have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday. Keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Julie Swerbinks]

What's up, everyone? Julie Swerbinks here, along with former NHL player Nate Thompson.

[Nate Thompson]

We're doing a new podcast together. Here we go.

[Julie Swerbinks]

The name Energy Line with Nate and jsb.

[Nate Thompson]

Each week we'll get together and talk about hockey life. All topics are fair game, right?

[Julie Swerbinks]

Exactly. And you'll never know who will drop by to join us.

[Nate Thompson]

Julia's pretty well connected. She has text threads going that you wouldn't believe.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Listen to Energy Line with Nate and JSP on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I got to get started with a quick note about the NFL and what took place yesterday. Before I get to the political headlines, I want to talk about the Dallas Cowboys, who lost again at home yesterday to the Philadelphia Eagles 34 to 6. If I remember correctly, the Cowboys have now fallen at 3 and 6 and are now oh and 4 and at home. But that's not the biggest headline coming out of this game. Did y'all see what Micah Parsons himself said about head coach Mike McCarthy after the game? In case you missed it, let me read it for you. When asked about his head coach, Micah Parsons, who's the defensive leader in the locker room, had this to say. Quote, that's above my pay grade. If Mike's coach again next year, all coaching aside, Mike can leave and go where he wants to. Guys I kind of feel bad for are guys like Zach Martin and guys who might be on their last year on their way out, because that's who I wanted to hold the trophy for. You want to win games and do great things and those type of legends who put in more time and work than Mike McCarthy ever did. So those are the kind of guys that I have so much sympathy and hurt for, end quote. Wow. Before I get into my comments, I want to point out that I said earlier today that Micah would backtrack and say he was misquoted. Well, here's what he posted On X this morning. X after watching my man, Damian Woody.

[Damien Woody]

On my day job, first take on.

[Stephen A. Smith]

ESPN every weekday morning from 10am to 12 noon. And he said this as well on Get Up. Quote, you would think guys who played and coached the sport would have better journalism, but I was very wrong. They're trying to use my name, image and likeness with the Dallas Cowboys to continue to tear the beautiful organization with drama and bad media attention be better. End quote. Couple of things. Michael Parsons, respectfully, you know, you my brother, I got nothing but mad love for you. That was a bit excessive. Anytime you sit up there and you say that and you just speak so dismissively about your coach, you know that's a bad thing. Come on now, you know better than that. Number two, tear down a beautiful organization. What's beautiful about the Dallas Cowboys? What am I missing? What's beautiful? You ain't had a trophy since 1995. What's beautiful? You, three and six, three games under.500. What's beautiful? You got a quarterback getting paid $60 million. Highest paid quarterback in the league. That brother home for the rest of the season. What's beautiful? What's the talent? Where's the running game? Where's the offensive line? Where's the receiver other than Ceedee Lamb? Where's your defense? What's beautiful about the Dallas Cowboys? Stadium's beautiful. Cheerleaders are definitely beautiful.

[Damien Woody]

Crowd that ain't beautiful.

[Stephen A. Smith]

You got little kids, you got adults crying. The little kids throwing stuff at people. It's pretty bad in Dallas. It's pretty bad. But I'm here for you, my brother. I got the solution. And this is why I opened the show today by saying this. If the Dallas Cowboys want to resurrect themselves, they want to elevate to a level of prominence, not just 12 and five seasons. In the regular season, before going home early, you need to make three moves. Are you ready? Are you listening? I want you to get it. Put it in your ear. I want you to write it down, record it. Do what the hell you got to do. Listen to me. Listen to me good. First things first, you gotta fire Mike McCarthy. You don't have to do it this year. There's no reason to do it until the end of the season. Cause the season ain't going nowhere anyway. So why not keep him around? You're paying him, right? Keep him around. Fire him at the end of the season, he's done. He's a dead man walking. No disrespect, it's just the truth. It's Just the truth, okay? Just the truth. It's number one. Might as well play on the Walking Dead, it's that bad for him. Number two, tank the season. Tank the season so you can position yourself to have the number one overall.

[Damien Woody]

Pick in the upcoming NFL draft.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Step number three, and this is the big one, you hire Prime Time Deion Sanders as your head coach, and you let him go draft his son Shador Sanders to become a Dallas Cowboy.

[Damien Woody]

Worry about what you gonna do with Dak Prescott later and his $60 million contract. $60 million a year, by the way. Worry about that later.

[Stephen A. Smith]

What you do immediately is you get Prime Time. Because you see, Jerry's gonna be Jerry. But, man, Jerry loves and respects that man. That man delivered him a Super Bowl. Jerry gonna listen. Jerry gonna talk, but he's also gonna listen. He's also not gonna mind when primetime talks.

[Damien Woody]

Not only is he not going to mind when Prime Time talks, he knows that Prime Time is going to go out there and get other players to want to play for him. And he knows he's an evaluator of talent. Look at what they're doing at Colorado. Prime Time's in the position to win Coach of the year. Colorado, who was 4 and 8 last year, six game losing streak, seven of eight weeks they lost, is on the verge of making the playoffs. Prime Time has shown you something special.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Bring him the big D, get him out of Boulder, Colorado.

[Damien Woody]

Put Prime Time as your head man.

[Stephen A. Smith]

With the star on his helmet.

[Damien Woody]

Put Prime Time as the face of the franchise. I know that's a lot for Jerry.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Jones to do, but you in your 80s, Jerry? You in your 80s?

[Damien Woody]

Come on, Jerry.

[Stephen A. Smith]

You're in your 80s.

[Damien Woody]

Come on, Jerry.

[Stephen A. Smith]

You gotta let it go at some point.

[Damien Woody]

Come on, Jerry.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Whatever it takes to elevate that level of shine on that star is what you do. Because what good is a star that dims instead of shining brightly? Prime Time Deion Sanders. Tank the season. Get the number one overall pick. Draft his son Shador Sanders as the new quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. Dak will be better off, better performing somewhere other than the pressurized environment of Big D. Shador Sanders shines under the bright lights.

[Damien Woody]

Come on, Jerry.

[Stephen A. Smith]

You know I'm telling you the truth.

[Greg Rosenthal]

What's up, everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal, and I'm teaming up with the King of Spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're gonna be bringing 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season, from DJs, mock drafts to my top 101. Free agents will have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.

[Julie Swerbinks]

What's up everyone? Julius Rippinks here, along with former NHL player Nate Thompson.

[Nate Thompson]

We're doing a new podcast together. Here we go.

[Julie Swerbinks]

The name Energy Line with Nate and jsb.

[Nate Thompson]

Each week we'll get together and talk about hockey life. All topics are fair game, right?

[Julie Swerbinks]

Exactly. And you'll never know who will drop by to join us.

[Nate Thompson]

Julie is pretty well connected. She has text threads going that you wouldn't believe.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Listen to EnergyLine with Nate and JSB on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.