Dez Bryant is a 26-year-old child.
That is exactly how the Dallas Cowboys have treated him since he was drafted five years ago.
He slipped to the 24th overall pick in the 2010 draft because of “character concerns”, and then he had some off-the-field missteps early in his career.
But Bryant has proven to be a superstar wide receiver in the NFL. On the field, he has all the tools to be the best. Off the field is a different story and the Cowboys know this well.
That is why in 2012, the team added a few babysitting stipulations to his contract.
They included a midnight curfew, no consumption of alcohol, no visits to any “gentlemen’s” clubs and counselling sessions twice a week.
A three-man security team watches Bryant during all hours and drives him to practices, games and other team functions.
Bryant is in the final year of his rookie contract, so he is looking for the big-boy money.
He hired a new agent and was hoping to jump-start negotiations while Dallas is on their bye week.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he wanted to make Bryant a Cowboy for life and was proud “like a daddy” at Bryant’s development. But before the season, Bryant scoffed at the Cowboys’ best offer, which was a 10-year deal that averaged close to US$12 million (Dh44m) per year and included $20m in guaranteed money.
Sounds like a very generous allowance, considering he does not have to mow the lawn or take out the trash.
His only chore is to catch touchdowns.
agray@thenational.ae
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Europe’s rearming plan
- Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
- Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
- Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
- Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
- Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital
Heather, the Totality
Matthew Weiner,
Canongate
THE%20SPECS
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Our legal advisor
Ahmad El Sayed is Senior Associate at Charles Russell Speechlys, a law firm headquartered in London with offices in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Hong Kong.
Experience: Commercial litigator who has assisted clients with overseas judgments before UAE courts. His specialties are cases related to banking, real estate, shareholder disputes, company liquidations and criminal matters as well as employment related litigation.
Education: Sagesse University, Beirut, Lebanon, in 2005.
Name: Peter Dicce
Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics
Favourite sport: soccer
Favourite team: Bayern Munich
Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer
Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
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Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Abaya trends
The utilitarian robe held dear by Arab women is undergoing a change that reveals it as an elegant and graceful garment available in a range of colours and fabrics, while retaining its traditional appeal.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
