Why 3 Former Cowboys Just Got Arrested

October 8, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been a challenging stretch for the Dallas Cowboys, both on and off the field. Once a franchise brimming with Super Bowl aspirations as they kicked off the 2024 season, the Cowboys have instead faced a barrage of adversity, finishing the year with a disappointing 7-10 record. With injuries and inconsistent performances plaguing their campaign, the organization made the tough decision to part ways with long-time head coach Mike McCarthy.

But the troubles don’t stop at the top of the coaching staff. In a troubling series of events, three former Cowboys players have recently found themselves in legal hot water, facing arrests within just 72 hours of one another.

First up is former pass rusher Greg Hardy, who was taken into custody on Wednesday. Hardy, who played for the Cowboys in 2015, was reportedly arrested for allegedly assaulting a family member—a concerning development that adds to an unsettling narrative around the former player.

On Saturday, the spotlight turned to former star cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones, renowned for his time with the Cincinnati Bengals. Jones was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and public intoxication. The incident occurred late Saturday night, when he was booked into the Kenton County jail for creating a scene that ultimately led to additional charges, including assaulting a police officer or a probation officer as well.

Later that same evening, former second-round draft pick Kelvin Joseph entered the fray, facing arrest in connection to a fatal car accident. The details surrounding his arrest are still unfolding, but it marks another troubling chapter for a franchise that has seen its share of legal issues.

For Jones, this is unfortunately a continuation of a pattern. The 41-year-old has had multiple brushes with the law over the years, with his recent arrest marking at least the fourth occasion since 2021. His history of public intoxication arrests indicates a troubling trend that raises serious questions about his path moving forward. As he was booked shortly before 2 a.m. into the Kenton County jail, he managed to post a $10,000 bond and was released later that morning. Yet details surrounding the specifics of his latest legal woes remain scarce.

The Cowboys’ off-field distractions add yet another layer of complexity to a franchise that desperately needs to shift its focus back to establishing a winning culture. With these arrests surfacing, the spotlight continues to shine on not just the players involved, but the broader issues facing the organization as it looks to rebound from a disheartening season.