http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/nfl/news/story?id=5409306

SAN ANTONIO -- Receiver Dez Bryant has done everything right on the field during the first two days of Dallas Cowboys training camp, but he refuses to participate in an NFL rite of passage.

According to the rookie first-round pick, Roy Williams and the other veteran receivers can carry their own shoulder pads after practice.

Williams gave his pads to Bryant after Sunday's morning practice, but Bryant declined to carry them. Williams threatened to go to "step two" when talking to reporters.

"I'm not doing it," Bryant said. "I feel like I was drafted to play football, not carry another player's pads."

"If I was a free agent, it would still be the same thing. I just feel like I'm here to play football. I'm here to try to help win a championship, not carry someone's pads. I'm saying that out of no disrespect to [anyone]."

It's a common duty for rookies, who typically get some sort of hazing. Bill Parcells used to make first-round picks bring him water during breaks in practice. The Cowboys' rookie offensive linemen are given awful haircuts by the veterans at some point during each training camp.

"Everybody has to go through it," Williams said. "I had to go through it. No matter if you're a No. 1 pick or the 7,000th pick, you've still got to do something when you're a rookie

He should have carried the pads. The media is having a field day over this. I think most of the Cowboy fans ( at least on the sites I go to) is supporting Dez. I think it mainly has to do with Williams who they hate. I wonder what they would have said if it involved Romo? Anyway, he should have carried them and then when the season begins he can replace Williams as the starter. I just hope he's as good as everyone says he is.

Dez Bryant claims he is in camp to be a football player. Being a football player is more than just playing games. It's also earning the respect of your coaches and team mates. And honoring long standing traditions. Dez Bryant really dropped the ball when he refused to carry his team mates shoulder pads. And perhaps he has shown that he is not yet ready to be a professional football player. He still has some growing up to do!

He should have carried the pads. The media is having a field day over this. I think most of the Cowboy fans ( at least on the sites I go to) is supporting Dez. I think it mainly has to do with Williams who they hate. I wonder what they would have said if it involved Romo? Anyway, he should have carried them and then when the season begins he can replace Williams as the starter. I just hope he's as good as everyone says he is.


I agree, I mean right now he isn't being a team player

I agree, I mean right now he isn't being a team player
If the Cowboys don't handle this situation correctly Dez Bryant could turn into another Terrell Owens. And that's the last thing the Cowboys need right now.

If the Cowboys don't handle this situation correctly Dez Bryant could turn into another Terrell Owens. And that's the last thing the Cowboys need right now.
Yea we don't need another T.O.

Everybody is so high on this kid. Some Cowboy fans have him in the HOF already. I was very excited when the Cowboys took him. I still think he's worth the risk. I was angry back in the 90's when the Cowboys passed on Randy Moss. I still think that was a mistake despite all his crazyness. Anyway I think all the praise might have gone to his head. Football is a team sport and he should have just picked up the pads. I hope that in a few months, all this will be forgotten and he'll show what a great player he can be. I sure hope that's the case.

Just carry the pads.

Lighten up dude. You're going to be with these guys for the rest of the year. Don't make a bad first impression.