Cowboys players won't police Pacman

Apr. 24--The Dallas Cowboys' defensive players aren't going to babysit Pacman Jones.

Several have made that abundantly clear during an informal survey I've conducted over the last few weeks.

They'll tell him where to go for a good time and give him the names of various places he should avoid. They'll invite him to their frequent off-season pool and bowling outings and their weekly dinners during the season.

But the players insist they're not going to be part of Jerry Jones' security force.

They're not going to be chaperoning Pacman. Or calling him to make sure he's home by midnight. Or having the bouncers at various strip clubs phone them when he's on the premises.

Nor should they. It's not their responsibility.

Frankly, many of them are already sick of talking about Pacman. They roll their eyes at the mention of his name and insist they don't need him to win the Super Bowl. Or even a playoff game.

They do, however, respect his talent. And as long as he shows up at their Valley Ranch training complex and tries to fit in and be a good teammate, they'd like to have him around.

But nearly every player I've spoken to has made it clear they have one goal: winning the Super Bowl. They have no tolerance for anyone who distracts them from that purpose.

Now that the Cowboys have acquired Pacman for a fourth-round pick in this weekend's NFL draft and a conditional draft pick, it's up to him to grow up and stay out of trouble.

It really shouldn't be that hard. Especially when the commissioner and everyone else in the know has basically said that whenever Pacman gets reinstated, he'll be down to his last chance.

One more screw-up, and Pacman's NFL career will be over.