IRVING, Texas –Initial reports of the guidelines laid out for Dez Bryant may have been mischaracterized, according to his adviser, Dallas bail bondsman David Wells.
Specifically, Wells told KESN-FM 103.3 in Dallas on Tuesday, the Cowboys did not impose restrictions on Bryant's off-the-field comings and goings. Instead, the wide receiver sought such guidance on his own.
"He wanted to make some changes himself," Wells said. "He wanted to put some people around him that also could be there in case something happened, that they would be able to attest to what's going on with him. He first of all said that he wanted to make sure his safety was good, because a lot of times athletes are vulnerable to things that go on out there in society.
"But he also wanted to make sure, to the Dallas Cowboy fans, that he's going to do everything he can to make sure that he's out there every day, not only practicing as hard as he can, but also on game day producing the product that the Dallas Cowboys want. That's what Dez is about. … He came to me and said 'Hey man, can you help me? I want help."
The panel that laid out guidelines included a "group of well-respected men," Wells said, including Bryant's attorney, Senator Royce West, and local ministers. Wells insisted that the so-called rules have not been enforced by the Cowboys, but that the team is happy with the system.
"He looks at life a lot different now," Wells said. "Dez just wanted to make sure that his welfare is taken care of, as well as the name of the Dallas Cowboys."
On Monday, head coach Jason Garrett affirmed the team's desire to support Bryant and his family, and said he's pleased with the personal progress Bryant has made.
"Fundamentally, Dez does, I'm convinced, want to do many things that give him the opportunity to get on track the way he needs to both on and off the field," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said. "He does believe he has a great opportunity."
