IRVING, Texas – Sounding humbled and certainly embarrassed, running back Joseph Randle seems ready to move on.
He's also thankful he'll be able to play Sunday against the Giants, as the Cowboys have announced they plan to fine him, but not suspend Randle for his shoplifting arrest on Monday.
Randle had a lengthy discussion with coach Jason Garrett on Tuesday and then apologized to his teammates Wednesday during the team meeting. He said that was one of the toughest parts of the entire situation.
"I just made a huge mistake," Randle said. "I know there's big-time consequences for things in life. I disappointed a lot of people who really care about me – like my brothers on the team, coaches around here and this whole organization – people who supported me. My family, my dad, I let a lot of people down. I'm just trying my best to make it up to them and do whatever I have to do to get past this."
Randle was arrested Monday for attempting to steal $80 worth of cologne and underwear from a Dillard's in Stonebriar Mall in Frisco.
"This is the biggest mistake I've ever made in my life," Randle said. "I've never gotten in any kind of trouble. This is something I have to learn from."
Randle was on the practice field Wednesday and will play Sunday, Garrett said.
"I'm happy I get to participate and be out there with my brothers," Randle said. "It was hard coming back in the locker room and looking at people who care about me in the eye, knowing I did something stupid. They've all been very supportive. They know people mess up. I'm trying to take full responsibility and really just move on from it."
[embeddedad0]Randle said he hopes this doesn't become a distraction to the Cowboys, who have won five straight games, including Sunday's 30-23 win in Seattle, where Randle played one of his best games of his career. His 38-yard run in the first quarter led to the Cowboys' first touchdown.
"We're just trying to get ready and keep winning. We're playing our rival team, the Giants, this weekend," Randle said. "That's what we're focused on. I love this game and I love this team. I'll try my best to rep the Star the right way."
Randle has 16 carries this year for 113 yards, getting limited carries behind DeMarco Murray, the NFL's leading rusher (785 yards) through six games.
