Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy came in support of his cornerback Trevon Diggs amid a loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. The 26-year-old had an altercation with Mike Leslie of WFAA post the game in the hallways of Levi’s Stadium.
Mike Leslie had posted a video pointing out Diggs for an unintentional clearing that enabled George Kittle to score a touchdown. A frustrated Diggs declined media availability, choosing to question and confront Leslie about the social media post in the hallways. He launched a tirade at the reporter, stating that the latter didn’t know football, and spewed more harsh comments at him.
The altercation hasn’t sat right with Mike McCarthy, who wants his players to steer clear of more media attention. In the last weeks, McCarthy himself has come under media fire with veteran Cowboys player Troy Aikman taking a dig at the current team and coaching.
McCarthy admitted, via Todd Archer of ESPN, that Diggs’ actions stemmed from frustration. However, the HC had a strongly worded message for the cornerback. He expressed that social media is a part of the world now and the athletes need to manage that.
I think we have to be better in those moments. I always talk about staying on a high road. That’s part of our responsibility in this business. But I’m not ignorant or naive to the fact that this generation, that’s part of the world they live in, the social media world. You have to manage that. That’s part of being a professional athlete and that’s part of representing this organization properly.
Mike McCarthy said
Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer also gave his take on the two-time Pro Bowler. Zimmer echoed the head coach, noting that professionalism should be maintained.
Trevon Diggs defends his actions amid admission of emotions getting the best of him
The Dallas Cowboys is a big sewer of bubbling boiled water. The drama defeats most new-age reality shows, turning into a spectacle more and more as time passes. Diggs has come in defense of his actions. The player made an appearance in The Edge hosted by injured teammate Micah Parsons.
The Marylander admitted emotions got the best of him and he could have handled things better, but he still took aim at Leslie, suggesting the reporter was chasing clicks by using his name.
Diggs also maintained that he played harder than he had ever played. He iterated that Leslie was completely wrong to call him out.
Social media has become a powerful force in professional football and the entire sports industry. Mike Leslie’s comments might have passed quietly, or at least more quickly, if Trevon Diggs hadn’t escalated them with his response. For the Cowboys to bounce back from their 3-4 start, they’ll need to cool the tension and refocus.
