Tonight's news had an item that shows just how big a man Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is.
Back in 2000, when the Cowboys were struggling, San Francisco wide receiver Terrell Owens sprinted to the midfield star after a touchdown, an in-your-face move that was not appreciated much. Shortly after, Emmitt Smith scored a touchdown and also sprinted to midfield where he kneeled on the star. His moment was captured by photographer Walter Smith, making for a dramatic picture.
Subsequently, on a visit to the Cowboys merchandise display at the state fair, photographer Smith saw his photo had been turned into a Cowboys jersey for sale. The problem was he had copyright to the picture and had never given the Cowboys permission to use it for the jersey, of which thousands had been sold for $20 to $30 each. When he pointed this omission out to the Cowboys, he was offered $1000 in Cowboys merchandise as compensation.
He wasn't exactly satisfied at the offer, and sought recourse in court. He settled for $275,000.
Here's the part where Jerry Jones' big heart comes in: Smith has been permanently banned from working in Texas Stadium when the Cowboys are playing. Way to show class, there, Jerry. That level of sophomoric petty vindictiveness takes real talent and effort to display. Sort of 'you can take the guy out of the trailer park, but you can't take the trailer park out of the guy', I guess. I suppose you really can't expect better of Arkansas.
Posted on June 6, 2005 10:32 PM