Schottenheimer lays down the law after Cowboys scuffle at training camp

The NFL is back as all 32 teams have made it to the start of training camp. And with training camp come scuffles. It’s just part of it. The Dallas Cowboys had their first just two days into practice.

Schotty shuts down scuffle

During Wednesday’s practice in Oxnard, California, safety Markquese Bell and tight end Tyler Neville got into a tiff on the field. And while this is a typical part of training camp, new Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer was having none of it.

After the scuffle, Schotty stopped the practice, took the team into a huddle and firmly told them that he would kick out the next player who threw a punch or got into a fight. There were several repetitions of, “do you f**king understand me?!”

That was the end of the scuffles.

Tensions are always high at training camps with players trying to prove their worth and earn their spot on the roster. But Schotty has a lot to prove this year too.

As a first-time head coach, Schottenheimer is tasked with bringing the Cowboys out of their slump from last season and his method of doing that so far seems to be to align his team. He’s talked a lot about building a strong, positive team culture and building relationships with the players. His core themes are positivity, competition, and connection. His zero tolerance for scuffles amongst players aligns with those values.

“There are going to be those events that happen during a game that, if you throw a punch, you’re getting kicked out of the game,” Schottenheimer said after breaking up the scuffle and shutting down any in the future.

“And, along with that, you’re getting fined about $45,000. So, do we have the discipline to, when those things happen, to not throw a punch and to go and grab your own guy, your brother, and pull him out of the fray so he doesn’t do anything messed up. I love the way they’re practicing, but I’ve warned them before. And I made it very clear.”

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