Jerry Jones weighs in on Cowboys partying drama and benching of top receivers

The Dallas Cowboys strengthened their position in the NFC East with a commanding 33-16 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, a performance that marked their most complete outing of the season.

The victory secured their hold on second place in the division, but the game wasn’t without drama.

Before kickoff, wideouts George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb were mysteriously absent from the opening drive. It was revealed that the pair had reportedly violated team curfew while out late the night before.

While their temporary benching raised eyebrows, both players erupted once they returned to the field, delivering the kind of explosive playmaking that helped Dallas dominate the afternoon. Still, their decision to bend team rules didn’t escape the attention-or the words-of team owner Jerry Jones.

Jerry Jones doesn’t mince words on curfew violations

When asked about the situation during his regular appearance on 105.3 The Fan, Jones made it clear he wasn’t personally offended by the idea of players enjoying a night out. What mattered was the timing and the principle behind team expectations.

“I don’t have any problem with partying,” he said, emphasizing that road games come with an understanding: players are on a business trip first, entertainers second.

In his eyes, discipline isn’t optional-it’s a fundamental part of maintaining a championship-level mindset.

This isn’t the first time Jones has taken a firm public stance regarding player conduct. His long tenure as one of the NFL‘s most outspoken owners has often put him at the center of leaguewide conversations.

A memorable example came during the 2017 season, when the national anthem protests swept across the sport. Jones announced that any Cowboys player who took a knee during the anthem would be benched.

The statement sparked backlash and eventually prompted a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board, alleging his comments infringed on players’ rights under federal labor law.

Despite his history of polarizing comments, Jones‘s relationship with the locker room remains steady. Those within the organization often describe him as someone who expects effort and accountability but is equally quick to praise his players for their commitment and performance.

That balance has allowed the Cowboys to maintain a sense of cohesion even when controversies arise.

Following the win over the Raiders, that cohesion was on full display. Pickens and Lamb responded to their brief punishment with urgency and impact, helping power the offense and setting a tone that resonated throughout the roster.

The team’s defensive unit matched the intensity, sealing the victory and reinforcing why Dallas remains a contender as the season progresses.

For Jones, the takeaway from the weekend was simple: players can have their fun, but standards come first. And for the Cowboys, their renewed momentum suggests that message has been received loud and clear.