ESPN Dallas Columnists Calvin Watkins and Todd Archer on more legal woes for The Dallas Cowboys as C.J. Spillman (Dallas Cowboys DB) is under investigation for Sexual Assault claim

ESPN columnists Calvin Watkins and Todd Archer broke the story today on an investigation underway  by Grapevine, Texas police. Barry Bowling, Grapvine Police spokesperson, stated that a report was filed on September 20th where C.J. Spillman is under investigation but made clear that Spillman hasn't been charged or arrested. Additionally, Spillman is said to be fully cooperating with the investigation. The incident involves C.J Spillman whom alledgedly sexually assaulted an individual, who's identity has yet to be released, at the Gaylord Hotel. Cowboys players and personnell stay at the Gaylord hotel until suitable apartments are found which was the case with Spillman.

Attorney for the unknown client is Gloria Allred whom has been in communication with Jeff Pash, Executive Vice President of the NFL, since last week. At that time she had named no players or an organization as of yet. While Pash invited the Allred's client to an interview, he made it clear that he wanted the interview be done with NFL investigators and on a 'confidential' basis. Pash is apparently nervous about the type of interview, due to the story being leaked earlier in the week, as he made a comment on the subject:

 "The fact that you chose to make public your requests to interview our client confidentially causes us concern about whether the interview itself would be kept confidential or tweeted out by you as you did with your letter to me," (Referring to an Allred letter to Jeff Pash)"However, I am willing to meet with you to discuss your request and also to learn the answers to our important questions posed in my original letter to you (which was not shared with the press)."

Jason Garret, Dallas Cowboys Head Coach, has become more vocal on the issue of off-field behavior and domestic violence also. Earlier in the week he made remarks on the hot button issues:

 "Again, part of what our jobs are as coaches is to create the right environment for our players to function both on and off the field. So we need to be clear about where we are, we need to be clear that we have a structure in place to help anybody who has any off-the-field issues. Me as a coach, position coaches, player programs, departments, we have a lot of resources here to help guys. So that was the first message -- if you're dealing with anything off the field and we can help with, we're here for you. Having said that, there is standards that we have about all off the field behavior and certainly domestic violence applies to that. We're just very clear with how we're going to handle things."

In ironically bad timing Dallas Cowboys news, Josh Brent (Dallas Cowboys Defensive Tackle) has returned to the team this week. Brent was found guilty of intoxication manslaughter, an incident which lead to the death of Brent's best friend and practice squad player, Jerry Brown. Brent will not be able to play until the 10th week but has been allowed to begin working out with the Cowboys in the meantime.

References:

http://espn.go.com/dallas/nfl/story/_/id/11626036/cj-spillman-dallas-cowboys-faces-sexual-assault-allegation

http://crimeblog.dallasnews.com/2014/10/grapevine-police-investigating-alleged-sexual-assault-involving-cowboys-player.html/

Photography/ Image Courtesy:

C.J. Spillman Sexual Assault Claim: Mike Morbeck

Jeff Pash Vice President of NFL: Brian Cushing High School

Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Jason Garrett: Rondo Estrello

Jerry Brown RIP: howdygram.blogspot.com

Josh Brent Intoxication Manslaugther: Michael Mulvey / AP