By KEITH WHITMIRE
FOXSportsSouthwest.com
Jan. 18, 2011
The Dez Bryant trade rumor that circled around the Cowboys this week fired up the message boards and talk radio shows.
The big question: Will it fire up Bryant?
It would be highly unlikely, to say the least for the Cowboys, to trade the receiver after his rookie season. They, and specifically owner Jerry Jones, are infatuated with his talent and star potential. Bryant showed flashes of that talent during the season, but only during the brief window when he was healthy.
He missed all of preseason and a quarter of the regular season because of injuries. When he could play, he often missed practices with a variety of ailments.
That alone is a reason the Cowboys will not trade Bryant. He has yet to prove he is not a fragile player.
And now, thanks to the trade rumor, allegations have surfaced that Bryant was not the most punctual and dedicated player. He reportedly was late to a number of meetings and was not as familiar with the playbook as he should have been.
This is not news. Bryant slipped to No. 24 because of a well-earned reputation for tardiness and a lack of focus. Since he hasn't turned into Mr. Reliable, it
