Rafael Palmeiro was in a Texas Rangers uniform when he hit his 500th career home run on May 11, 2003.
After Mississippi State announced this summer that Rafael Palmeiro was going to be inducted into its Hall of Fame, columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor thought he might want to discuss what he's learned about himself and how the steroids scandal that ended his 20-year career three years ago has affected his life. Wrong. Blog: Jean-Jacques Taylor Blog: Texas Rangers
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones (right) said he left his luxury suite and joined the team on the sideline in the second half because he wanted to remind the team that Sunday's game was important.
Jerry Jones has spent the second half of close games on the sideline for years, but the Dallas Cowboys' inconsistent performance in Sunday's 31-22 victory against winless Cincinnati forced Jerry to become a part of the game, writes DMN columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor. Game photos Videos:Postgame report | Motion Pictures Blogs:Dallas Cowboys | Taylor
Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle intends to give Jason Kidd (left) more latitude.
Rick Carlisle has already figured out what Avery Johnson never did, writes columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor: Give the ball to Jason Kidd and get out of the way. Johnson's ego wouldn't allow him to do that, which is among the reasons he's unemployed these days. Blogs: Dallas Mavericks | Taylor
Tony Romo has turned the ball over five times in four games - four interceptions and this fumble against Philadelphia.
It's time for Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo to play better, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor. His statistics (1,192 yards passing, eight TDs and a 99.0 passer rating) are good. But a stat that should be cause for concern is Romo's five turnovers this season. Video: Cowboys report (10/2) Blogs: Dallas Cowboys | Jean-Jacques Taylor
Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo (9) and RB Marion Barber sit on the bench after a lackluster performance during the first half.
Marion Barber, the NFL's most physical running back, carried the ball eight times. Terrell Owens had more carries than the electric Felix Jones. Ridiculous, writes DMN columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor. So you shouldn't have been surprised Washington beat the Dallas Cowboys, 26-24, Sunday. Blogs:Dallas Cowboys | Taylor
Terrell Owens' (left) hustle made sure Green Bay defenders couldn't get to rookie Felix Jones on his 60-yard touchdown run.
Say what you will about Terrell Owens, the Cowboys' sometimes petulant receiver who whines when not enough passes are thrown his way. No one has ever questioned his effort or intensity, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor, who doesn't understand why so many were shocked at T.O.'s hustle in the win over Green Bay. Blogs: Dallas Cowboys | Jean-Jacques Taylor
Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo attempts to get away from Green Bay's Colin Cole.
Occasionally, you must win in spite of your quarterback. That's what championship teams do. It's what the Dallas Cowboys did Sunday night, disposing of Green Bay, 27-16. Winning without Tony Romo at his best – as long as it doesn't happen too often – is a positive, writes DMN columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor. Blogs:Dallas Cowboys | Taylor
Mavericks owner Mark Cuban tried to make a point to Mavericks fans angry at Josh Howard by briefly posting their rants on his blog.
One of the first things you learn about Mark Cuban is that any e-mail you send him might wind up on his blog, writes columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor. Cuban took that approach to another level Friday, when he published a litany of vitriolic e-mails from fans angry at Josh Howard on his blog. Blogs: Dallas Mavericks | Taylor
Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware sacks Donovan McNabb on the Eagles' final drive.
The Dallas Cowboys' defense played horribly much of the night, looking nothing like the elite unit its paychecks and draft pedigree suggest it should be. But when it mattered most, it made the plays to remain unbeaten, writes DMN columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor. Game photos Blogs:Dallas Cowboys | Cowlishaw | Taylor
The last time Tony Romo (9) faced the Eagles at Texas Stadium, his passer rating for the game was 22.2.
This is not a night for moral victories, writes DMN columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor. The Dallas Cowboys have the NFC's most talented roster, according to almost everyone who examines these sort of things. They're supposed to beat Philadelphia in Texas Stadium. Period. End of discussion. Blogs:Jean-Jacques Taylor | Dallas Cowboys
Mourners paid their respect to UTEP Hall of Fame college basketball coach Don Haskins at the Don Haskins Center on Tuesday.
On Thursday at the basketball arena that bears his name, UT-El Paso honored Don Haskins, who died Sunday night after a lengthy illness, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor. We can't begin to know how many lives Haskins touched because he didn't want us to know. Blog: Colleges
Tony Romo had a bandage applied to his gashed chin Sunday, but only after he led Dallas on a 10-play, 86-yard scoring drive.
Tony Romo showed Sunday that he can be more than just the Dallas Cowboys' celebrity quarterback who spends his off-season running from the paparazzi the way he eludes defensive ends during the season, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor. He proved he can be a tough guy. Blogs: Jean-Jacques Taylor | Dallas Cowboys
Marion Barber has plenty of room to run as Isaiah Stanback (left) and Leonard Davis (right) create a big hole.
Don't be fooled by the baby face or calm demeanor Jason Garrett displays in public. The Dallas Cowboys' offensive coordinator is as ruthless as they come, writes DMN columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor. Just ask the Cleveland Browns after the Cowboys' 28-10 win. Video:Postgame report | Motion Pictures Game photos Blogs:Dallas Cowboys | Cowlishaw | Taylor
Nick Folk has been impressive in training camp and the preseason.
You might take him for granted, but the Cowboys understand the importance of kicker Nick Folk to their offense. His ability to consistenly hit from inside 50 yards gives the offense more confidence and makes it more dangerous, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor in this week's installment of Inside the Dallas Cowboys.
Under offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, the Dallas Cowboys averaged 28.4 points per game last season.
The Dallas Cowboys' game against Cleveland really has little to do with Kyle Kosier. Or Miles Austin. Or Sam Hurd, writes columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor. It has everything to do with Jason Garrett, the NFL's highest-paid assistant coach. He makes $3 million a year for weeks like this. Blogs: Dallas Cowboys | Jean-Jacques Taylor Video: Cowboys report
The Dallas Cowboys signed Adam Jones to a 4-year contract after acquiring him in a trade with the Titans.
Now that's he's been reinstated by the NFL, Adam Jones must continue to do the right thing for his career, writes DMN columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor. And his daughter. And his family. He must also do the right thing for the Cowboys, because his talent is too immense for him to have a bit role. Blog: Dallas Cowboys
SMU coach June Jones (left) has a talk with quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell during a break in the second quarter.
June Jones made the right decision when he decided to start SMU's season with a true freshman quarterback for the first time, writes columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor. Despite a 56-27 loss to Rice, Bo Levi Mitchell proved it Friday night. Blogs: Colleges | Taylor
Cowboys tight end Jason Witten says the team's starters need to play better in the preseason.
The Dallas Cowboys don't need to turn in a Super Bowl-winning performance tonight (7 p.m., Ch. 11) against Houston, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor. It's just another preseason game. But is it too much to ask the starters to perform as though they'll be ready for the regular season? Video: Cowboys-Texans preview Blogs: Dallas Cowboys
SMU's Justin Willis (left) has handled his demotion to third-string quarter with class, Jean-Jacques Taylor writes.
Just a few months ago, Justin Willis was the face of SMU football, Jean-Jacques Taylor writes. Now, Willis is the third-string quarterback behind a pair of freshmen. It can't be easy. "The best way to handle the situation is to support the team and keep working hard," Willis said. "It'll make me a better person." Blogs:Jean-Jacques Taylor | Colleges
You can expect to see much more of Tony Romo and the Cowboys' starters in Friday's preseason game against Houston, Jean-Jacques Taylor writes.
The Dallas Cowboys' starters know they have yet to put together a complete performance. They do have pride - even in the preseason. That's why you'll get the best they have to offer against the Houston Texans, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor in the latest installment of Inside the Dallas Cowboys. Blog: Jean-Jacques Taylor
Fort Worth O.D. Wyatt graduate Darrent Williams was known as the little guy with the infectious personality, Jean-Jacques Taylor writes.
It has been 593 days since Darrent Williams' senseless murder, but his spirit remains alive in Denver, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor. It lives in the Darrent Williams Memorial Teen Center. And it lives in the hearts of Denver Broncos teammates such as Domonique Foxworth, who refuse to let Williams' memory fade. Blog: Jean-Jacques Taylor
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Anthony Henry led the team with six interceptions last season.
It's easy to underestimate Anthony Henry or take him for granted, because he's so low-key on the field and off, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor. "With my personality, that's cool," Henry said. "I let my play speak for itself." Video: Camp report (8/13) Blog: Dallas Cowboys
Cowboys running back Felix Jones averaged 5.3 yards per carry in his preseason debut against the San Diego Chargers.
After one preseason game, it seems most of you think Felix Jones is going to the Hall of Fame and Martellus Bennett should be cut. Chill out, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor in the latest installment of Inside the Dallas Cowboys. Nothing is concrete after one preseason game. Blog: Jean-Jacques Taylor
Linebacker Bradie James has played his five NFL seasons with the Dallas Cowboys.
No doubt exists in Bradie James' mind about his ability to be a three-down linebacker. But he's not going to get a chance to do it this year. The Dallas Cowboys have a bevy of defensive players who must subjugate their egos for the good of the team, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor. Blog: Dallas Cowboys Video: Camp report Video: Cali fans
C.J. Wilson had a testy exchange with manager Ron Washington in the reliever's last appearance with the Rangers.
C.J. Wilson will never be the Texas Rangers' closer again, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor. The closer has to be a guy the manager, players and front office can trust. It's hard to believe Wilson will ever be that guy again for Texas. Blog: Texas Rangers Video: Rangers report
Cowboys linebacker Bobby Carpenter hopes to prove he's over the pinched nerve that hobbled him for half of last season.
Bobby Carpenter finally bears some resemblance to the player the Dallas Cowboys thought they were getting when they picked him with the 18th selection of the first round two seasons ago, writes columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor in the latest installment of Inside the Dallas Cowboys. Blogs: Dallas Cowboys | Jean-Jacques Taylor
Marion Barber is relentless on the field. Shy off the field, the running back reveals little about himself.
You know all about Tony Romo's love life and Terrell Owens' humble upbringing. But we know virtually nothing about Dallas Cowboys running back Marion Barber, writes columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor. That's the way this 25-year-old, dreadlocked man of mystery likes it. Photos Blogs: Dallas Cowboys | Jean-Jacques Taylor
Quarterback Quincy Carter, who played from 2001-03 with the Cowboys, had his career derailed by drug addiction.
Who knows if Quincy Carter's workout Thursday the Miami Dolphins will lead to a roster spot? The important thing, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor, is that Carter has progressed enough in his drug addiction that an NFL team is actually considering him for employment. Blog: Jean-Jacques Taylor
Dallas' Anthony Spencer had 36 tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles in limited playing time in 2007.
Anthony Spencer, who doesn't even start, will determine whether the Dallas Cowboys' defense is good or great, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor. If he's the pass rusher Dallas believes he can be, the team's pass rush will rival that of the Giants last season when they won the Super Bowl. Photos Blogs: Dallas Cowboys | Jean-Jacques Taylor
Sam Hurd (17) caught 19 passes for 314 yards last season.
Without a No. 2 receiver, the Dallas Cowboys must be content with Sam Hurd, Miles Austin and Patrick Crayton. Not to worry, Jean-Jacques Taylor writes in Inside the Dallas Cowboys. Last season, Dallas had one of the league's most prolific offenses without a big-time No. 2 receiver. Blog: Jean-Jacques Taylor Blog: Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys safety Roy Williams had 115 tackles last season.
For years, anger filled Roy Williams' body every time he stepped on the football field. Jesus Christ took the anger away when Williams became a Christian, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor. Football, for him, is fun again. It hasn't been the past few seasons. Video: Camp report Blog: Dallas Cowboys