Micah Parsons continues rant against player bashing from national media

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Micah Parsons, the Cowboys linebacker, caused a stir last week when he skipped his media availability, going against the NFL’s media access policy. Instead, he chose to express his frustrations on his Bleacher Report podcast.

Parsons expressed his displeasure with recent baseless criticisms aimed at his teammate, quarterback Dak Prescott, by what he refers to as the “national media.”

During a gathering at The Star earlier this week, Parsons explained why he feels the need to speak out on his own terms and how he handles the criticism he faces in return.

“I’m the face. I’m giving them their content,” Parsons stated according to Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News. “They’re essentially stealing my content. They’re wrong. They’re doing exactly what I expect them to do. Regardless of whether we win or lose, they’ll always have something to say. People think I shy away from criticism. That’s not the case. Criticism itself isn’t the issue. I just want them to criticize everyone with equal intensity. These media outlets are just as bullying as the people they criticize. They choose who to give breaks to. I wasn’t raised like that. I treat everyone the same.”

Parsons and the Cowboys took offense to former 49ers linebacker Donte Whitner, who described Dak Prescott as “sucky.” Whitner went on to label Prescott as a “tier-four quarterback.”

“Who are we to speak about people like that?” Parsons questioned. “This is something I strongly believe in – individuals coming here and saying those things. I doubt they would appreciate it if someone talked to them like that.”

Parsons simply desires fairness, a principle he adheres to on his podcast.

“I always strive to use my platform for good,” Parsons explained. “At the end of the day, this game means so much more than just us… It’s about young kids, aged 5, 10, 15, who look up to us and watch us. The way I conduct myself will influence how they conduct themselves. So, if I present myself in a certain way and they see it as acceptable, then that’s what they’ll emulate.”