Over the weekend, KaVontae Turpin of the Dallas Cowboys was arrested for two misdemeanors. While it’s no surprise offseason arrests accumulate for NFL players, this is a blemish on Turpin and his character.

KaVontae Turpin was arrested for two misdemeanors in Dallas: possession of marijuana less than two ounces and unlawful carrying of a weapon. He was pulled over Saturday night after going 97 miles per hour in a 70 mph zone.

This isn’t the first time Turpin has had trouble with the law. Back in his TCU days, Turpin pleaded guilty in a second family violence case against his former girlfriend. This led to being cut from the TCU program after his second battery charge. Turpin served two years of deferred adjudication probation and completed a 27-week Partner Abuse Intervention Program.

A combination of this arrest and his size likely prevented Turpin from immediately jumping to the NFL. Turpin has world-class speed but had to earn his right onto an NFL roster during his time in the UFL. Mike McCarthy, head coach at the time of Turpin’s signing in 2022, took a chance on the dynamic Turpin.

Turpin should be a valuable asset to this Cowboys squad, just securing a 3-year, $18 million deal with the team this offseason. Teams generally don’t spend much on returners and special teams players, but they understand Turpin’s speed provides an X-Factor that defenses must account for.

In Brian Schottenheimer’s new offense, he wants to run the football. He acquired Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders in free agency, as well as Jaydon Blue and Philip Mafah in the draft, with Deuce Vaughn still on this team. With all these guys in the locker room, Turpin has been getting increased reps lined up in the backfield as a running back. So Schottenheimer loves speed and running the football, so it’s natural to think Turpin would become a mainstay when the offense has the ball.

The anticipation of an increased role in Schottenheimer’s offense makes this arrest sour. Not only should Turpin have exercised better judgment and held the public around him in higher regard, but he should have also thought about his reputation and his teammates. With a mistake like this, can Turpin be entrusted on the field to make wise decisions?

Turpin’s new contract guarantees $5.5 million and I’m not advising the Cowboys to outright release KaVontae Turpin. This is an organization that has welcomed players with a troubled past or character issues. Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, who bailed Turpin out of jail, had a DUI at Mississippi State. The Cowboys brought in Greg Hardy a decade ago after domestic violence allegations in his time with the Carolina Panthers. When the talent is there, and if it’s not a repetitive pattern, most teams will overlook the off-field issues.

But Turpin steps into a new coaching regime where everyone has to earn their keep. Just being a return specialist won’t get him an increased role in the offense if he can’t responsibly handle duties on or off the field. And with his natural abilities, the Cowboys offense would be much better if he was on the field and utilized the right way.

I’m unsure if the NFL or the legal system will take action. Beyond that, the Dallas Cowboys have to set a standard for their players. In Schottenheimer’s first season as an NFL head coach, he needs to command respect and hold players to a higher standard than the organization has had previously. Whether that is internal disciplinary actions or repercussions impacting his usage, Turpin needs to know that this staff won’t tolerate behavior that attracts negative attention to The Star.

What are your initial thoughts on Turpin and his arrest? Let us know in the comments below.

Dad and Da ‘Boys covered this in detail Tuesday morning, which you can listen to here on Spotify through the Star Studded Cowboys Network, powered by Fans First Sports Network.