Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy recently addressed an incident involving Cowboys defensive tackle Albert Huggins, where he ran into a Los Angeles Rams intern during a drill, causing the smaller staff member to fall to the ground. McCarthy labeled Huggins’ behavior as unacceptable and mentioned that it had been addressed, with Huggins apologizing for his actions. McCarthy also consulted with Rams coaches Sean McVay and Mike Zimmer about how to handle the situation following the initial hit. The coaches prevented the incident from escalating, ensuring that emotional discipline was maintained on the field.
The altercation took place during a joint practice between the Cowboys and Rams, with some loud words exchanged between players and coaches in the aftermath of the incident. Huggins, who is 6-foot-3 and 305 pounds, has no career sacks and signed with the Cowboys in August of 2023 after a brief stint with the Atlanta Falcons. He has also played for the New Orleans Saints, Detroit Lions, New England Patriots, and the Philadelphia Eagles. The hit occurred during a drill where an equipment intern was standing in for a quarterback in the pocket, and Huggins pushed him to the ground after charging past Rams guard Grant Miller.
The Rams had recently defeated the Cowboys in a preseason game, and while the two teams are not scheduled to meet in the regular season, they could potentially face each other in the playoffs. McCarthy emphasized that such behavior is not representative of the Cowboys organization and stressed the importance of maintaining emotional discipline in such situations. He acknowledged that the incident was unacceptable and took steps to address it promptly with the Rams coaches. While the altercation caused a brief disruption, the practice continued as usual once the situation was defused.
Moving forward, McCarthy expressed confidence in Huggins’ apology and willingness to learn from the incident. He emphasized the importance of upholding the standards of behavior expected of Cowboys players and staff members. McCarthy highlighted the need for emotional discipline in high-pressure situations on the field, ensuring that incidents like the one involving Huggins are not repeated. By addressing the incident promptly and consulting with the Rams coaches, McCarthy aimed to demonstrate that such behavior will not be tolerated within the Cowboys organization.
The joint practice between the Cowboys and Rams provided an opportunity for both teams to compete and prepare for the upcoming season. While the incident involving Huggins temporarily overshadowed the practice, both teams were able to continue their drills and focus on their respective preparations. McCarthy’s response to the incident showcased the importance of accountability and responsibility within the Cowboys organization, reinforcing the values of respect and discipline among players and staff members. As the season progresses, McCarthy will continue to uphold these standards and ensure that incidents like the one involving Huggins are addressed promptly and effectively.
