The cola war in Dallas heated up over the weekend as Cowboys
Owner Jerry Jones responded to comments made by NFL Commissioner
Paul Tagliabue and Jones' star quarterback, Troy Aikman, signed a
multi-year deal with Coca-Cola. In Toronto for the American
Bowl, Jones "continued his dispute with" Tagliabue using
"carefully calculated remarks and incendiary rhetoric," writes Ed
Werder of the DALLAS MORNING NEWS. Jones "hinted" that Tagliabue
should refrain from "reprimanding team owners responsible for
payment of his salary." Jones: "He's not being realistic or
he's being naive. At worst, he's trying to discredit my efforts
by using the rhetoric of greed -- and not being a team player."
Jones said he wasn't a "team player" when he went against the
majority of owners and backed Tagliabue for Commissioner in '89
over the late Jim Finks, and said his opposition to the majority
"helped produce" the NFL's record TV deal. Jones: "Paul
Tagliabue would not be the commissioner if everybody had been
team players ... I was one of a minority that laid in front of
the train and wouldn't move. That ultimately led to his becoming
the commissioner." Jones added that Tagliabue "lacks the
perspective necessary to comprehend his plan because he has never
accepted enormous debt or invested huge sums of money to purchase
a team." Jones: "People like me should be the leading voice in
the marketing area. ... I can understand how Paul could have the
perspective he has, because he has never strapped it on. I've
paid the bills." Tagliabue, also in Toronto, declined comment,
but he "has the power to fine Jones" if his remarks are deemed
"disrespectful" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 8/13).
