NFL Combine: Dez Bryant interview
Dez Bryant met with the media Friday at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Here is the transcript from his press conference.
How do you answer questions about the NCAA suspension?
“Whatever’s asked, I’m going to answer it.”
How excited are you to talk about football and not the NCAA stuff?
“Very excited. Just to know I’m about to get drafted to an NFL team, I’ll be able to get back in a uniform and do what God gave me to do.”
Was it difficult to answer those questions today?
“I haven’t heard it much. But it’s not difficult at all.”
It’s been tough talking to the NCAA. Why is it easier today?
“I accepted the fact, I heard it so many times, I just got better at it.”
What do you tell NFL teams about what you did?
“I just tell them I misled the NCAA about going out to Deion Sanders’ house. I apologized for it and I’m back on track and ready to go.
Will that affect how high you are drafted?
“No sir. I don’t think so at all. But it’s not my call.”
Do they ask you why you did it?
“Yes sir they did.”
What’s your answer?
“I was nervous, the way they came in. Going out to Deion Sanders’ house wasn’t a violation, but lying was a violation, so I got the punishment.”
How is your relationship with Deion Sanders?
“It hasn’t changed. His intention wasn’t to hurt me. He’ll always be one of my favorite football players. It’ll stay that way.”
What did Deion say after the suspension?
“Just keep my head up. Don’t get down. He said, ‘I’ve been through worse things than that.’ Just keep my head high and keep moving.”
What’s your biggest regret?
“My biggest regret was not telling the truth.”
Do you worry that people will think you’re a bad person?
“It was a bad mistake. But I’m a great person. I enjoy the opportunity to make people smile. I’m good at making people smile. People that know me, they know it was a mistake. They know I’m a fun type of person and I love to have fun.”
Was the NCAA punishment too harsh?
“I felt it was kind of harsh, but at the same time, I took it as a man. There’s nothing I can do about it. Just keep going.”
Are you looking forward to getting back on the field?
“That’s what I’m looking forward to. I’m ready to put back on those pads. Do what I do best.
You have the same agent, Eugene Parker, as Michael Crabtree. Any teams ask about that?
No teams are asking about none of that. That situation, Mike’s his own man, I’m my own man.
Was it hard to watch Oklahoma State after the suspension?
“It was kind of hard to watch, but I still watched it. Kept my same routine. Prayed every Saturday for the opponent and our team. Sat on my couch and watched the game.”
Was it hard training by yourself?
“It was kind of hard training by myself. I didn’t do much. I caught footballs. That’s about it.”
What’s your relationship with Deion Sanders?
“Deion is my mentor. Deion never talked to me about football. It was more of my personal life. Seeing was my mom OK. Was my brother OK? Was my sister OK? He checked up on me every now and then.”
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