Tantrum highlights gulf between star receivers Bryant and Johnson

Cowboys star falls short compared to the class and humility of 'Megatron'

Dez Bryant's claims that he is the equal of Detroit Lions star Calvin Johnson ring hollow in light of his recent behaviour. Getty Images
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So, Dez Bryant, you place yourself in the same class with fellow wide receiver Calvin Johnson. “I believe I can do whatever he can do,” you said before your Dallas Cowboys played Johnson’s Detroit Lions last Sunday.

As talented as you are, your contention still was a stretch. Then any favourable comparison to “Megatron” crumbled with your petulant outburst on the sideline during the game.

You ranted about not being targeted for enough passes, even though Dallas were ahead at the time. You tried to explain it away as exhibiting passion, but at least one veteran teammate who advised you to pipe down interpreted the tantrum differently.

Did you forget that Tony Romo aimed 16 throws your way a week earlier? Game plans change. Coverages dictate strategies. What works one Sunday might not be as effective the next. Got it?

Try doing this like Johnson – show some class. After Megatron’s 329-yard day, the second-best total for a receiver in history, his most telling comment was: “The only thing that went through my mind is that we won the game.”

Said teammate Matthew Stafford, whose buzzer-beating touchdown rescued Detroit 31-30: “The best thing about that dude is how humble he is, how much of a team player he is.”

Someday, Bryant, you might ring up the same eye-popping stats as Johnson. But until you start behaving like him, like a grown-up, you can never do everything he does.

sports@thenational.ae