Speaking with reporters for the first time since a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Micah Parsons issued a public apology to Mike McCarthy. The Dallas Cowboys star made headlines after he said the coach could “go wherever he wants.”
Parsons said he was frustrated following the loss, which marked the Cowboys’ fourth straight defeat. McCarthy said the two had a conversation afterward, but Thursday marked the first time Parsons spoke publicly with reporters after the remarks.
Parsons’ comments drew a quick response, but he pointed out the respect he has for McCarthy’s career, which includes a Super Bowl ring. It was a moment of frustration, and he admitted he could’ve chosed his words better.
“Obviously no disrespect to [McCarthy’s] career and what he’s made for himself as one of the most winningest coaches,” Parsons said, via ESPN’s Todd Archer. “I could have done better. I was angry, and I just didn’t finish, and I wasn’t as thoughtful as I usually am. I didn’t think people would take that context the way it was. That’s on me.
“I lost [the game]. I didn’t want to finish, and I wanted to hurry up out of the locker room. Next time, I will be very careful about what I say. So that’s my apologies.”
More on Micah Parsons’ comments on Mike McCarthy
The Eagles defeated the Cowboys 34-6 that day, and Parsons expressed his frustration with the franchise’s current state. He said he felt bad for some of the notable names on the team, but McCarthy’s name also came up.
“Mike can leave and go wherever he wants,” Parsons said postgame. “But guys I kind of feel bad for … Zack Martin and guys who might be on their last year, on their way out, because that’s who I wanted to hold the trophy for. You want to win games and do great things with those types of legends who put in more time and work than Mike McCarthy ever did. So those are the kind of guys that I have so much sympathy and hurt for.”
After his comments made their way around social media, Micah Parsons later said people were trying to “twist his words” around. ESPN analysts Rex Ryan and Damien Woody offered some poignant criticism the day after the game, and the former Penn State star responded on his podcast.
“I never once or even intended to throw Mike McCarthy under the bus,” Parsons said. “He’s one of the most winningest coaches [and] is a Super Bowl champion. I never once brought up his past and the question that was asked was about here in the Dallas Cowboys, did I see Mike McCarthy in our future. And I said, ‘That’s above my pay grade.’ So, not once did I ever intended or wanted to reflect on Mike McCarthy’s career because I always knew it was a good one. I’ve always had a great relationship with Mike McCarthy, and I never even put that into question.
“For a guy like Rex Ryan, I just know he wanted to coach the Cowboys. Like, I’m perfectly happy that we have [Mike] Zimmer because if we have a guy that’s willing to go on TV and provide this type of nonsense, imagine what he could do to a locker room. That’s honestly just outrageous to me. … It truly bothers me how much negativity that we choose to put out there because not once did I want this quote to be a negative moment. I only wanted it to be a positive light and shine light on guys like Zack Martin, who may or may not be a Cowboy next year.”
