Dallas sportscaster Dale Hansen shared with The Dallas Express CEO Chris Putnam a rare moment of tension with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. The exchange happened years ago during an interview on the set of the local ABC-TV news station.
In the latest episode of Putnam’s Perspective on Dallas Sports Network, Putnam asked Hansen what “the root cause of the cancer of [Cowboys’] culture that we have been dealing with for a generation.” Hansen replied that Jerry Jones is the “definitive connection between all of it.”
Hansen then recalled one of his most memorable moments on live television.
“I said this to Jerry Jones, one of my favorite moments in television in my 50 years or so, 41 in Dallas … I look at him and said, ‘Can you name one team in any sport based on your record that would hire you to be the general manager? ” Hansen said.
According to Hansen, Jones answered yes. When Jones was pressed to name one, there was a period of dead air on live TV. Hansen then continued, “That’s my point. You cannot name a single team in any sport that would hire you to be their general manager, and yet you insist on being the general manager of one of the most iconic sports franchises in all of sports.”
When Hansen said he stood up to thank Jones for appearing, he extended his hand. Jones allegedly slapped it away before walking off set.
Dallas Sports Network founder Chris Yates reacted to the story during the segment. “What’s interesting about that is Jerry takes a lot of heat and always laughs it off. That’s the first time I’ve ever heard him upset. You can say anything to him. That surprised me a little.”
The full episode is available on Dallas Sports Network’s YouTube channel.
The Dallas Express is proud to continue its partnership with Dallas Sports Network. Each week, DX CEO Chris Putnam joins hosts Chris Yates and Mark Elfenbein for “Putnam’s Perspective,” featuring interviews with former Cowboys players, coaches, and media figures.