Reg

10:02 PM Sun, May 18, 2008
Albert Breer

I've been to quite a few charity events in my three years covering the NFL, and I don't think I've ever seen as a big a group of players as I did at tonight's Score Foundation All-Star Bowl 2008. I'm guessing that has something to do with Jason Witten being the host, and I think it says a lot about the fondness and respect the Pro Bowler garners from his teammates.


One of those guys, as you well know by now, was Pacman Jones (See here and here if you don't know.) And Witten, a captain, it should be noted, seems to be ready to welcome Jones with open arms.


"Honestly, he's been really nice and appreciative for having the opportunity," said Witten, who has had a private conversation without Jones outside of tonight's event. "As teammates, we've got to accept him. Hopefully, there's a reward there and I think he's learned from some of his mistakes. It seems like he's on the right track. He's a great player, I do know that."


One thing I did raise to Witten was what Daryl Johnston said last week about looking out for troubled teammates. Witten drew on his experience with the Tank Johnson situation last year as a reason to have faith the Pacman acquisition will work out.


"I think what you worry about is that you don't want things to add up, and more guys to get involved," Witten said. "Jerry's been in these situations plenty of times and as players we have to trust him and how he's going to regulate it. You look at Tank and Tank's one of the best teammates we have.


"I'm not trying to compare situations. But I hope that he understands it and it seems like he's learned from what happened and he's ready to move on with his life."

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