Dallas Cowboys wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens were benched for the first series of Monday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders after missing a team curfew in Las Vegas, Lamb confirmed on Thursday.
Lamb revealed that he and Pickens missed the 10 p.m. PT curfew on Sunday night while they were at the Red Rock Casino, where they had dinner and drinks. The incident occurred ahead of the Cowboys’ Monday matchup with the Raiders, which had a 5:15 p.m. PT kickoff. As a result, head coach Brian Schottenheimer decided to bench both players for the first offensive series as a disciplinary measure. This action was communicated to the players before the game, emphasizing the team’s standards.
During the first series, with Lamb and Pickens sidelined, the Cowboys’ offense struggled, resulting in a three-and-out. Receivers Ryan Flournoy, KaVontae Turpin, and Jalen Tolbert started in their place, but the drive failed to gain momentum. Despite this rocky start, the team rallied later in the game, showcasing the depth and resilience of the roster.
After serving their brief benching, Lamb and Pickens returned to the field and made significant contributions to the Cowboys’ 33-16 victory. Lamb caught five passes for 66 yards and a touchdown, while Pickens had a career-high-tying nine receptions for 144 yards and a 37-yard touchdown. Their combined efforts accounted for a large portion of quarterback Dak Prescott’s 268 passing yards and four touchdowns, highlighting their importance to the offense.
In his comments, Lamb addressed rumors circulating on social media that he was seen throwing up outside the casino, firmly denying the allegations. He stated that he knows how to hold his liquor and emphasized that the incident was simply a matter of missing curfew, not any inappropriate behavior. This clarification aimed to dispel any negative perceptions and focus on the team’s discipline.
Coach Schottenheimer supported the disciplinary action, noting that “there were some things that were missed” and that the players were informed beforehand. He expressed satisfaction with how both receivers handled the situation and performed afterwards, even hugging them after Lamb’s touchdown. Schottenheimer also praised their relationship and indicated a desire for Pickens to remain with the team beyond this season, as he is set to become a free agent.
The Cowboys, with a 4-5-1 record, are in the midst of a competitive playoff race in the NFC. This incident comes at a critical time as they prepare to face the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. The team’s ability to manage internal discipline while maintaining performance could impact their postseason chances, making this event a focal point for fans and analysts. Overall, the curfew violation and subsequent benching underscore the high standards expected in professional sports, even for star players. It also highlights the balance teams must strike between discipline and player morale, especially in high-stakes environments like the NFL. The Cowboys’ handling of the situation may set a precedent for future conduct.
