Cowboys reportedly want Joseph Randle released

Who figured that such a hardly-used player like Joseph Randle would become such a divisive figure inside the Dallas Cowboys’ locker room?

Randle, a former 5th-round pick who is second on the Cowboys in rushing yards, got into a fight with Dez Bryant at practice on Friday. Bryant apparently confronted Randle over comments the back made during his arrest for shoplifting from a department store two weeks ago.

During his arrest, Randle was heard comparing his plight to that of Bryant and fellow Cowboy Josh Brent.

“Dez didn’t miss no games for slapping his mama,” Randle said while being booked.

In light of the fight and booking video, Cowboys coach Jason Garrett reportedly met with Randle, Bryant and Brent after practice to sort out matters. He also called a team meeting Saturday to address the situation.

ESPN Dallas’ Calvin Watkins reports that the team meeting was held because a majority of Cowboys players want Randle released.

I was told Randle meeting was called because a majority of players want him released. Garrett trying to get a hold of the situation.

— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) November 1, 2014

The Cowboys also have Lance Dunbar and Ryan Williams as backup running backs, so you have to figure they would at least consider releasing Randle if he’s become that much of a problem for the rest of the team.