Sources: Joseph Randle violated NFL's personal conduct policy
— -- At a time the Cowboys are growing increasingly concerned about Joseph Randle, the Dallas running back is facing discipline for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy, according to multiple league sources.
Randle met with NFL investigators this summer and within the past week, the NFL determined he violated the league's personal conduct policy, which now will carry consequences. In a best-case scenario, Randle only will be fined. But more likely he will be suspended, quite possibly for multiple games, for a February incident in Wichita, Kansas, where Randle was arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana after police received a call for domestic violence with a weapon after an incident with Randle and the mother of his son.
According to the police report, the mother of Randle's son said Randle broke a car window in an argument and threatened her with a gun with their son nearby. In April the charges were dropped, but while legally clear, Randle faced sanctions from the NFL.
It was the second time in four months Randle had been arrested.
Last October, he was arrested at a Frisco, Texas, mall for shoplifting. He was attempting to steal underwear and a tester bottle of cologne. The Cowboys fined Randle an undisclosed amount, and he later apologized. In July, he was given six months' probation for the incident.
On Wednesday, Randle left the Cowboys' facility, but sources indicated the absence was about more than just losing his starting job to Darren McFadden. Randle is at the Cowboys facility Thursday and meeting with the coaches, according to the sources.
Randle did not practice Wednesday because of a strained oblique suffered after two carries in Sunday's loss to the New York Giants. Initially Randle was called probable to return to the game. However, he was downgraded to doubtful later in the game and never returned. While he did not practice Wednesday, he went through rehab in full pads and the team is uncertain whether he will be able to play Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. McFadden was promoted to starter after rushing for 152 yards and a touchdown on 29 carries against the Giants.
Randle started the first six games and has 315 yards and four touchdowns on 76 carries. If Randle is suspended by the league, the Cowboys would be without two of their top three backs heading into the season; Lance Dunbar suffered a torn ACL on Oct. 4 against the New Orleans Saints.
Christine Michael and Rod Smith as the only tailbacks on the roster behind McFadden. Michael has played in three games. Smith, who was claimed off waivers from Seattle on Oct. 14, is just starting to learn the Cowboys' offense.
