‘Dumb a**’: Fans react as Dallas Cowboys WR KaVontae Turpin arrested in Texas for illegal weapon and marijuana possession

Just four months after the Dallas Cowboys made KaVontae Turpin the highest-paid special teams player in NFL history, their $18 million commitment is suddenly clouded by scandal. Early Sunday morning, on July 6, Turpin was arrested in Allen, Texas, for misdemeanor marijuana possession and unlawfully carrying a weapon, according to Collin County court records reviewed by CBS News Texas.

The arrest has sparked a firestorm of fan backlash and raised serious questions about whether Turpin—who overcame years of setbacks to become an All-Pro—can be trusted to stay on the field. For a team desperate to break through in the playoffs, this is the kind of offseason chaos no one wanted.

Dallas Cowboys’ $18 million bet on KaVontae Turpin faces backlash and uncertainty after All-Pro returner’s shocking holiday weekend arrest

KaVontae Turpin’s arrest unfolded during the long holiday weekend, when NFL coaches famously brace for late-night calls. On Monday morning, Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer confirmed what fans feared: “During the slow time, NFL coaches dread that phone call,” he said.

“And now I’ve gotten exactly that.”According to court records, Turpin was booked and released on separate bonds of $500 for the marijuana charge and $1,000 for unlawfully carrying a weapon. Though marijuana violations no longer guarantee suspensions under NFL rules, they typically lead to enhanced testing and fines. The weapons charge could invite further discipline, adding to the sense of uncertainty swirling around the Cowboys’ offseason plans.

As news of the arrest broke, one fan summed up the collective groan with a biting tweet: “Cowboys already takin L’s. Yes sir.”

KaVontae Turpin arrest casts doubt on Dallas Cowboys offensive plans and special teams strategy

The timing couldn’t be worse. Dallas just cleared over $50 million in cap space ahead of free agency, then handed Turpin a three-year deal worth $6 million per season—an unprecedented figure for a returner. The front office hoped the contract would finally unlock a bigger offensive role for Turpin, who exploded last season with 904 kick return yards, 420 receiving yards, and three total touchdowns.KaVontae Turpin’s contract all but confirms the Cowboys will use him more on offense, multiple reports agreed when the deal was announced. The plan was to line him up alongside CeeDee Lamb, especially after Brandin Cooks missed seven games and Jalen Tolbert struggled with consistency.Some fans weren’t so forgiving of Turpin’s latest misstep. One tweet captured the frustration and expectation of consequences: “You dumb a**! No doubt will be suspended.”

Dallas Cowboys weigh consequences as KaVontae Turpin’s arrest threatens team stability

KaVontae Turpin’s off-field trouble isn’t new. He went undrafted in 2019 out of TCU because of prior issues, then rebuilt his career through The Spring League, the European League of Football, and the USFL—where he was named MVP. His hard-fought comeback peaked with a Pro Bowl rookie season in 2022.But for all the optimism surrounding his new deal, this arrest threatens to derail that narrative. As one cynical fan put it on social media: “Not a true Cowboys player until you’re arrested.”

While no immediate roster moves have been announced, the Cowboys may now be forced to explore contingency plans. Free agent returners and depth receivers could be on the radar if league discipline sidelines Turpin.KaVontae Turpin’s story was supposed to be about redemption—a journey from undrafted outcast to Pro Bowl game-breaker. But Sunday’s arrest in Allen is a sobering reminder that talent alone doesn’t erase off-field risk. As the Cowboys weigh their next steps, fans are left wondering if this $18 million gamble will pay off—or become yet another cautionary tale.Also Read: ‘Worst RB room in the league’: Colin Cowherd rips Dallas Cowboys for passing on Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry