### Controversy Surrounds Micah Parsons Over Comments About Coach McCarthy

Dallas Cowboys star linebacker Micah Parsons has faced significant backlash following his controversial comments about head coach Mike McCarthy after the team's heavy defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. Parsons' remarks have been widely criticized, and he has expressed frustration over how his statements have been interpreted.

Addressing the uproar on his podcast "The Edge with Micah Parsons," the 25-year-old linebacker defended his comments. "I never once threw - or even intended to throw - Mike McCarthy under the bus," Parsons said. He clarified that when asked if he envisioned McCarthy’s future with the Dallas Cowboys, he responded, "That's above my pay grade."

Previously, after the Cowboys' disheartening 34-6 loss, Parsons' lack of remorse for his coach's future raised eyebrows. "That's above my pay grade, about if Mike's coaching again next year," he remarked, adding that his concern was more for veteran players like guard Zack Martin, who might be nearing the end of their careers. "You want to win games and do great things with those type of legends who put in more time and work than Mike McCarthy ever did. So those are the kind of guys that I have so much sympathy and hurt for," Parsons said.

Following these comments, McCarthy and Parsons had a discussion to clear the air. "Micah and I had a conversation this morning about it, and we handled those things as men should handle it," McCarthy told reporters. Parsons subsequently apologized for his comments, with McCarthy noting that it hadn't been Parsons' intent to criticize him.

The controversy prompted a vehement response from former NFL coach Rex Ryan, who criticized Parsons for his remarks on ESPN. "You're giving up family time, you're giving up all kinds of stuff in your life and you're gonna get some ass- I don't care how talented he is, that is absolutely BS," Ryan said, alluding to Parsons' injury that had sidelined him for four games. "If you would've worked half as frickin' hard as a damn coach does, maybe you'd be able to play every damn game," Ryan continued, condemning the team's lackluster performance.

Despite holding a challenging 3-6 record and losing star quarterback Dak Prescott for the remainder of the regular season due to injury, the Cowboys made a surprising move ahead of the trade deadline. Instead of selling off assets, they traded for wide receiver Jonathan Mingo, a decision that bewildered rival general managers who questioned the wisdom of investing heavily in an unproven player like Mingo.

Parsons made his return to the field against the Eagles, following his injury sustained against the New York Giants in September.