How will Cowboys handle Randle situation?

The Dallas Cowboys have had a lot of success with players from Oklahoma State in recent years. Now, if they could just keep the former Pokes away from local malls.

You might recall an incident early in Dez Bryant's time with the Cowboys when he was detained at NorthPark Center for allowing his jeans to sag to an inappropriate level. Bryant was not arrested for that bit of silliness, but backup tailback Joseph Randle wasn't as fortunate.

He was arrested for shoplifting at the Stonebriar Centre Mall in Frisco on Monday night. He was charged with a misdemeanor Class B theft for allegedly attempting to steal underwear and a "tester" bottle of cologne valued at $84.

It's been a long time since I've purchased a bottle of cologne (high school?), so I was startled to see the going rate for Gucci Guilty Black. Randle was reportedly stopped by a security officer on his way to his car.

It's an embarrassing incident for a player who had a nice day in a 30-23 win over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. It doesn't seem reasonable for a guy making $495,000 this season to try something like this, but he wouldn't be the first wealthy public figure to go down this path. Maybe there's a thrill in trying to escape with a two-pack of Polo underwear. Randle could've convinced himself that he deserved a "freebie" after that 38-yard run against the Seahawks.

What we know for sure is the Cowboys' "due process" clock, as described by Jason Garrett last week, started ticking at the point of the arrest. I don't think this alleged crime is grounds for releasing Randle, but he ought to receive some form of punishment from the team. I think a hefty fine would be more effective than reduced playing time. And if players are allowed to wear sweats on the way home from London in a few weeks, make sure Randle's in the standard coat-and-tie for the nine-hour flight.

This is something that will follow Randle for the rest of his career. He hasn't accomplished enough for his play to overshadow his shoplifting. Maybe he'll be able to change that narrative at some point. Right now, he's a national punchline.

The man can elude the best defense in the NFL, but he didn't stand a chance against the mall cops in Frisco. Jerry Jones has already embarrassed himself with his own off-the-field missteps, so it's hard to imagine him cracking down on Randle.

I'd be very surprised if Randle's not active against the New York Giants on Sunday. Jason Garrett should consider feeding the ball to Randle until he drops. DeMarco Murray is on pace to surpass 400 carries for the season. History shows that tailbacks that exceed that number aren't as effective the following season. Let Randle carry more of the load this week. It might take his mind off his next heist.

Garrett takes pride in drafting the right kind of players. He loves to talk about how many former college captains are currently on his roster. Randle deserves a second chance, but I wouldn't trust him that much moving forward. In the aftermath of one of the biggest regular-season wins in a decade, Randle chose to lift a couple items at a local mall. Because of this, his head coach and teammates will have to address the situation Wednesday. It's not a full-blown distraction, but it is a nuisance.

In the meantime, the Dillard's store in Frisco would be wise to post a sign that says, "change-of-pace shoplifters will be prosecuted." And kudos to the mall security staff.

They didn't need a police dog to pick up on Randle's scent.