From LeBron to Jerry Jones: Dallas Cowboys hire Tad Carper as VP for communications

The Dallas Cowboys officially put to bed the scandal involving former vice president of communications Rich Dalrymple with the hiring of Tad Carper as his permanent replacement.

Carper joins the Cowboys from his most recent role as executive vice president and chief communications officer for the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers and where he served from April 2003 to May 2022.

“We are so happy to have Tad join the Dallas Cowboys family,” owner Jerry Jones said. “Tad brings deep and proven experience at the highest levels, and he is one of the sports industry’s most respected communications professionals. Tad is the right person to lead our communications platform, both internally and externally, into the future.”

Carper had already planned to leave his post with the Cavaliers after the season. He said the opportunity with the Cowboys was one he couldn’t pass up because of the fit and the stature of America’s Team, as he goes from the experience of handling NBA superstar LeBron James to Jones and his star-studded franchise.

“Jerry Jones and the Jones family have built one of the world’s most successful organizations and strongest brands in sports history,” Carper said. “The Cowboys’ dynamic and innovative culture has been founded with a continuing tradition of excellence and I’m honored and grateful to become part of the team.”

Carper joined the Cowboys in training camp on Tuesday and immediately began his new role as Dalrymple’s successor.

Dalrymple, who abruptly retired in January after 32 seasons with the club, was the central part of one of the most controversial offseasons in franchise history.

He was accused of voyeurism by four members of the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders while they were changing in their locker room before a 2015 event at AT&T Stadium, resulting in a $2.4 million settlement by Jones.

Dalrymple was also accused of using his phone to capture “upskirt photographs” of Charlotte Jones, the Cowboys’ executive vice president and daughter of Jerry Jones, during the 2015 NFL draft.

Dalrymple denied the allegations.

The Cowboys said they thoroughly investigated both alleged incidents and found no wrongdoing by Dalrymple and no evidence that he took photos or video of the women.

Jones said the Cowboys felt it was in the best interest of everyone involved to not only settle the case with the cheerleaders but also to go above and beyond.