Dez Bryant's adviser: Dallas Cowboys receiver working on repaying his debts, 'in a dark place'

Updated: March 30, 2011, 4:08 PM ETBy Calvin Watkins
ESPNDallas.com
Archive var ESPN_GLOBALS = {"videoPlayers":{"story09":{"src":"http://assets.espn.go.com/espnvideo/mpf32/prod/r_3_2_0_14/ESPN_Player.swf","height":324,"width":576,"adminOver":"3805638","localSite":"dallas","autostart":"false","playerType":"story09"}}}espn.video.embeded.play();

David Wells, adviser to Dallas wide receiver Dez Bryant, said Wednesday the Cowboys player wants to repay his massive debts.

David Wells, adviser to Dez Bryant, joins Deion Sanders on the Ben & Skin Show.

More Podcasts »

Two lawsuits emerged this week alleging Bryant owes more than $850,000, not including damages or legal fees, from jewelry and tickets to sporting events purchased on credit, as well as unpaid loans.

"We'll get them all settled and dealt with," Wells said Wednesday. "We want to move on, that's what we want to do. We're working on it."

Wells also told ESPN 103.3 FM's "Ben & Skin Show" and guest Deion Sanders on Wednesday that Bryant, who had a strong rookie season, was "in a dark place."

"I talked to him yesterday and he wants to get past this," Wells said. "He wants to get all these deals past him and closure. He's in a dark place in his life. Until you find that light, you're going to continue to be in a dark place."

Wells said the experience has weighed on Bryant, who he said was working out in Louisiana and is expected back in the Dallas area soon. The lockout between the NFL and the players' association is about to enter its third week.

"When people are coming at you, and Dez doesn't like his name thrown out there, it bothers him. He just wants to be left alone," Wells said.

Calvin Watkins, Tim MacMahon and Todd Archer have the Dallas Cowboys blanketed for ESPNDallas.com. Blog
More: ESPN Dallas

Because of the lawsuits, the perception exists that Bryant is struggling financially. Last season, Bryant made $2.8 million in base salaries and bonuses. He also received $50,000 from Under Armour and other income from personal appearances.

Bryant is scheduled to receive a base salary of $1.1 million this year with a $1 million roster bonus. He cannot receive the bonus until the NFL lockout ends. He will receive his base salary over a 17-week span starting in September.

"It's not hard to figure out what he made last year," Wells told ESPNDallas.com.

Asked if Bryant is sound financially, Wells said, "As far as I'm concerned, yes."

Calvin Watkins covers the Cowboys for ESPNDallas.com.

Follow Calvin Watkins on Twitter: @calvinwatkins

jQuery.getScriptCache("http://platform.twitter.com/anywhere.js?id=HqH9j16pPQUPNsz4pvudWg&v=1.1", function() { twttr.anywhere.config({'callbackURL': 'http://'+location.host+'/nhl/twitter/anywhere'}); twttr.anywhere(function (T) { T('a.twitter-anywhere').hovercards({infer: true}); }); });

Join us here