He didn't do it — and now police are saying it, too. 
 
 Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Lucky Whitehead was wrongly implicated in a shoplifting arrest in Virginia last month, Prince William County police confirmed Tuesday — an incident that apparently led the team to drop him just hours after a training camp practice Monday. 
 
 In a statement about the mix-up, police said they acted in "good faith" when they initially investigated the case involving Whitehead, whose actual first name is Rodney. But they pledged to work with the Prince William County Commonwealth's Attorneys Office to officially clear the young NFL player. 
 
 Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Lucky Whitehead runs onto the field for practice at the NFL team's football training camp in Oxnard, California, on July 24, 2017. Michael Owen Baker / AP 
 
 The bizarre episode kicked off when someone stole items at a Wawa convenience store on June 22, and the clerk pointed out the suspect at the scene, police said. That man did not have identification on him, but verbally provided a name, date of birth and Social Security Number that matched Whitehead's. 
 
 Officers verified the information through the state Department of Motor Vehicles database, and compared the photo of 25-year-old Whitehead in the system with the man arrested. 
 
 The suspect was let go and given a July 6 summons to appear in court on a misdemeanor petty larceny charge after the items were determined to be less than $200. 
 
 Police apparently had no reason to believe the man they questioned at the time was not Whitehead, who is from Manassas in Prince William County. Police Sgt. Jonathan Perok told NBC News that "we have no idea" how the man had obtained that data. 
 
 "At this point, the police department is also confident in confirming that Mr. Whitehead's identity was falsely provided to police during the investigation," police said in a statement. "The police department is currently seeking the identity of the man involved in the incident." 
 
 The police department added that it "regrets the impact" that the incorrect information had on Whitehead. 
 
 “ It cost my player his job. He deserved better from law enforcement.” 
 
 The football player's agent, David Rich, said police dropped the ball during its investigation and is "disappointed" by the error. 
 
 "It cost my player his job," Rich said in an email. "He deserved better from law enforcement. We all do." 
 
 Whitehead was eventually alerted to his involvement in the case when the man who claimed to be him was absent during a court hearing and a warrant was put out for Whitehead's arrest. 
 
 Whitehead maintained his innocence when the news broke and said he wasn't even in Virginia when the incident occurred. 
 
 "I don't know who got arrested in Virginia. But it wasn't me. I NEVER once had an altercation with the cops. And come to find out, this happened, they say, at 1:34 a.m. at a Wawa in Woodbridge, Virginia [on a day] that I was in Dallas until 11:20 a.m.," he told CowboysHQ.com. 
 
 Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said in a statement Monday that Whitehead was cut after he was given "a lot of different chances along the way going back to last year. I think we just decided it was time to go in a different direction." 
 
 Whitehead, who joined the team in 2015 with a three-year, $1.58 million contract, also made headlines recently for saying on social media that his dog was stolen and taken for ransom. The dog was later recovered. 
 
 A Cowboys spokesman did not return an email seeking comment following the announcement of Whitehead's innocence. 
 
 Whitehead told the Dallas Morning News on Tuesday that he doesn't know who could have obtained his personal information and feels hurt that his team didn't give him the chance to clear his name. 
 
 "Let's not sugarcoat anything," Whitehead said. "I was pretty much being called a liar." 
 
 When asked whether Whitehead would seek his job back or why the team has kept other players who have courted controversy, including star running back Ezekiel Elliott, his agent declined to comment. 
 
 "I've got thoughts but probably best I don't share them," Rich said. ||||| OXNARD, California -- Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett's news conference was dominated by talk of recently cut wide receiver Lucky Whitehead and only Whitehead. 
 
 The coach spoke for a little more than three minutes. 
 
 Here is the transcript of the back-and-forth between the media and Garrett. 
 
 On whether he regrets Whitehead's being cut and whether he will address the team about the move: 
 
 Garrett: Yesterday we made a decision that was deemed to be in the best interest of the Dallas Cowboys. We're standing by that decision. We're going to move on. 
 
 On whether the decision to cut Whitehead was based on the idea of the arrest: 
 
 Garrett: Yesterday we made a decision we felt was the best interest of the Dallas Cowboys. We're going to stand by that decision. We're going to move on. 
 
 On whether it is fair to Whitehead to say the same thing over and over: 
 
 Garrett: It's the truth. We made a decision we felt was in the best interest of the Dallas Cowboys. 
 
 On whether there are some people working for the Dallas Cowboys who are just too stupid to work for this team: 
 
 Garrett: I'll stand by the statement that I made. We made a decision yesterday that we felt was in the best interest of the Dallas Cowboys. We're going to stand by that decision. We're going to move forward. 
 
 On sending the wrong message by rushing to judgment: 
 
 Garrett: Yesterday we made a decision that we felt that was in the best interest of the Dallas Cowboys. We're going to stand by that decision. We're going to move forward. 
 
 On why the decision wasn't made before camp: 
 
 Garrett: Again, guys, I'm not going to continue to address this. We made a decision that we felt was in the best interest of the Dallas Cowboys. We're going to stand by that decision and we're going to move on. 
 
 On whether he knows something the media doesn't: 
 
 Garrett: We know lot a lot of things about our players that you guys don't know. 
 
 On why, if team officials knew more, Whitehead was on the team in the first place: 
 
 Garrett: Guys, we made a decision yesterday that we felt was in the best interest of our team. And in evaluating the particular situation and the context of that situation, we felt like we made a decision in regards to Lucky that was right for our team. And we stand by that decision. 
 
 On whether Garrett was happy it turned out Whitehead was not involved: 
 
 Garrett: I think the best thing for Lucky is to have a clean slate. And he'll have a new opportunity somewhere else. That's good for him. And again, it's in the best interest of our football team. 
 
 On whether Whitehead said he did not do it: 
 
 Garrett: We had a number of conversations regarding this. And again, we made a decision that we think is in the best interest of the Dallas Cowboys. 
 
 On why others with issues are still on the roster: 
 
 Garrett: Guys, this will be the last time I'll say it. I appreciate your interest in it. We made a decision yesterday in regards to Lucky Whitehead that we think is in the best interest of the Dallas Cowboys. We're standing that by that decision. We're going to move forward. If you have any other football questions, I’m happy to answer them. 
 
 He was met with silence. ||||| This story is about Published Sep. 26 
 
 Jerry Jones explains Cowboys' national anthem decision: 'We wanted to make a statement' Share This Story On... Twitter 
 
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 Andy Jacobsohn/Staff photographer Dallas Cowboys players and staff including owner Jerry Jones and head coach Jason Garrett all take a knee before the singing of the National Anthem prior to the start of a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium Monday, Sept. 25, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz. 
 
 By Brandon George , Staff Writer Contact Brandon George on Twitter: @DMN_George 
 
 GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Cowboys found a way to show solidarity without disparaging the national anthem Monday night in their own form of demonstration to publicly oppose President Donald Trump's criticism of NFL protests. 
 
 
 
 Every NFL team that played Sunday participated in some form of demonstration during the national anthem. The protests were sparked by Trump calling for NFL owners to fire players who decline to stand for the anthem in a rally in Alabama on Friday. Some NFL players, coaches and executives Sunday stood arm-in-arm along the sideline. Some sat, knelt or raised a fist. The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't even come on the field during the anthem. The Cowboys met multiple times over the last three days, sources said, to carefully consider their options. Plans began immediately after Saturday's practice in Frisco and didn't get finalized up until 15 minutes before kickoff. Ultimately, they chose the path of least resistance with millions of viewers tuned into their Monday Night Football game against Arizona. Cowboys players, coaches and executives came onto the field before the national anthem and stood arm-in-arm before taking a knee. Owner Jerry Jones; his sons, Stephen and Jerry Jr.; his daughter, Charlotte; and coach Jason Garrett were among those on the field. Jones and his family are usually in a suite during the anthem. After the Cowboys kneeled, fans at University of Phoenix Stadium booed. The Cowboys then went to the sideline as the U.S. flag was stretched across the field. The Cowboys and the Jones family again locked arms as Jordin Sparks sang the national anthem. 
 
 Vernon Bryant/Staff photographer Dallas Cowboys players and staff including owner Jerry Jones and head coach Jason Garrett all take a knee before the singing of the National Anthem prior to the start of a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium Monday, Sept. 25, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz. Vernon Bryant/Staff Photographer Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) locks arms with teammates during the playing of the United States National Anthem before a National Football League game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on Monday September 25, 2017. (Andy Jacobsohn/The Dallas Morning News) Vernon Bryant/Staff Photographer Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) locks arms with teammates during the playing of the United States National Anthem before a National Football League game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on Monday September 25, 2017. (Andy Jacobsohn/The Dallas Morning News) Vernon Bryant/Staff Photographer Dallas Cowboys link arm in arm during the National Anthem prior to the start of a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on Monday, September 25, 2017. (Vernon Bryant/The Dallas Morning News) 
 
 "It's been an interesting 48 hours for everybody," Garrett said. "The objectives as much as anything else was to some how, some way to demonstrate unity and equality and do so without anyway involving the American Flag and the national anthem. It took a lot of conversation of how to do that. 
 
 The Cowboys' demonstration carries more weight because the franchise has been referred to as "America's Team" the last 40 years. No franchise is more valuable or draws more ratings. "Great show of unity," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell tweeted. 
 
 Great show of unity. Enjoy tonight's great matchup #DALvsAZ https://t.co/CAI05JHHTq — Roger Goodell (@nflcommish) September 26, 2017 
 
 As another show of unity, Cowboys executives, players and coaches walked out onto the field for their first training camp practice last year arm-in-arm with then-Dallas Police Chief David Brown, Dallas mayor Mike Rawlings and family members of the officers slain in the July 2016 ambush in Dallas. 
 
 National reaction to Cowboys' anthem response: Brilliant; even Eagles fans loved it 
 
 Before Monday, no Cowboys player had publicly protested during the national anthem since Garrett became the coach midway through the 2010 season. Then-49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick sparked the movement in August 2016 as he sat on the bench during the national anthem to protest police brutality. 
 
 Very few NFL players publicly protested, however, before Trump created a firestorm Friday with criticism that players referred to as "divisive." "Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, 'Get that son of a bitch off the field right now, out, he's fired. He's fired!" Trump said Friday. "You know, some owner is going to do that. He's going to say, 'That guy disrespects our flag, he's fired.' And that owner, they don't know it [but] they'll be the most popular person in this country." Trump doubled-down on his criticism of NFL players with almost 20 tweets the last three days. "The issue of kneeling has nothing to do with race," Trump tweeted Monday morning. "It is about respect for our Country, Flag and National Anthem. NFL must respect this!" 
 
 The issue of kneeling has nothing to do with race. It is about respect for our Country, Flag and National Anthem. NFL must respect this! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 25, 2017 
 
 Jones and Garrett consistently made it clear over the last year they believed everyone should stand during the national anthem. Garrett said Saturday he didn't expect any players to protest. Garrett said he didn't see any need to address Trump's criticism with the team. 
 
 That changed the last few days, however, with Garrett gauging his players' emotions about Trump's comments. 
 
 "I've never been prouder of my association with players and a coaching staff as I am with this crew," Jones said. "We all agreed that our players wanted to make a statement about unity and equality. They were very much aware that that statement when made or when attempted to be made in and a part of in recognition of our flag can not only lead to criticism but also controversy. It was real easy for everybody to see the message of unity and equality was getting pushed aside or diminished by controversy. We even had the circumstances that it was being made into a controversy." The Cowboys met at least three times to plan how they'd respond to Trump's comments, sources said. The club's leadership council, which includes more than a dozen prominent players, met Sunday night to discuss the possibilities before the entire team gathered to further talk over their options. The Jones family was also involved with the plans. "It was a team thing," wide receiver Dez Bryant said. "That's the true definition of unity. Trump can't divide this." The usually outspoken Jones fell silent after Trump created waves. The Cowboys were the only organization among the NFL's 32 teams that hadn't released a statement on Jones' behalf by Monday night. The Cowboys chose not to do so because Jones, unlike any other owner, always speaks to the media after games. Jones was one of at least nine NFL owners to donate to Trump's inaugural committee. His $1 million donation came via Glenstone Limited Partnership, a group that shares an address with the Cowboys' Frisco team headquarters and has state filings that show direct connections to Jones. Before Monday's game, the Cowboys and Cardinals were among only six NFL teams that had yet to have a player protest during the national anthem by either kneeling, sitting or raising his fist. The other four: the Bears, Bengals, Jets and Vikings. The Cardinals didn't protest during the national anthem Monday but also stood arm-in-arm along the sideline. Jones was asked about his thoughts on Trump's criticism. "I made my mind up on this issue that I wasn't going to comment," Jones said. "I want actions to be louder than words. And we did it. We made our statement." Staff Writer David Moore contributed to this report. 
 
 The Dallas Cowboys took a knee before the anthem, but stood with locked arms during it. How do you view their approach? http://p.d-news.co/l3bb Posted by SportsDay's Dallas Cowboys Fan Central on Monday, September 25, 2017 
 
 Veteran & 'Boys-ex Chad Hennings on actions before anthem: "Cowboys did pretty much the only thing to come out respectful of both sides.'' — David Moore (@DavidMooreDMN) September 26, 2017 
 
 The Cowboys took a knee before anthem but are standing for actual anthem with arms linked. Cardinals are standing with arms linked. — Kate Hairopoulos (@khairopoulos) September 26, 2017 
 
 The Cowboys have their arms linked and are kneeling collectively. Boos in Arizona. — Kate Hairopoulos (@khairopoulos) September 26, 2017 
 
 Classic Jerry Jones. The Cowboys owner has built a brilliant and lucrative career finding a work around others don't. — David Moore (@DavidMooreDMN) September 26, 2017 
 
 Cowboys are on field in front of the U.S. flag now that stretches across the field. Cowboys locking arm-in-arm with Jerry Jones in middle — Brandon George (@DMN_George) September 26, 2017 
 
 Jerry Jones just pointed to a large number of Cowboys fans in stands behind visitor's bench area, clapped his hands and bowed toward them. — Brandon George (@DMN_George) September 26, 2017 
 
 Jerry Jones is still on the sideline as the Cowboys come out on the field. He's giving many of them high-fives and clapping a lot. — Brandon George (@DMN_George) September 26, 2017
– "Lucky" Whitehead's first name hasn't proved prescient lately, though he doesn't bear any fault in the most recent matter. Whitehead (whose real first name is Rodney, per NBC News), who used to be a wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, was cut from the team Monday during training camp after a case of mistaken identity in a Virginia shoplifting incident—and Prince William County cops there now admit they've discovered he had nothing to do with the crime. A man busted at the scene for stealing items at a Wawa convenience store on June 22 was questioned by police and verbally provided his name, date of birth, and Social Security number, as he didn't have ID on him—all of which matched Whitehead's. The suspect was released, but when he blew off a court hearing for the case, an arrest warrant was issued, with Lucky Whitehead's name on it. After the news came out, Whitehead was released from his employer, with a team exec alluding to past incidents: "We just decided it was time to go in a different direction." At a Tuesday presser, Cowboys coach Jason Garrett was asked about the mix-up and release—Prince County Police now say they "regret the impact" of their error, though they add they acted in "good faith" based on their information—but Garrett simply repeated 10 times, in different variations, per ESPN: "We made a decision we felt was in the best interest of the Dallas Cowboys." Meanwhile, Whitehead tells the Dallas Morning News he was "blindsided." "Let's not sugarcoat anything. I was pretty much … called a liar," he adds, though he notes his teammates believed him. "He deserved better from law enforcement. We all do," Whitehead's agent tells NBC, demurring when asked if they would try to get his job back.