Wednesday, January 1, 1997

By MADELINE BARO / Associated Press Writer (Dec. 31, 1996)

DALLAS (AP) - A 23-year-old woman accused Dallas Cowboys star Michael Irvin of holding a gun to her head while teammate Erik Williams and another man had sex with her, police said today.

Lt. David Goelden said authorities were reviewing evidence, including a videotape that showed some sexual activity, which was seized at Williams' home this morning. Charges could be filed against all three men as early as Thursday, he said.

"I don't know anything about it. I have not done anything in any way, shape or form to violate my probation. I'm tired of it," Irvin said after the team's practice. "I've done enough bad things to my family and my teammates. But in this case I have done nothing."

The 30-year-old Irvin pleaded no contest last spring to cocaine possession and received probation and community service. He also was suspended by the National Football League for the season's first five games.

... Dallas Morning-News Version ... Disgrace All Around ... Williams' Problems

... No Standards ... Cowboys Troubles at a Glance ... Another AP Version

... Irvin's Probation Terms ... From Stardom to Scandal ... Will It Ever End?

"They're going to deal with it and just go on," Switzer said. "There's no perfect timing for anything like this."

Williams, an offensive lineman selected earlier this month for the 1997 Pro Bowl game, and Irvin, a wide receiver who was member of the 1996 Pro Bowl roster, were at practice this morning. Goelden said the two would not be prevented from leaving the state while the investigation was under way.

According to the NFL, Williams and Irvin would not necessarily be barred from playing this week because of the allegations. They would need to be convicted before the league imposes discipline. However, if Irvin is arrested, his probation could be revoked and he could be sent to jail.

Goelden said the woman, an acquaintance of Williams, told police Monday night that she had been forced to have sex at gunpoint with two men at Williams' home on Sunday night. According to the police report, the man holding the gun was Irvin. The woman apparently didn't know who the third man was, according to the report.

The woman, who was bruised and scratched, was taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital. There was no evidence drugs were involved, Goelden said.

Police searched Williams' home early this morning and a videotape and other evidence were seized.

Goelden said some of the sexual activities were captured on the videotape. He said the camera and tape appear to belong to Williams.

He said Irvin, 30, and Williams, 28, would likely come in for questioning later this week.

"We'll give them the opportunity to present whatever they want to present to us," he said.

NFL spokesman Joe Browne said: "We are in contact with both the Cowboys and the local authorities to determine the facts of the case."

The investigation is the latest in a series of legal skirmishes for the Cowboys.

Williams, 28, was previously accused of sexual assault, but a grand jury in 1995 refused to indict him, citing insufficient evidence. The incident involving a 17-year-old girl at Williams' home.

The decision came after the girl reached a settlement with Williams and asked that he not be prosecuted.

In November, Leon Lett, the team's top defensive lineman, was suspended by the league for a year after failing a drug test. Lett had been suspended for four games last season.

Goelden said it was too early to determine if the investigation would affect Irvin's probation in the cocaine case.

"If there is sufficient evidence to file charges, we will file charges," Goelden said.

State District Judge Manny Alvarez had told Irvin on July 16: "If you come back before me ... I will find you guilty of this offense and you're looking at 20 years in the penitentiary."

When asked if he understood, Irvin, one of the NFL's best receivers, replied, "Yes, sir."

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