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Friday, June 13, 1997

Irvin investigated for assault in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Police want to talk to Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin following a complaint that he struck a man and held him against his will at a San Francisco nightclub, a newspaper reported today.

Irvin, 31, on probation for cocaine possession in Texas, allegedly forced the unidentified man into the basement of the 1015 Folsom club, hit him on the chest and refused to release him until security guards arrived, the San Francisco Examiner said.

The alleged victim, Aaron Waller, 30, who was accompanied by two strippers, told police he met Irvin and another man at a supper club early June 1, officer Daniel Murphy said.

Irvin later allowed Waller to use his limousine to take his companions to the 1015 Folsom club without the receiver. When Irvin got his car back, he discovered his cell phone was missing, and came to the club to confront Waller.

Irvin was accompanied by a man described as 6-foot-5, 265 pounds, the police report said.

Waller denied taking the phone and an argument ensued "where Irvin and the other subject dragged Waller to the basement."

The report continues: "There, the unidentified subject took off his rings, watch and chains, and started to push Waller around. Irvin took off his jacket, unbuttoned his vest and got into Waller's face and started screaming at him.

"On one occasion, Irvin struck Waller in the chest with a closed fist. Waller stated that Irvin appeared to be 'wacked-out' (sic) on drugs and alcohol."

Waller consulted with an attorney before reporting the assault Thursday.

Irvin's attorneys could not be reached for comment today.

Dallas Cowboys spokesman Doug Hood said he had little information about the alleged incident, but that it would be inappropriate for the team to get involved at this time.

"At this point it's a legal matter and so it's not something that we would get involved with until the entire process has run its course," he said. "And at that time when we know the validity of it and the circumstances and what has resulted from the legal aspect ... we would look into whatever actions we would need to take."

Murphy said officers are investigating possible charges of false imprisonment, battery and kidnapping. He said Irvin has not been arrested, but that investigators would very much like to interview him.

Witnesses at the scene identified Irvin, Murphy said.

The incident allegedly occurred the day before Irvin was due at Cowboys training camp.

Irvin never showed up, and later said he was considering quitting football, thereby forfeiting the $5.5 million he was due this year.

Fifteen months ago, the All-Pro receiver was found in a hotel room with two topless dancers and drugs. He later pleaded no contest to a felony cocaine possession charge and is serving 800 hours of community service as part of his probation.

He also was fined $10,000, and the NFL suspended him for five games last season.

In December, a topless dancer accused Irvin of holding a gun on her while teammate Erik Williams raped her. No charges were filed as the woman later recanted and now faces perjury charges. Williams and Irvin have sued the Dallas police and the television station that first reported the woman's allegations.