Tuesday, December 17, 1996

Irvin denies rumors he violated terms of probation

By DENNE H. FREEMAN / Associated Press (Dec. 17, 1996)

IRVING - Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin tried to squelch rumors Monday that he had violated terms of his four-year probation on charges of drug possession.

Irvin, suspended by the NFL for the first five games of the season, made a rare appearance in the dressing room during the Cowboys' daily media hour. Irvin had been speaking to the media only after games.

For several weeks, rumors have swept the NFL that Irvin had a setback and was in danger of being sent to jail by state District Judge Manny Alvarez, who had warned him not to make even one slip.

Alvarez's court coordinator, David Lozano, has affirmed Irvin's contention that the rumors are unsubstantiated.

Irvin said he wanted to answer "all the rumors and speculation."

"I have not done anything in any way, shape or form to violate my probation or in any way, shape or form to violate the NFL drug policy," he said.

Irvin struck a deal with prosecutors during his trial in July after a topless dancer testified about drug and sex parties involving the wide receiver.

He pleaded no contest to a felony cocaine possession charge and was sentenced to four years' deferred adjudication, a $10,000 fine and 800 hours of community service. Irvin has been compiling community service time, but it's not public record how many hours he has served.

The story seemed to gain momentum earlier this month after the NFL suspended Cowboys defensive tackle Leon Lett for violating the league's drug policy for a second time.

Irvin said he decided to speak out because rumors have reached the Cowboys fans "and the people deserve this."

"It's not fair for a bunch of fans to sit back and bite their nails," he said. "I have not done anything. I will be playing football here this year."

Asked how the rumors started, Irvin replied, "I swear to you I didn't trigger them."

"People said I was in jail on drugs," he explained. "I have never flunked a drug test. I've had phone calls and phone calls and it's unfair. There is nothing to it."