Irvin Apologizes: 'No Drug Problem'

DALLAS (AP) - Dallas Cowboys receiver Michael Irvin, who says he has no control over his image, claims that his character remains intact despite a brush with the law.

Speaking at length for the first time since being indicted on drug charges, Irvin told ESPN he regrets the negative attention his recent drug indictments have brought on himself and his family.

"Your image is what others make you out to be. My character is what I am. The people that love me and know me know my character. I apologize to them. That hurts. It hurts more than anything," he said.

Sources have said he could lose up to $1 million annually in fees and endorsements.
He also said he won't face an NFL drug suspension because he doesn't have a problem.
"I think suspension is for somebody with a substance abuse problem - and I don't have it. I definitely don't have it," Irvin said.

Irvin could not speak specifically about his case because of a gag order, but he did apologize for the March 4 incident in which police say he was in a motel room with two topless dancers, cocaine and marijuana.

"I regret being in that room. I regret being in that situation," Irvin said. "I'm sorry to all the people that have backed me and love me, the people who know my character. I apologize to them wholeheartedly."

Angela Renee Beck was arrested immediately when she said the drugs were hers. After a grand jury investigation, Beck, Irvin and the other woman, Jasmine Nabwangu, were indicted April 1.

The 30-year-old All-Pro receiver is charged with felony possession of four or more grams of cocaine, which is punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. He also faces a misdemeanor marijuana count.
He's free on $5,500 bond. No trial date has been set.

Also on Tuesday, state District Judge Manny Alvarez reaffirmed the gag order set by another judge. He also banned all cameras and recording devices from the courtroom, allowing only one camera to shoot through a door window.

"I want to make sure both sides, the state and defense, are treated the same as anyone else who comes before this court," Alvarez said.

The judge barred the seeking or signing of autographs in court. Also, Irvin must use public entrances and exits and won't be allowed to slip in and out of private entrances.

Irvin created a stir during the grand jury investigation by sporting a fur coat and derby during his appearances. He also signed autographs at the courts building, including some for security guards.

Many people considered his appearance and demeanor arrogant.

"I dress like that every day," Irvin said. "For me to say, OK, now I should go in here and dress like I'm not usually dressed would almost say I'm guilty when I'm saying I'm not. I got to be myself. ...

"In this world, where we say you're innocent until proven guilty, my clothes make me guilty? My smile makes me guilty? Somebody asks me for an autograph and I sign it, that makes me guilty? I think it makes me a person. ...

"I swear to you - and I don't know how bad this comes off, how bad this will sound - I'd rather be locked up as Michael Irvin than free pretending to be somebody I'm not."

Despite his staunch denial of a drug problem, the NFL has told Irvin he must enroll in the first stage of the league's substance abuse program. If he doesn't, he could automatically be moved into stage two, which carries a mandatory four-game suspension.

"They said, 'We just wanted to talk to you, basically, about what's going on.' That's it," Irvin said.

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