Monday, July 22, 1996

Irvin's image takes big hit in sordid affair

AUSTIN, Texas - Dozens of teenagers were watching a highlight film of the Dallas Cowboys in conjunction with a summer football camp in Denton, Texas. When Michael Irvin was shown making a spectacular, leaping catch, the room erupted with a chorus of boos usually reserved for the likes of Cleveland Indians' outfielder Albert Belle.

This didn't occur last week after Rachelle Smith painted a not-so-flattering picture three days before Irvin pleaded no contest to drug possession charges. This transpired weeks ago, following television footage from a hidden-camera series that did as much to tarnish Irvin's image as the district attorney's office.

Just as those youths voiced their disappointment in Irvin, it will be intriguing to see the reception the talented but suddenly controversial star receives at Texas Stadium, whether it be Dallas' first exhibition game, on July 27, or a regular season game in October.

While some have suggested Irvin could be suspended for one full season, NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue would leave himself open to criticism if he hands the five-time Pro Bowl receiver a stiffer penalty than he dished out to former Pittsburgh running back Bam Morris, who recently pleaded guilty to felony marijuana possession charges.

The league office is expected to announce its ruling this week. Irvin most likely will be suspended for four games and miss September contests against the Bears, Giants, Colts and Bills. Irvin, though, has worse problems than missing football games.

Image is everything, and Irvin's public image is in shambles. It's so bad that officials said much of his 800 hours of community service will be spent pulling weeds, painting houses and picking up litter. They don't want Irvin to make public speaking appearances to kids. That's how far Irvin has fallen.

Irvin's arrogance the past four months did as much damage as the allegations. It's the manner in which Irvin handled the entire ordeal that bothers many fans, starting with his "Let me tell you who I am" plea the night police officers entered that hotel room.

Statements such as "You don't need to worry about the district attorney" was a sign his ego had gone far beyond his customary showboating. As Dallas owner Jerry Jones stated to one newspaper: "He got too big for his britches."

After weeks of hiding behind a gag order, Irvin took a huge step forward in repairing his tarnished image with his "I was wrong" public statement last week. By apologizing to teammates, family and fans, Irvin finally admitted he made a mistake.

Fans will never forget but will most forgive? It's interesting, numerous fans still cheer for New York Yankees' pitcher Dwight Gooden, suspended for the 1995 season after repeated drug problems, while others can't stand Steve Howe, whose drug problems led to seven suspensions.

If training camp is any indication, Irvin's popularity has dropped dramatically. Hundreds of fans wore jerseys to the Cowboys' St. Edward's University training camp. While there were dozens of No. 22s (Emmitt Smith), numerous No. 8s (Troy Aikman), several 21s (Deion Sanders) and a few 48s (Daryl Johnston) at a recent practice, I only spotted two No. 88s (Irvin) in the crowd of 1,500.

It's no surprise some fans believe he got off much too easy while others have called radio shows in support of Irvin, stating he made a mistake and it's time to move on. In fairness to Irvin, he was one of the key figures in the Cowboys' goodwill trip last year to Oklahoma City after the bombing, and he's been involved in other charitable projects.

Irvin obviously has lost millions of dollars in possible endorsements, but it goes much, much deeper. The fact that those teenagers have lost respect for him, no matter how many touchdowns he scores, speaks volumes. And the fact his wife, Sandi, stayed in Florida during the trial, means Irvin has made a wise decision to make his marriage his top priority.

As far as football goes, at least the Cowboys can move forward by taking two steps backward. They most likely will use Sanders more on offense during Irvin's anticipated suspension. Kevin Williams must produce, and rookie wide receiver Stepfret Williams and others must prevent defenses from stacking eight men on the line to stop Smith.

Coaches and players emphasize they now have "closure" and can concentrate on football. Yet the national media won't allow Irvin's ordeal to be swept under the carpet. The Cowboys will face Irvin-related questions all season. If they hit a slump, you can rest assured someone will claim it all started with Irvin's off-the-field problems.

By admitting he dragged his deceased father's name through the mud, Irvin acknowledged he was anything but a role model. Most would agree Irvin, or anyone in a similar circumstance, deserves a second chance.

But actions speak louder than words, No. 88. Those young football players in Denton, and hundreds like them all across the country, are watching.
(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service.)

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