Wednesday, July 17, 1996
Johnson Says He Warned Irvin About His Personal
Life
By STEVEN WINE
AP Sports Writer
DAVIE, Fla. (AP) - As coach of the Dallas Cowboys, Jimmy Johnson
says he warned Michael Irvin to be more careful about the company
he kept.
"That was a couple of years ago," Johnson said Tuesday.
"I do that to a lot of players. If they're hanging out in
the wrong places and hanging out with the wrong people, I'm going
to talk to them about it."
Irvin was sentenced in Dallas to four years probation and fined
$10,000 after pleading no contest to a felony charge of cocaine
possession.
"I'm happy it's at least resolved to this point, and Michael
can go on about his business," said Johnson, now coach of
the Miami Dolphins. "Obviously it's a negative for Michael,
his family and the Dallas Cowboys. Hopefully he can put it behind
him."
Johnson recruited Irvin to play for the Miami Hurricanes, and
they helped the school win a national championship in 1987. Both
were also part of the Cowboys' Super Bowl champion teams in 1992
and 1993.
"I have strong feelings for Michael because he's a good
person. I want good things for him," Johnson said. "I
don't know that the side that has come out is the true Michael."
Irvin remains subject to suspension by the NFL. Even when he
returns to the field, Johnson said, his play may be affected
by his recent troubles.
"Any time you have problems off the field," Johnson
said, "it's going to affect you on the field."
All content copyright 1996, AP, The Abilene
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