Tuesday, July 30, 1996

Jones Says Irvin Won't Join Cowboys This Week

By CHIP BROWN
Associated Press Writer
(July 30, 1996)

AUSTIN (AP) - After Dallas Cowboys coach Barry Switzer raised the possibility that Michael Irvin could join the team at training camp by the end of the week, team owner Jerry Jones said Tuesday it wasn't likely.

After morning practices at training camp, Switzer said Irvin, who has spent time with family members in Florida following his trial on drug charges, could join the team at training camp as early as Thursday.

"I was told that he might be here," Switzer said. "Jerry (Jones) said there's a chance he might be here Thursday."

But after a flood of calls to the team from media members wanting to verify Irvin's forecasted arrival, Jones said his star receiver wouldn't be at camp this week.

"He won't be coming to camp Thursday," Jones said. "That was just speculation on my part.
Thursday is near the end of the week, and there was a possibility near the end of the week, but it's just as likely he'll get here at the end of next week."

Jones said he has talked with Irvin on an average of every other day.

"There's no urgency on our part for Michael to be in camp," Jones said. "There's nothing to make of the fact that we haven't nailed down, one way or the other, as to when he's going to be here."

The star receiver returned to his home in Miami to be with family after pleading no contest to a cocaine possession charge on July 15. The plea came during a trial filled with allegations involving drug and sex parties.

Last week, the NFL suspended Irvin for the first five games of the season for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Irvin is allowed to practice with the team and can play in exhibition games. But during the suspension, which starts Aug. 26, he is not allowed to be in contact with the club.

Dallas quarterback Troy Aikman said Irvin will be welcomed back whenever he's ready.

"We will show the support for him that we have shown throughout his career. He knows that we are here for him like family," Aikman said.

"The concerns with Michael have nothing to do with his football career. It has more to do with his personal life and what he has to do to deal with this," he said.

Coaches and players say Irvin can provide invaluable leadership for several young receivers trying to fill the void during his suspension.

Kevin Williams, now paired with Deion Sanders at wideout, said he has tried to bring the receivers along.

"Without Michael here, I have been trying to help the young guys as much as I can," he said. "I take their questions and try to help them with their routes and stuff."

Dallas offensive coordinator Ernie Zampese said it will be good for Irvin to be back in team workouts.

"Michael is a great worker," Zampese said. "Michael by himself will work like crazy, but it's still not the same as being on the football field and running the pass patterns and going one-on-one and seven-on-seven in a team situation."

State District Judge Manny Alvarez sentenced Irvin to four years' deferred adjudication, a $10,000 fine and 800 hours of community service.

Irvin struck the deal with prosecutors as his trial entered its fourth week. The proceedings had included testimony from a topless dancer about drug and sex parties involving the wide receiver.

Alvarez said he had heard enough evidence to find Irvin guilty on the cocaine charge and warned of stiff punishment if he gets into further trouble.

Cowboys Chatroom.....Dallas Cowboys.....Back to Reporter OnLine