Sunday, June 30, 1996

Michael Irvin trial is another test for Cowboys

By ED WERDER
The Dallas Morning News

DALLAS - Dallas Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones has a theory regarding controversy. He contends that the Cowboys have fewer problems coping with potential distractions because they have overcome more of them than most other teams.

Michael Irvin's legal problems could prove another test case if stretched a few more weeks. On Friday, with less than three weeks remaining before Cowboys' players report to training camp, fullback Daryl Johnston called upon his teammates to concentrate on preparing to defend their Super Bowl championship rather than becoming preoccupied with Irvin's defense against drug charges.

"Nobody here can worry about that," Johnston said. "There are so many different ways it can go. If you start worrying about when Michael's situation is going to be resolved - whether it's in training camp, during the season or postponed until after the season - then you distract yourself from what is important.

"I have confidence in myself and my teammates that we're going to put this situation aside, as difficult as that could be, and concentrate on what is important to us. That is what has to be done."

A Dallas police officer charged with making Irvin the target of a contract killing complicates the legal proceedings. The incident further confuses the already uncertain issue of whether Irvin's trial will be completed before Coach Barry Switzer has Dallas players report to training camp in Austin on July 17.

A mistrial would cause a delay and increase the chances of Irvin's problems intruding upon training camp. A postponement until after the 1996 season might allow Irvin to compete, but would force players to publicly deal with the unresolved issue for several months. Once the trial is completed, depending upon the verdict, NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue could suspend Irvin.

"I think we need to have this resolved right now because Michael is an important part of our offense," Pro Bowl offensive lineman Larry Allen said. "We need Michael here, and if that's not going to happen, we need to know that."

Irvin's off-season training schedule has been disrupted because he spends most of his time in a courtroom. Most Cowboys players, however, follow their normal routines. They work out four times per week.

Still, Irvin continues to prepare for the upcoming season, uncertain whether he will be a factor as the Cowboys attempt to win an unprecedented fourth Super Bowl in five seasons.

"You watch Michael, and Michael has never missed a workout," Johnston said. "He's doing everything he can to make sure he's doing what is necessary to accomplish his primary goal. A lot of people don't know that. They see him in the courtroom on television until 5 o'clock, and they don't realize he's out here working out from 7 to 9."

It takes a substantial development for the Irvin trial to become more than an occasional topic of conversation among Cowboys' players. But quarterback Troy Aikman and the few others remaining late Thursday stared into television sets in the training room when police revealed the murder-for-hire plot.

"That blows my mind," said running back Emmitt Smith, one of Irvin's closest friends on the team.
"It really blows my mind because you think of how it could have happened. Like me and Michael could be out talking or out here on the field at Valley Ranch, and all of a sudden somebody snubs him? Accidentally snubs some people around him? Think about that."

Linebacker Broderick Thomas, a gunshot victim while playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, finds himself playing his first season with the Cowboys precisely because of his problems off the field - including two weapons charges - while with the Minnesota Vikings.

"People think other people don't do devilish things, but this proves they do," Thomas said, referring to the alleged plot to kill Irvin.

"Think what would have happened if the guy had gotten to the person he really wanted to get to. I'm just wishing well for Mike and praying for him that he can get it over with and move on with his life."

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