Jones Criticizes Irvin's Judgment, But Says Drug Problem Unlikely | By Associated Press

....IRVING, Texas (AP) - Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, while criticizing Michael Irvin's judgment, is confident the All-Pro wide receiver doesn't have a drug problem.
...."Michael has been in the league since 1988 and has never had any positive tests while he has been under the scrutiny of the NFL, which has as stringent a standard as there is in our society," Jones said Thursday.
...."I think it is very unfortunate that the circumstances of his bad judgment and subsequent indictment overshadow the fact he has never tested positive."
....The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, quoting an unidentified source, reported Thursday that Irvin is risking suspension for his failure to respond to an NFL letter informing him of plans to enroll him in the first stage of the league's substance abuse program.
....In an interview with The Dallas Morning News, Jones said he met with Irvin on Thursday, and the player promised to be cooperative and responsible to the league, which will require him to submit to a medical evaluation of whether he has a chemical dependency.
....Irvin is free on $5,500 bond after his indictment Monday on charges of cocaine and marijuana possession.
....The drugs were found in a motel room that police entered in the early morning hours of March 4. Irvin was in the room with partner and former teammate Alfredo Roberts and two women who described themselves as self-employed models. The two women also were indicted on drug possession charges; Roberts was not.
...."While searching for the marijuana, witness, Michael Irvin told the officer that it was under the loveseat. The officer did find the marijuana under the loveseat," a police affidavit obtained by the Star-Telegram stated.
....Irvin spoke briefly to reporters at Valley Ranch, the Cowboys' practice facility, on Thursday concerning his purported failure to respond to the NFL's inquiry concerning a possible drug problem.
...."I don't know anything about it. I need to start talking to you guys and refute some of the stuff that's coming out," Irvin said.
....His agent said it was possible the NFL sent a letter that never reached Irvin.
...."I think it's highly conceivable," said agent Steve Endicott. "Could it have gotten lost or misplaced? Conceivably, yes."
....Stage 1 of the league's drug policy guidelines calls for "evaluation and treatment" of a player if his behavior indicates a drug problem.
....The Star-Telegram said the NFL sent a representative to Irvin's home last week to inform him that failing to comply with the first stage may trigger immediate advancement to Stage 2, resulting in automatic four-game suspension without pay.
...."If Michael doesn't get back to them right now, they can count that as if it's a positive test and boom, he's Stage 2," the source told the newspaper.
....Under NFL guidelines, the first stage is certain to occur because of the charges.
...."It is mandatory, it is an obligation, to comply with the evaluation," said NFL spokesman Greg Aiello, adding that a player would be fined three game checks before facing a four-game suspension.
....NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue has the power to suspend Irvin or any player who is convicted of, or pleads guilty to, a drug-related criminal offense for as many as four regular-season games without pay.
....Despite that possibility, Jones said the Cowboys have no plans to draft a temporary replacement for him in the NFL draft on April 20-21.
....Jones said he's confident Irvin will be available to play all 16 regular-season games next season.
....Irvin has been attending daily workout sessions at the team's practice facility.