Tuesday, April 30, 1996

Super Bowl Champs at Peace during first Minicamp

IRVING -The Super Bowl champion Dallas Cowboys were at peace, for the time being, as they held their first minicamp Friday since winning a third NFL title in four years.

Troy Aikman was talking about an understanding between him and coach Barry Switzer.

Michael Irvin was joking and joshing with his teammates but keeping his lip zipped about his off-the-field problems which include a June 24 trial on cocaine and marijuana possession charges.

A smiling Charles Haley was bouncing around the lockerroom, spinning off one-liners and getting ready for a try at his sixth Super Bowl ring. Haley's mere presence at the minicamp indicated he's coming back for another season unless his back problems get him down.

Deion Sanders, who is expected to become an offensive force at wide receiver for the Cowboys in 1996, was being Deion, saying "I'm not talking but you can film me."

Moose Johnston was talking about the runaway construction crane that destroyed part of his house while was he gone on a honeymoon.

"I got a call from my mother who was inside the house when the crane fell," Johnston said. "I couldn't believe it."

Johnston and his new bride will be living in an apartment for another three months until the damage is repaired.

Emmitt Smith was talking about graduating soon from the University of Florida, wondering who the Cowboys drafted and debating whether golfers were really athletes.

Rookies and free agents were standing around in wide-eyed amazement over seeing their more famous teammates for the first time.

"It's incredible seeing all these guys you've seen so many years on television," said rookie wide receiver Stepfret Williams.

Aikman's unhappiness with Switzer stemmed from comments made by now Oklahoma coach John Blake, an assistant with the Cowboys until the playoffs began.

Aikman has met with Switzer and owner Jerry Jones and contends all disputes have been settled.
"I feel we had a good meeting and we've put everything behind us and we're ready to move ahead," said Aikman, whose passing elbow is still tender from surgery that removed bone chips.

Aikman also commented on Irvin's troubles, saying "I support Mike in doing what he has to do. I have no knowledge of what took place. But I support him as a teammate."

Aikman said he felt his passing arm would be fine by the time training camp starts. That's when he and Sanders will work fulltime getting their timing down.

"I think Deion will make a big contribution to the offense," Aikman said.

Smith, who will get a degree in hotel resort management from Florida, said he knew nothing about the Dallas draft picks.

"I haven't heard anything about anybody," Smith said. "How'd we do?"
Smith, who has one year left on his contract, said he has heard nothing from the Cowboys about a new multi-year agreement.

"I hope in the next 40 days or so we can get something settled," Smith said. "It would be great to have a done deal by training camp."

The Cowboys open training camp July 18 in Austin.

"Where'd the off-season go?" Smith said. "I can't believe the season is almost here again. We'll have a couple more minicamps then boom we'll be in Chicago on opening night."

Rookies will work through the weekend then the veterans will continue the camp next week.

Even discontented linebacker Darrin Smith showed up for the camp although he has yet to sign a contract.

"I want to show my teammates I'm ready to work even without a contract," Smith said.

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