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Wednesday, June 4, 1997

Irvin says he may end football career

By JAIME ARON AP Sports Writer

FARMERS BRANCH, Texas (AP) - Cowboys receiver Michael Irvin said today his football career is on hold until he can find a reason to continue playing.

Irvin admitted he's worn out and lacks the spark for the game.

"Right now, I just don't have the intensity and emotion I used to have. I just need time right now to decide what I want to do and if I can find the love," he said, adding that he doesn't know when he'll make a decision.

"I hope I just can go on and live my life, but I know that's not my reality anymore."

Irvin, whose tone lacked his usual energy, appeared at a press conference with newly hired attorney Peter Ginsberg. Irvin explained that he skipped last month's minicamp and missed the first two days of this week's minicamp because he's considering his future.

He denied speculation that he's trying to strong-arm Cowboys owner Jerry Jones into trading him.

"We discussed it and that was it. I fully understand my options," he said.

Teammates also doubted the likelihood of a trade.

"He won't get traded just like I won't or Emmitt (Smith) won't or some other guys won't. It's not going to happen," said quarterback Troy Aikman.

Should Irvin decide to retire, he would forfeit the nearly $5.5 million left on his contract.

Ginsberg announced that Irvin will join teammate Erik Williams as a plaintiff in two lawsuits stemming from a recanted rape allegation.

Former topless dancer Nina Shahravan accused Irvin of holding a gun to her head while Williams and another man sexually assaulted her in late December. She later recanted and faces trial on a perjury charge next month.

Williams has filed a federal lawsuit accusing Dallas police of violating his civil rights and a state case charging that TV station KXAS, which first reported the story, and one of its reporters defamed him.

"The station is obviously disappointed that Mr. Irvin would put his reputation at issue in this way," said Chip Babcock, an attorney for KXAS. "We will vigorously defend ourselves in the case and will pursue the case aggressively."

City attorney Sam Lindsay could not be reached for comment.

Teammates said they understand why Irvin might want to leave, given the attention he's endured connected with his brushes with the law.

Before the Shahravan incident, Irvin pleaded no contest to a felony cocaine possession charge and was the target of a murder-for-hire plot involving a Dallas policeman.

Irvin said he can no longer avoid commenting on the controversies surrounding him.

"I'd like to move on and let it blow over, but it hasn't and it doesn't seem like it ever will," Irvin said. "I'm just hoping the truth comes out. I'm paying the price for the law I broke."