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Monday, June 2, 1997

Irvin's absence irks Aikman; Cowboys sign Miller, release Donaldson

IRVING, Texas (AP) - The Dallas Cowboys opened their offseason workouts Monday without one of the keys to their passing game, wide receiver Michael Irvin.

A few hours later, however, the situation at that position brightened with the signing of free agent Anthony Miller. Terms were not disclosed.

The Cowboys hope Miller will serve as the deep threat they were missing last season when they finished 24th in the NFL in total offense. Miller was released by the Denver Broncos for salary cap reasons earlier Monday, then agreed to terms with the Cowboys.

Miller said he was anxious to play in the same offense with Irvin.

"I'm definitely excited," Miller said. "I'm going to take a lot of pressure off of him and vice versa. You won't see too many dual receivers in the league like me and him. This was my first choice. This is a team that has a chance to get to the top."

Meanwhile, Irvin, the Cowboys career leader in catches and receiving yardage, was not giving a reason for his absence, but he has asked the Cowboys to trade him. He has told owner Jerry Jones not to expect him for the workouts for veterans and rookies that run through Friday.

Jones admitted Irvin has asked about a trade, but insisted a deal involving him won't be considered. Jones expressed confidence that Irvin will be with the team for the opening of training camp on July 18.

"Many weeks back the subject was broached, but of course that's impossible," Jones said. "That's not a point of issue with our team. We anticipate Michael having a great season with us. I expect him (to be at training camp)."

The Cowboys released 39-year-old center Ray Donaldson earlier Monday for salary cap purposes. Coach Barry Switzer said he would not rule out Donaldson being re-signed by the Cowboys, but not at the $800,000 he was scheduled to make this season. The Cowboys asked Donaldson to take a pay cut, and when the 17-year NFL veteran balked, he was released.

Clay Shiver and John Flannery are expected to contend for the starting center job. The Cowboys will probably use the savings from cutting Donaldson to sign another receiver, as well as a weak side linebacker to replace departed free agent Darrin Smith.

Dallas also announced the re-signing of two veteran free agents - running back Herschel Walker and safety Bill Bates - to one-year contracts. Walker and Bates were both key members of the Cowboys special teams last season. Walker will be entering his 12th NFL season; Bates will be playing his 15th and what he has said will be his final season.

But most of the locker room buzz centered around the absence of Irvin, who also missed the team's mini-camp in early May.

Irvin sat out the first five games last season while serving a suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy. He is putting in community service time this spring after he was sentenced in Dallas last year to four years of adjudicated probation for pleading no-contest to felony cocaine possession.

Irvin has told friends he is tired of the public scrutiny in Dallas and would prefer to play elsewhere, but the Cowboys would take a major salary cap hit if they were to trade the five-time Pro Bowl receiver.

Quarterback Troy Aikman expressed irritation that Irvin was not involved with preparations for the 1997 season.

"It's discouraging, no question about that," Aikman said. "It comes down to whether he wants to play for us or he doesn't. If he wants to, we want him to start working with us. If he doesn't want to play, we want to know that too so we can go in another direction.

"I think the world of Michael. Nobody wants him here more than I do. But at the same time, enough's enough. I don't fault Michael if he doesn't want to play. But if he does, let's play."

Aikman said Irvin's desire to be traded is unrealistic.

"I'm not the brightest guy in the world, but I do realize that won't happen," Aikman said. "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."

Aikman's mood brightened at the idea of throwing to Miller, who caught 56 passes for the Broncos last season, three for touchdowns. Irvin had 64 receptions last season, but the Cowboys got only 89 catches from their other wide receivers.

"He's a guy who gives us a tremendous deep threat, something we have not had," Aikman said. "He's a guy who's proven what he can do in this league."