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Monday, November 3, 1997

Cowboys officials say Barry Switzer remarks no different than usual

By Josie Karp

Knight-Ridder Newspapers

(KRT)

SAN FRANCISCO - Coach Barry Switzer's remarks during a meeting with players in the wake of the Cowboys' Oct. 5 loss to the New York Giants were no different than they always are, several Cowboys officials said on Sunday.

A "New York Times" article published on Sunday cited anonymous sources saying that Switzer, in front of a group of Cowboys players, spoke of how he had stayed out until 4 a.m. the night before the meeting with the players, how he is not a puppet for team owner Jerry Jones and how he did not care if some players on the team did not approve of his lifestyle.

One of the sources questioned whether the coach could command the players' respect after the incident.

Asked about the "Times" story, Jones refused to comment directly, saying, "Communications between Barry or any one of our coaches and players are confidential and private."

Running back Emmitt Smith said he was present at the meeting, but he refused to comment about what was said.

Jones did, however, talk about the manner in which Switzer normally addresses the team.

"Barry is very colorful. He uses a style that basically has a self-effacing aspect to it," said Jones, who added he was not present when Switzer met with team members.

"I'm sure it was typical," scouting director Larry Lacewell said.

Switzer, who dismissed the incident as "something that happened a month ago," refused to talk about what he said to the team.

"I'm not going to tell you what I told the team in a team meeting," he said.

He did, however, say he was in full possession of all his faculties when the comments were made.

"I met with the media right after and answered questions," Switzer said.

Jones said neither Sunday's loss nor comments made by Switzer would lead to an immediate coaching change.

"We just have to get past the fact that people sometimes express themselves in a less than tasteful way around the players," Jones said. "... As far back as six years ago, five years ago I resolved that I wouldn't be making any coaching changes in the middle of the season. I don't think that's in the best interest of the organization."

Last summer, Jones fined Switzer $75,000 when the coach was arrested after carrying a loaded weapon through Dallas/Fort Worth Airport. Since then, he has refused to guarantee Switzer's job beyond this season.

(c) 1997, Fort Worth Star-Telegram

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