[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Monday, November 17, 1997

Players rise to Barry Switzer's defense

By Josie Karp

Knight-Ridder Newspapers

(KRT)

IRVING, Texas - In the euphoria of a big victory against a division rival, Cowboys players sounded a loud refrain that was conspicuously absent just two weeks ago, when a streak that saw the team lose four out of five inspired reports that coach Barry Switzer's time was limited.

Then, no player came out to publicly defend Switzer, who is fighting not only critics but the flu, as well. Switzer briefly left the sidelines during the first half of Sunday's game because of his illness.

On Sunday, two high-profile players - Deion Sanders and Emmitt Smith - made time during their postgame remarks to make unsolicited supportive comments about Switzer.

"I think the headlines should be, 'Barry does it again,' " Sanders said. "I'd like to thank Barry Switzer. He coached a heck of a game. Barry has done a great job today. You give him all the credit when we lose, so give him all the credit when we win."

Sanders said he remained silent two weeks ago because of his policy of only speaking to the media immediately after games.

Smith said he thinks the world of Switzer.

"Our coach has taken his punches," Smith said. "He's taken his shots from everyone - everyone in the city, everyone in the press, everyone in the country. He's taken shots and he's hanging in there like a strong man, and that's what he is. He's a strong man. He deserves as much of the praise as any player on this ballclub."

(c) 1997, Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Visit the Star-Telegram on the World Wide Web: www.startext.net; www.arlington.net; and www.netarrant.net.

Distributed by Knight-Ridder/Tribune Information Services.