[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Wednesday, June 18, 1997

Tales of Youth and Ignorance

By ANTONIO TATE / Guest Columnist

With the second minicamp over, there were many bright spots for followers of the Dallas Cowboys.

First and foremost, Emmitt Smith looked more like himself, kind of. Reports from Valley Ranch are that Smith was very fluid and was quickly in and out of cuts, its the bald head that throws you off.

Eric Bjornson earned high marks as well. His two bad ankles nothing more than a memory, Bjornson caught everything that came his way. He has also gained back some of the speed he lost last year when he bulked up, thinking that he would have to block more.

The offensive line got a whole lot younger when Ray Donaldson was released and it has to look better. Nothing against old man Donaldson, but inserting Flannery or Shiver has to be positive for the future.

Stepfret Williams again seems to be able to handle the slot reciever duties, which is bad news for Kelvin Martin and Kevin Williams. If Stepfret steps up, these two won't be Cowboys anymore. I have been a fan of Stepfret Williams since the Cowboys drafted him and I hope that he earns a chance to play this season. If he can return punts, that will make the decision to let him play a lot easier. I think Stepfret will make a huge impact this season along with several other young players.

Clay Shiver should be a solid backup to Flannery. Kenny Wheaton will see time early in the secondary while Deion Sanders and the Reds chase the division leaders in the NL Central. Can you believe the Reds are only 6 games out of first? Eric LeFluer will be seen a lot on first and second downs. This is the shocker, Darren Benson will be in the starting lineup by game 5. He has size, speed and ability and now he has something he lacked his whole career, desire.

The Cowboys are getting younger and gaining talent. The WR situation looks OK if Michael Irvin does not retire. OK, now that I have mentioned Michael Irvin, the ignorance part comes out. I really don't care if Irvin ever admits he is to blame for his situation. I don't care if he retires. What I do care about is the Dallas Cowboys. Troy Aikman's sentiment best fits my own. If you are going to play, then play, if not, don't. Just don't hold everyone else over a barrel because of it.

I imagine it is difficult being watch all the time and I can honestly say that I would not switch lives with Irvin. But to drag friends, family and everyone else close to you down is unthinkable. Let it go, play football, stay out of clubs, take care of your family and everything will take care of itself. Nothing lasts forever.

Catch22