Conference stkhlm::american_football

    Don't know if this one is true, which is why I'm putting it in here to
    get some confirmation...
    
    	Is it true that Troy AIkman might be resigning, due to all the bad
    publicity from the public, his team and the media?
    
    A friend of mine said he heard something to that effect on Sportsdesk
    on TSN.
    
    	Jay

>>             <<< Note 552.353 by POLAR::TYSICK "PACKERS RULE!!!" >>>
>>                                    -< ??? >-

>>    	Is it true that Troy AIkman might be resigning, due to all the bad
>>    publicity from the public, his team and the media?
    
I can't comment on that, but I did read that Deion has signed a 1 year
contract with the Cincinatti Reds.  I don't know how that will impact
his contract with Dallas.

Jerry

On the Sunday Conversation with Troy Aikman
on ESPN, Aikman said he intended to be playing
[for Dallas] next year.  Although, he made it
clear he wanted some things addressed in the
offseason.  But, my understanding is he meets
with Jones during every offseason to get a 
feeling whether Jones is committed to winning.
Aikman has said if he doesn't feel the org is
committed to winning, then he's not interested
in playing [for them].  I think he'll play for
a couple more years, then retire.  

-Eric

>>                   <<< Note 552.355 by CFSCTC::SCHOONMAKER >>>
>>                                  -< Aikman >-

I think that he wants that 4th (or maybe even 5th) superbowl ring.
I read an article/interveiw earlier in the year.  He was asked what
he thought his legacy would by.  His reply was that he would be
remembered for his playoff success, as his regular season numbers
just don't compare to those of Marino and others.

Jerry

    
    
    Cowboy's Fans.....here ya go!
    
    
    What do you call a drug ring in Dallas?
    
    	A Huddle.
    
    
    Four Cowboys are in a car...who's driving?
    
    	The police.
    
    
    Why can't Michael Irvin get into the Dallas huddle anymore?
    
    	It's a parole violation for him to associate with
    	known felons.
    
    
    Dr's report that because of his broken clavicle it will be 6-8
    weeks before he can video-tape a team mate having sex.
    
    
    I understand that Chicago is trying to sign Irvin away from the
    Cowboys?  They got rid of the Refrigerator and now they need a
    Coke machine!
    
    Dallas officials report that Texas Stadium is taking out the
    artificial turf because the Cowboys play better on grass.
    
    
    The cowboys adopted the honor system. Yes, Your honor...No Your honor.
    
    
    New defensive coordinator.......Johnny Cochran!!
    
    

    <---------Good Juans CF!!!
    
    	Made my Monday Morning!
    
    
    	Jay

    
    Glad to help.

    	Man, it feels so good to be back!!!!!
    	
    	Not too much going on right now for Dallas. Haley's contract has
    been renegociated, Aikman has to have a meeting with Jones/Switzer to
    decide the future of this team, Dallas might be interested in Emory
    Smith to block for his brother, and they got a FA from Edmonton (some
    thing Mobley) to play DB.
    
    	See you guys in a bit, good note on -.2 you certainly have to laugh
    at some of those remarks....
    
    	Carlos

I read that Clayton Holmes has been signed to a 1 year contract by Miami.
You may remember that Holmes is a former Cowboy who was suspended for
a  year due to a substance abuse violation.  I believe that the
suspension was given about 12 games into the '95 season.

I was hoping that Holmes would clean up his act and come back to
Dallas, but it didn't work out that way.  Clayton was a good nickel
back and showed potential for being a starter.

You know that Jimmy Johnson will be watching him like a hawk, and
won't tolerate any screw-ups.  I hope that he does well at Miami.

Jerry

    	Jerry:
    
    	While it's true that Jimmy doesn't tolerate scrweups, we never had
    a chance to see him in a situation like the Leon Lett or Irvin. It's
    going to be interesting to see hos Holmes pans out.
    
    	IMO he was no better than a nickel back, because he was getting his
    rear end pushed quite a lot while he played corner in his last season.
    I feel the real loss for Dallas was Dave Thomas, who was an emerging
    force at corner. His only screwup was in the second SB against the
    Bills when he ran into the punter allowing Buffalo to keep their drive
    alive and score a TD. He was an excellent cover man on man to man.
    
    	Does anyone know the whereabouts on Walker, B. Thomas, Strickand
    and Teague? I thought they all had a one year contract, and the 3
    defensive players really gave Dallas a boost last year. Walker was a
    terror returning kickoffs and as a spot player, so he would be a more
    than welcome addition if he decides to play for Dallas one more year.
    
    	Later,
    
    	Carlos

>>  <<< Note 552.362 by KAOFS::C_MENENDEZ "CARLOS, SOO ONT MCS (705)945-7862" >>>
>>                      -< I didn't like Holmes that much >-

>>    	Does anyone know the whereabouts on Walker, B. Thomas, Strickand
>>    and Teague? I thought they all had a one year contract, and the 3
>>    defensive players really gave Dallas a boost last year. Walker was a
>>    terror returning kickoffs and as a spot player, so he would be a more
>>    than welcome addition if he decides to play for Dallas one more year.

I wonder what Dallas will try to do with Herschel.  With the Moose being
a free agent, and the Cowboys having cap problems (so what's new?), I
think it's very possible that Johnston may be playing for someone else
next year.  It's no secret that Norv Turner wants him.  I've also heard
Darryl make some comments to the effect that he is not very happy in
Dallas.  I think that all of the off-field bs from Irvin, Lett,
Eric Williams and others has got to him, so he may be looking to get out.

If the Moose leaves, can Walker take his place?  He's certainly a
better runner, but I don't believe he's as good a blocker.  Also,
he's older, so you have to wonder if his body can take the punishment
that he would get if he's the starting fullback.

Whatever, it should be an interesting off-season.

Jerry

P.S.  Has anyone noticed that SF signed former Cowboy OL Kevin Gogan
to a huge multi-year contract?

    	Jerry:
    
    	The Gogan thing is just another of the Al Davis mistakes, kind of
    what Jones has done lately. just look at their track records!!
    
    	Now Davis signed SB mvp Howard and watch him waste the guy like he
    did the rocket a few years back.
    
    	You are probably asking "so what does all this has to do with Gogan
    in SF", right? Well, IMO Gogan wasted his better years rotting in the
    Raiders uniform, but SF has the need and the $. It is precisely what
    ticks me off about FA, players going left and right without direction,
    milking any team silly enough to sign them only to return to oblivion
    in a few years if not one or two.
    
    	Man, am I in a discussion mood today....
    
    	I don't blame the Moose for wanting to leave. The guy seems like a
    class act and the last thing he wants is to be associated with a team
    out of control, which the cowboys seem to be these days. Dallas also
    has serious money problems, and now this stupid Deion baseball/football
    thing comes along. Just to show you how stupid Jones was in giving the
    guy the 35 million. Man, for 35 million you play football for Dallas
    for the rest of your life, clean the installations and pay the lawyer
    fees for Irvin/Williams/Lett, plus the salaries of their next 3 1st
    round choices. There!!!!
    
    	On the other hand, if some players agree to play for more or less
    good money (around 1 mill), Dallas still has a chance to put together
    a more or less respectable team. IMO the offelsive line needs help des
    perately. I think last season they were the culprits of the demise.
    Smith had the bad ankle and all that crap, but Aikman's coverage broke
    down in critical times, Smith got tackled behind the most times in his
    career, and they are just plain old and fat.
    
    	We'll see....
    
    	Carlos 

    
    Carlos - Is Johnston planning on leaving?

    	Re .last
    	This Johnston situation is really interesting. He was getting some
    HEAVY interviewing even before the Carolina game. Now, I am sure this
    was just the media still feeding on the Williams/Irvin situation, but
    Johnston made very clear he was not happy with what was going onat the 
    time. Aikman later expressed concerns with the team's winning attitude
    as you know.
    
    	Well, after all the moose comments rumors started flying around
    that he was going to leave. Turner has expressed openly he wants him
    and now he got his won contract extension the moose might jump ships.
    This would be the first time a cowboy player jumps to another team
    "mainly" for other than monetary reasons since the Jones regime
    started, and I'm sure the moose will get a fat juicy contract. But the
    bottom line will be if he jumps to another team simply because of
    what's going on in Dallas right now.
    
    	Dallas BTW apparently just lost John Jett to the Lions. As long as
    Boniol stays there they will probably be ok. Did you guys hear that
    Reggie White changed teams? That's right, the "other" Reggie White (the
    one from NE, ok?)
    
    	Getting back on the moose track, I'm not sure this would be a huge
    loss for Dallas. Let's sum it up:
    
    	1)Moose is a TERRIFIC blocker.
    	2)Moose has a TERRIFIC work ethic and is responsible off and on the
    field.
    	3)Moose is an example for the other players.
    
    	On the other hand:
    
    	1)Moose is not a very good runner.
    	2)Moose is just an average receiver
    	3)Moose tends to cough up the ball when hit.
    
    	I think he has been a powerful asset for the Dallas offense, but I
    still think the Novacek loss hurt them more than the Johnston loss
    would affect them. Really, all they have to do is draft a good blocker
    out of college or trade for a low-paid FA. Jones/Switzer seemed to do
    good last year in the FA market, although I'm not sure how much of a
    viable venue Dallas is nowdays.
    
    	I'll bet you 3-4 years ago FAs would kave killed to play for
    Dallas, and now I'm just not sure they would.
    
    	We'll just have to sit and wait on this one to see if he stays or
    leaves. I have read reports that contradict all of our supposed know
    ledge on Dallas salary cap and that they are actually in good shape for
    the season, but that also will have to wait until the draft.
    
    	In the mean time Moose is still a cowboy.
    
    	Carlos

    
    
    Someone should ask emmitt what he thinks of Johnston?

    	Someone should ask Jones about the raid he's under!!!!
    
    	Dallas just lost one of the (perhaps) best kickers in the NFL.
    Boniol is reportedly to sign with the Lions.
    
    	I don't know what Emmitt thinks of the Moose, but I know he didn't
    buy him a gold watch that season he treated the whole OL to one.
    
    	Carlos

    	My mistake, actually the Eagles took Boniol and it looks like Jett
    went to Detroit.
    
    	Dallas is apparently making an effort to keep the Moose, and they
    are using Larry Centers as a benchmark. They argue Johnston is already
    31 and in his 9th season and that Aikman's friendship might have to do
    something with his staying. Moose and Aikman share the same agent, and
    speculation is that Aikman will (once more) restructure his contract
    to accomodate Johnston in Dallas.
    
    	Dallas has many more problems than keeping Johnston. Miami is court
    ing Kevin Williams and Brock Marion, and unsigned FAs include Broderick
    Thomas, Fred Strickland and Darrin Smith. These are the starting LB
    lineup for Dallas. And the list is still longer than this...
    
    	Carlos
    
    	

Boniol(sp) is a restricted free agent and the Cowboys have until Friday to 
match the offer. According to the Philadelphia press, the deall is structured 
with maximum cash for the 1997 season, which will give the Cowboys the most 
trouble. According to KLIF radio in Dallas (where I am this week), there is 
very little change that Dallas can match the offer.

Dennis Faust

    	Dennis:
    
    	What else is the press saying about the team?
    
    	Carlos

    	Moose is NOT loose!!!
    
    	He just signed a good contract (for him anyways)
    
    	Details later
    
    	Carlos

Carlos,

Did Dallas lose Boniol?

Jerry

Yes

    	Dallas lost Boniol and Jett. I think they announced since last week
    they would not be matching the eagles' offer on Boniol.
    
    	I don't care for Jett that much, he is good but not indispensable.
    Boniol on the other hand is a HUGE loss. I'm sure this Johnston
    contract will have a lot to do with the cowboy season for at least 2 to
    go.
    
    	I think Dallas is in a big bind, because they need to sign some WR
    early in the draft, plus they might need some immediate LB or DB help
    if more FA people take the hike.
    
    	Carlos

    	Dallas suffered a major blow losing Teague to Miami.
    
    	Probably Marion will be the next to go, creating a big big problem
    on a good secondary.
    
    	Now we'll really see just how much the Moose signing is going to
    cost this team.
    
    	Carlos

    	Now Marion is gone! He signed a 4 year deal with Baltimore.  This
    just emptied the safety positions for Dallas save Woodson who's locked
    up for a while with his contract.
    
    	This leaves Dallas in a precarious position since they will be for
    ced to look for cheap FAs again.
    
    	Jimmy Johnson's dolphins seem to like ex-Dallas players. I wonder
    if he saw this coming in his last year at Dallas and decide to raid
    teams rather than been raided by the others.
    
    	Carlos

    	Dallas just signed Broderick Thomas, perhaps sensing the imminent
    departure of Darrin Smith.
    
    	If Dallas can keep Strickland, they "might" be sort of set at LB
    since Thomas is a proven player (that is if he can stay trouble free)
    and Godfrey showed a lot of speed and promise.
    
    	Carlos

    I read in the paper this morning where Marion never did sign with the
    Ravens,hwe has resigned a 1 year deal with Dallas...thats good news.
    
    
    
    Tom

    	Apparently The Ravens got concerned with the status of Marion's
    shoulder, which he hurt in the SF game last year.
    
    	Marion was supposed to have signed a 4 year deal, but the Ravens
    retracted at the last minute. This is good for Dallas because it could
    provide some stability in the DB situation, specially if the shoulder
    heals well.
    
    	Carlos

>>  <<< Note 552.380 by KAOFS::C_MENENDEZ "CARLOS, SOO ONT MCS (705)945-7862" >>>
>>                        -< Could play well for Dallas >-

>>    	Apparently The Ravens got concerned with the status of Marion's
>>    shoulder, which he hurt in the SF game last year.
    
I also read that Marion is considering legal action against the Ravens.
His claim is that these actions severely hurt his chances of getting
a big-dollar free agency contract with other clubs.

Jerry

    	Another loss: Godfrey Myles is gone to Denver
    
    	Carlos

    	Now looks SF is looking to get Schwantz away from Dallas. Schwantz
    has signed an offer sheet that Dallas has to match t his friday in
    order to keep him. I guess SF is trying to protect Young from Schwantz 
    rather than seeing him on a Dallas uniform
    
    
    	Carlos

    	Dallas just lost Darrin Smith to Philadelphia.
    
    	Here are the list of drafted players:
    
    	Round	Name			Position	School
    	1	David Lafleur		TE		Louisiana State
    	3	Dexter Coakley		LB		Appalachian State
    	3	Steve Scifres		OL		Wyoming
    	4	Kenny Wheaton		DB		Oregon
    	5	Antonio Anderson	DL		Syracuse
    	6	Macey Brooks		WR		James Madison
    	7	Nicky Sualua		RB		Ohio State
    	8	Lee Vaughn		DB		Wyoming
    	9	Omar Stoutmire		DB		Fresno State
    
    	Kind of strange Dallas selected a TE in the first round, specially
    with such a big need for a WR. Maybe the Giants taking Ike Hilliard
    made them change strategy.
    
    	Carlos

>>  <<< Note 552.384 by KAOFS::C_MENENDEZ "CARLOS, SOO ONT MCS (705)945-7862" >>
>>                         -< Strange draft for Dallas >>>-

>>    	Dallas just lost Darrin Smith to Philadelphia.

The Eagles may hate the Cowboys as a team, but they sure seem to like
the players.  Maybe we should call them Cowboys East.
    
>>    	Kind of strange Dallas selected a TE in the first round, specially
>>    with such a big need for a WR. Maybe the Giants taking Ike Hilliard
>>    made them change strategy.
    
Carlos,

I thought that this was a good choice, assuming that they get a quality player.
It was painfully obvious last year that the team missed Novacek, and just
as obvious that he probably won't ever play again.  I thought that
Novacek being out last year was a big reason for Dallas' poor red-zone
performance.  Bjornsen just isnt' getting it done.

The way I see it, there were several holes that need filling, and they
probably went for the best player available at the time.  On the other
hand, neither Switzer nor Jones has displayed any remarkable talent
in drafting players, so who knows.

Jerry

    	Jerry:
    
    	While Switzer/jones don't seem to be very adept at first round
    players they seem to do a good job from rounds 2-3 and on. Look at
    players like Randall Godfrey, Larry Allen, Alundis Brice, etc. While
    it's still (painfully) obvious who was the brains in the Dallas
    drafting while Johnson ran the show, we have to give the duo credit
    for at least keeping theteam competitive.
    
    	It's not Jones/Switzer fault the Irvin/Lett/Deion crap. Also, it's
    not their fault the Novacek/Haley/K. Williams/Bjoronson debacle last
    year.
    
    	It's probably a good idea they drafted a TE, but does this means
    they are readu to dump Bjornson and Watkins? 
    
    	I just heard today that apparently Dallas and TB are working some
    kind of deal in which Alvin Harper could return to Dallas. Does anyone
    else hear something to that respect?
    
    	Carlos

>>  <<< Note 552.386 by KAOFS::C_MENENDEZ "CARLOS, SOO ONT MCS (705)945-7862" >>>
>>                            -< Is Bjoronson gone? >-


Carlos,
    
>>    	It's probably a good idea they drafted a TE, but does this means
>>    they are readu to dump Bjornson and Watkins? 
  
Seems to me that Bjornson was given a fair shot at showing his stuff.
I realize that he was hurt a lot, but even when he was playing healthy
he didn't seem to make that big an impact.  Perhaps comparing him to
Novacek is not fair, but I just don't have the confidence in him that
I have in a healthy Novacek.  Perhaps Jones and Switzer (and more
importantly, Aikman) see it the same way.

One thing that Dallas did this year was to bring Aikman along to throw
to prospective receivers when they gave them a tryout.  Perhaps this
selection reflects some of Troy's input.  

Jerry

    	jerry:
    
    	You are right. Aikman actually went to LSU campus and threw a pile
    of passes to this kid Lafleur. I wonder if he could be like a Keith
    Jackson or a Eric Green (when they were playing good).
    
    	It still bothers me that they haven't settled the WR situation, al
    though they still have Kevin Williams and last years draftees to try
    out.
    
    	Apaprently Emmitt Smith got something like 7-8 pieces of bone
    removed from his right foot. I guess we ALL knew he was hurt except
    him.
    
    	I personally like Bjoronson. I really think his injuries really
    slowed him down. The little time he played healthy he showed lots of
    promise, but either it was one ankle, the other or both. This could be
    a real problem because if he's not reliable then he's not good.
    
    	Looks also like Dallas will have some money to spend on the new
    players because both Novacek and Haley seem gone for good. The dynasty
    built only 4 years ago is just a shadow now, and it goes to prove that
    they need more than the "triplets" to win in the game. Tell that to
    Madden.....
    
    	Later,
    
    	Carlos

    	Have you guys heard anything on this? Apparently BOTH Alvin Harper
    and Anthony Miller want to play for Dallas, and they are willing to 
    play for not many $$. Both apparently have made statements saying they
    have already made enough money and that now it is time to play to win.
    
    	Carlos

>>  <<< Note 552.389 by KAOFS::C_MENENDEZ "CARLOS, SOO ONT MCS (705)945-7862" >>>
>>                     -< Both Harper and Miller to Dallas? >-

In on of the Cowboys' www sites, there was an article that Dallas
was waiting for Miller to be released by Denver to sign him.  And,
I do know that Denver has said that they will not re-sign him.

The only mention I've heard a Harper returning was in here.

Jerry

    So why did they go to Big D?  I see only confusion and chaos, not
    victories.                  

    	RE .last
    
    
    	You are kidding of course, aren't you?
    
    	

   Harper or Miller, either one can fit in here to take pressure away from
Michael Irving and the TE (whoever it is). If Dallas can spread the field and
keep the defense from pilling in the middle to stop Emmit, than the offense will
return to it's previous domination on the field. BTW Harper will be probably be
cut June 1st and has expressed an interest in returning Dallas or playing in
Washington.

    	If I was Jones, I would put all my efforts in getting probably BOTH
    since the Deion experiment as a WR ended in a complete washout. I
    seriously doubt Deion will ever align himself as a WR. As far as Irvin,
    he's only a speeding ticket away from hard time, leaving Dallas without
    WRs.
    
    	It only makes sense....
    

    	Apparently, Irvin is now asking for a trade, and rumors about
    Dallas wanting Anthony Miller are picking up steam....
    
    	Carlos

	I have it on a good source from a friend in Dallas that Miller is
already commited to Dallas once he gets released on June 1st. Also the Cowboys
are really trying to get Harper as well, and feel that Irving will most likely
stay because of the salary cap he is using up. So with the posibility of three
good receivers, I wonder how Deion will take to probably playing 100% defense
this year. 

    
    Too much of Irvin's bonus money will count against Dallas'
    cap if they trade him.  On other words, the money he got as a
    bonus when he signed his most recent contract is divided over
    the years of his contract.  So, if he is traded, the Cowboys are
    responsible for all the remaining years of bonus money THIS YEAR,
    which I beleive is around $2.8 - $3.0 million.
    
    He's probably not going anywhere.
    
    
    CF

I think he might also face some legal hassles with leaving the state.

Jerry

    	I agree with the last 2 replies. It would be too much of a hassle
    for Irvin to move.
    
    	But the rumors about Miller are getting stronger and stronger.
    
    	Carlos

	There is a strong rumor that Denver may want to keep Miller on after
June 1st and force Dallas to give up compensation for him even though this would
hurt their cap space. Also the rumor mill has it that Jay Novacek and Charles
Haley could be the Cowboys salary cap victims, being released sometime after
June 1st.


	maddog

    Well its official Dallas signed Anthony Miller yesterday...they also
    resigned Herschel Walker and Bill Bates to one year deals.
    Hopefully with Miller and Irvin this will loosen up the defense so
    Emmitt can run wild again.
    
    
    Tom

>>                      <<< Note 552.401 by LUDWIG::GARRY >>>
>>                               -< Miller signs >-

>>    Well its official Dallas signed Anthony Miller yesterday...they also
>>    resigned Herschel Walker and Bill Bates to one year deals.
>>    Hopefully with Miller and Irvin this will loosen up the defense so
>>    Emmitt can run wild again.
    
That's the good news.  The flip side is that Michael Irvin has yet to
show up in camp.  He missed the entire mini-camp, and hasn't bothered
to show up for the current camp.  Even Aikman is expressing displeasure
with him.

Jerry