Cowboys WR Michael Irvin pleaded no contest, "rather than
guilty," to cocaine possession yesterday. According to Jim
Schutze of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE, the plea, part of a deal with
the Dallas County D.A., is "not expected to include any jail
time." The penalty on the charge will include four years of
supervised probation and random drug testing. Irvin is also
expected to pay a $10,000 fine. A source close to the defense
said the no-contest plea was a "key element in the plea bargain
negotiations." Had Irvin admitted guilt, the NFL's drug policy
"probably would have required that he be suspended from games."
Schutze notes, if the league does not want to suspend him, the
no-contest plea may give NFL execs such an excuse. Irvin lawyers
noted that a plea of no contest "cannot be used against a person
in civil proceedings" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 7/16).
NEXT MOVE: Now that his criminal trial is over, Irvin's
"NFL trial is just beginning," according to Josie Karp of the FT.
WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM. Karp notes Irvin is "likely looking at a
suspension of at least four games," with the decision resting
with Commissioner Paul Tagliabue. Tagliabue "seemingly" has
support from Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones, who reiterated his
backing of the NFL's substance abuse policy (FT. WORTH STAR-
TELEGRAM, 7/16). In New York, Gary Myers writes to expect
Tagliabue to suspend Irvin, the question is for how long (N.Y.
DAILY NEWS, 7/16). In Chicago, Don Pierson compares Irvin with
Bears CB Donnell Woolford, who was convicted for DUI. Pierson:
"Part of Tagliabue's decision may rest on which is worse
publicity for the new season's first nationally televised game --
Irvin and Woolford playing or not playing in the wake of serious
run-ins with the law" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 7/16).
ANOTHER TOPIC, PLEASE: Tagliabue will discuss the NFL's
global plans on July 30. The topic: "The 'World' of the NFL &
Global Future of American Football" (NFL).
