IRVIN ADDRESSES QUESTION OF ABUSE PROBLEM

     In an interview with ESPN's Chris Mortensen, Cowboys WR
MICHAEL IRVIN said he did not believe he has a substance abuse
problem and responded to criticism of his demeanor while
testifying before a grand jury prior to his indictment on drug
possession charges.  Irvin did say he had spoken with NFL
officials.  Irvin, on drug use:  "In life all we can ever do is
go off what's been done in the past.  I've never had a substance
abuse problem in the past.  Why all of the sudden should I have
it now?"  On his image:  "I'd rather be locked up as Michael
Irvin than free pretending to be someone I'm not"
("SportsCenter," 4/9).