Irving has been suspended twice by the NFL for using a banned substance, as well as illegal drugsGETTY IMAGES
While Cowboys DT David Irving lost his bid to become the team's NFLPA rep, the twice-suspended player "made his voice heard with an impassioned speech" that was partially motivated by his goal of getting the league to "stop testing for marijuana," according to Clarence Hill Jr. of the Ft. Worth STAR-TELEGRAM. It was the belief that because of Irving’s "experience being suspended twice by the NFL for using a banned substance, as well as illegal drugs, that he knew the system as well as anyone." No one was "prouder of Irving than his attorney Daniel Moskowitz, who has helped Irving navigate through his most recent suspension and who has been one of the main people urging him to run for NFLPA rep." Moskowitz said that Irving was being "groomed for the position by noted NFL fixer Mike Ornstein" (Ft. Worth STAR-TELEGRAM, 11/2). In Dallas, Brandon Geroge noted Cowboys TE Geoff Swaim "didn't openly campaign" to become the team's NFLPA rep, but he is "excited his teammates have voted for him." Swaim will "take on the role" held last season by K Dan Bailey, who is now with the Vikings. Cowboys CB Byron Jones and Irving will "serve as alternates for Swaim." The NFLPA rep position will "become more important for teams as the union soon begins negotiating" a new CBA. The current CBA expires after the '20 season (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 11/2).
