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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Cowboys Tarnished, Yet Focused Aikman, Smith Say Latest Mess Won’t Distract Team From Goal

Associated Press

Troy Aikman says there’s no question he’s concerned about his team’s image. Though, he added, “I’m still proud to wear a helmet with a star on it.”

Emmitt Smith says he thinks his teammates are “just fed up with all we’ve been hearing throughout the year.” Then he added: “We’ll just shake it off and keep on moving.”

The Dallas Cowboys tried to do just that Wednesday, a day after being jolted by the latest distraction in a season full of them: A 23-year-old woman accused wide receiver Michael Irvin of holding a gun to her head while offensive tackle Erik Williams and another man allegedly raped her.

Irvin and Williams practiced for Sunday’s NFC divisional playoff game against the Carolina Panthers. Police said they planned to call them in for questioning today.

Coaches have a backup plan for a worst-case scenario should the pair miss the game. However, police have said neither player would be prevented from leaving the state while the investigation was under way.

Irvin, on probation for a drug offense, said he is innocent; Williams has declined comment.

Aikman said the team was handling the latest distraction fairly well.

“Obviously it’s some distraction, but I don’t think it’s going to keep us from preparing to play like we have to come out and play,” the quarterback said. “I don’t know if you ever get used to distractions. This team has overcome a great deal of adversity. We’ll just have to see.”

“I want to be proud of this organization,” he said. “I’m proud of what we have accomplished.”

So is teammate Bill Bates, though he said all the turmoil “makes me sick to my stomach.”

The safety-linebacker said his children asked him what was going on.

“I just told them that people in life sometimes have problems and that nobody is perfect,” he said. “Things happen and not just to the Cowboys. It’s happening all over the NFL, the world, the nation. Nothing shocks me anymore. Just turn on the TV. It’s society in general.”

Should Irvin and Williams miss the game, the Dallas coaches could move right guard Larry Allen to right tackle for Williams and put backup Derek Kennard in Allen’s spot.

Deion Sanders would start in Irvin’s spot as he did in the first five games of the season when Irvin was serving his NFL suspension on a no contest plea of cocaine possession. He was sentenced to four years’ probation and 800 hours of community service. Irvin’s probation could be revoked if he is charged with any crime.