Thursday, August 20, 1998

Player or coach? Deadline nears for decision on Bates' status

By Clarence E. Hill Jr.

Knight Ridder Newspapers

(KRT)

IRVING, Texas - The Cowboys have less than a week to make a final decision on whether Bill Bates will be a full-time coach or player.

Bates, a 15-year veteran, joined the Cowboys' coaching staff before training camp when the Cowboys decided not to re-sign him.

At the time, the team said Bates could possibly return for another season as a late roster addition.

However, the NFL informed the Cowboys that in order for Bates to be eligible to play this season, he must be on the active roster when the team cuts to 60 players Tuesday.

That is, unless Bates decides not to coach. If Bates quits the coaching staff, then he can be come back at any time.

Bates said the rule is meant to keep to keep teams from hiding veteran players on their coaching staff for insurance purposes.

Bates, who is one season from setting a team record for tenure, said he wants to play, but would remain a coach if the team does not move him to the 60-man roster.

"Either way it will work out great for me and hopefully great for the Cowboys," Bates said.

Though Bates has a locker in the players' locker room, his return doesn't appear likely. Cowboys coach Chan Gailey and defensive coordinator Dave Campo said they haven't even discussed the possibility of activating the former safety and special-teams standout.

SMITH CUT, MYERS PROMOTED

Gailey announced that the team released backup defensive end Herman Smith and moved promising rookie defensive lineman Michael Myers to the No. 2 rush end position behind Kavika Pittman.

Smith, a three-year veteran who was once considered a strong candidate to make the final roster, has struggled in the past week. He started in place of an injured Pittman and recorded only one tackle Monday in a 21-3 preseason loss to New England Patriots.

Rookie free-agent punter Barry Cantrell also was released yesterday.

"We felt at this that he wasn't going to make the team," Gailey said of Smith. "We decided to do it now to give him an opportunity to find another team."

Myers, a fourth-round pick, has played only tackle so far but has impressed the Cowboys with his play in games. Gailey said the team is giving Myers a look at end because they want to find a way to get him on the field. Brett Williams will also compete with Myers behind Pittman, Gailey said.

"If Myers can do that, we've got a bonus because we've got some inside guys," Gailey said. "He's got a first-step quickness and he makes plays in games. When a guy makes plays in games, we are going to try to get him on the field."

Myers, who was ineligible for his senior season at Alabama because of dealings with an agent, played both end and tackle in college.

TICKETS ON SALE

Tickets for Cowboys home games go on sale at 10 a.m. CDT tomorrow at all Ticketmaster outlets and Texas Stadium.

Tickets can be charged by phone at (214) 373-8000 or (972) 647-5700. Tickets can also be purchased via the internet at www.ticketmaster.com.

(c) 1998, Fort Worth Star-Telegram

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Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.