Tuesday, August 18, 1998

McIver: 'I have not received any payments, from anyone'

By JAIME ARON

Associated Press

IRVING -- In his first public comments since his neck was cut, Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Everett McIver denied having been paid -- or even asked -- to remain silent about the injury and didn't say whether Michael Irvin was involved.

"I have not received any payments, from anyone, in return for my silence as has been inaccurately alleged," McIver said in a statement released through the team Monday. "I have not been asked to withhold any information or testimony or to misrepresent any of the facts of the incident."

Meanwhile, the NFL said it had looked into the July 29 training camp problem and determined no league rules were violated.

"We have met with the individuals involved, reviewed the chain of events and, based on this information, the commissioner has found no basis on which to take any further action," spokesman Greg Aiello said.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he hopes the episode can be forgotten.

"From the standpoint of the organization, this matter has been resolved for some time," said Jones, who was with the team in Mexico City for a preseason game against the New England Patriots. "Today's statements from Everett McIver and the NFL office should provide the proper closure for everyone as far as the matter is concerned."

The matter has been open to scrutiny since coach Chan Galley first described McIver's injury as a result of "horseplay," then refused to give details.

Since then, several reports, all citing anonymous sources, have said Irvin cut McIver with a pair of scissors during a scuffle over a haircut.

On Aug. 9, The Dallas Morning News reported that Jones brokered a deal in which Irvin would pay McIver in the high six figures to keep quiet about what happened. Jones and Irvin have strongly denied striking a deal.

Irvin, on probation for felony drug possession, could face up to 20 years in prison if a judge determines he violated his probation. No legal action can be taken without a complaint being filed, and that has yet to happen.

Dallas County probation officials have discussed the matter with McIver and others, but taken no action.

"This was a situation involving two teammates that has been, and will continue to be, handled between us," said McIver, who joined Dallas this year as a free agent. "... I have cooperated with everyone who deemed it necessary to investigate this incident."

McIver left camp for several days after his neck was cut, then returned to practice Aug. 10.

"I have done everything I can to keep my focus, including maintaining my privacy," McIver said in the statement. "I have returned to practice and I am doing better every day."