Monday, July 20, 1998

Newton mum so far in camp

By DENNE H. FREEMAN AP Sports Writer

WICHITA FALLS, Texas (AP) - Nate Newton, normally among the more talkative Dallas Cowboys, isn't talking at all so far during this training camp.

Newton lost about 70 pounds in the off-season and would be one of the best training camp stories. But he told the Cowboys' public relations staff he won't talk with reporters while he works for a San Antonio TV station for the first week of camp.

The big offensive lineman is providing station KMOL with offbeat training camp reports until Thursday.

Newton had a miserable 1997 season during which the offensive line caught much of the criticism for a 6-10 season that cost Barry Switzer his job. The 13-year veteran was overweight and injured and thought to be on the downside of his career.

So far, that appears to have turned around. Newton is down to 301 pounds and has looked solid. His blocking has been one of the highlights of a much-improved Dallas offense.

"Anybody who has followed Nate's career knows he's in the best shape he has ever been in," said coach Chan Gailey. "He has been doing a good job out there"

However, Newton's lips remained sealed. He was in the cafeteria at Midwestern State University late last week doing a piece on the food service.

He also interviewed such teammates as Wendell Davis.

"How does it feel being back in your hometown?" Newton asked.

"I'm from Wichita, Kansas," Davis answered.

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In other training camp news: INJURIES: Thomas, Davis out with knee injuries

The Dallas Cowboys have lost two defensive players to knee injuries.

Linebacker Broderick Thomas was hurt in Sunday's late practice, a day after cornerback Wendell Davis went down during a passing drill.

Owner Jerry Jones said Thomas could miss the entire season, but trainer Jim Maurer said it was too early to tell.

"We'll have to see after an MRI," Maurer said.

Thomas had been moved from defensive end to linebacker and was being counted upon to be one of the Cowboys primary rushers on obvious passing downs.

Coach Chan Gailey said Davis "is definitely out for the season. It's a tough injury because he got hurt last year."

--- TEEING IT UP: Cowboys get golf break

The Cowboys got today off from the training-camp grind for a golf break. Wichita Falls Country Club will be the site of the annual team golf outing.

Coach Chan Gailey said he would just as soon be working but added that the team probably could stand a little rest.

"Not many coaches want players playing in golf tournaments in the middle of training camp," said Gailey, who is about a 2-handicapper himself.