Wednesday, July 22, 1998

Nate Newton is talking again

WICHITA FALLS, Texas (AP) - Offensive tackle Nate Newton is talking again - and he's quick to take some of the blame for last season's 6-10 disaster in Dallas.

Newton had boycotted the media for six days while doing shows for a San Antonio television station, but he then made himself available to the general public.

"Last year was a nightmare, like looking at your mother-in-law," Newton said Tuesday.

Newton, who has lost some 70 pounds coming into the Cowboys' training camp, said the lack of offense last year was partially his fault.

"You can put a lot last year on my shoulders," Newton said. "I'm a Pro Bowl player. Last year I was just average. I let everybody down."

--- Shotgun offense unveiled

For the first time, the Cowboys gave the shotgun offense a long look at practice on Tuesday.

Coach Chan Gailey has encouraged quarterback Troy Aikman to work some of the time in the offense, which gives the passer an extra second to get rid of the ball after the deep snap from center.

The first day didn't go well.

Aikman looked uncomfortable and had one of his passes picked off by Kenny Wheaton.

--- Dylan Anderson a lucky kid

Young Dylan Anderson thought he could make a couple of bucks setting up a soft drink stand during the Cowboys' golf outing on Monday at Wichita Falls Country Club.

Little did he dream it was going to bring him a lot more.

Troy Aikman, playing in the tournament, stopped by during a lull in the action on the 12th tee.

Aikman gave the boy his goody bag which he received for playing in the charity tournament. It included sunglasses, a cap, a bag, and, yes, an autograph.

--- Back Spasms Bug Ellis

Greg Ellis, the Cowboys No. 1 draft pick who signed for $11.5 million, needs all the practice he can get because the rookie is starting at defensive left end this year.

However, Ellis couldn't work Tuesday morning because of back spasms.

"Doctors were just being cautious," said Cowboys spokesman Brett Daniels. "He'll be OK."

--- Nail down those highway signs

Anything with Dallas Cowboys on it is fair game for thieves during this first training camp in Wichita Falls.

Exhibit A: Thieves have already cost taxpayers $540 because of stolen highway signs.

Three signs proclaiming Wichita Falls as the summer home of the Cowboys have already been pilfered.