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Report: Lett fails 3rd drug test Dallas standout faces lifetime ban; Irvin on trading block
Posted: Friday April 16, 1999 08:31 AM
IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Star defensive tackle Leon Lett faces the prospect of lifetime suspension from the NFL after failing a drug test for the third time, according to published reports on Friday that also raised the possibility of a Michael Irvin trade. An official with the National Football League told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that Lett's future in the league is in limbo after the eight-year veteran failed a recent drug test. It is unclear which drug was detected by the test. An unidentified Cowboys official and a team player also told The New York Times that NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue is reviewing an appeal filed by Lett on the test. Lett, who was suspended for parts of the 1995-1997 seasons because of failed drug tests, might be challenging validity of the test collection and processing arrangements, which he also did before imposition of his second ban, according to The Times. The newspaper said Lett faces a ban of at least one year under the NFL's drug policies. "We thought Leon was straightening out his life," the Cowboys official who declined to be identified told The Times, adding that his emotions concerning Lett ranged from "sadness to anger." "This is terrible news," he said. If Lett's appeal is denied, the Cowboys would be forced to look for a defensive tackle. The draft starts Saturday. League sources also told the Star-Telegram that the Cowboys would entertain trade offers for all-time leading receiver Michael Irvin. The 12-year veteran, who is in the final year of his contract, responded to the report by telling the newspaper "that's fine." But Cowboys owner Jerry Jones denied that Irvin has been part of any trade talk. "That's just not right," he told the newspaper. Dallas area telephone numbers for Lett and Irvin are unpublished and they could not be reached early today by The Associated Press for comment. "The entire program is based on confidentiality," Jones told The Dallas Morning News. "We're not in a position to make any comment nor would we want to. No one from The New York Times has called and asked me or anyone in the organization questions about this." Lett's agents told The News and the Star-Telegram they were either unaware of or could not comment about the report. "I haven't heard anything about it, and I would have heard about it unless it was moving so quickly," agent Jim Steiner said Thursday. "I'm going to have to get a copy of the report and go to work on this tomorrow." Lett, who has been in the NFL substance abuse program since 1995, was suspended by the league for four games during the 1995 season, then missed the last three games of the 1996 season and the first 13 games of 1997 because of failed drug tests. Michael Claiborne, Lett's other agent, said he spoke to the defensive lineman Monday and would be shocked if the Pro Bowler failed another drug test under the NFL program. Lett recorded 51 tackles, four sacks, 20 quarterback pressures and a team-high seven tackles for losses last season. His presence was considered a big reason the Cowboys run defense improved from 24th in 1997 to 12th in 1998.
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