Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, September 17, 1993 TAG: 9309170140
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: IRVING, TEXAS LENGTH: Medium
Smith, who had watched on television while the Super Bowl champions lost both games they played without him, reached an agreement with Jones that could make him the highest-paid running back in the game.
"I got what I wanted. I wanted to be the highest-paid running back in the NFL," Smith said. "But it was the hardest thing for me to do, to sit in the living room and watch my teammates play on television."
He admitted that "if the team had been 2-0, it's possible that I wouldn't be here."
Smith said he hoped to be ready to play on Sunday against Phoenix but added, "Derrick Lassic deserves to start. I'm not sure how far I can go. It's possible I could hurt the team more than help it."
Smith and the Cowboys' owner signed a contract during a news conference Thursday night. Jones called it a "win-win" solution.
"Both sides gave in on this one. We gave him a lot of front-end dollars, so it won't hurt us when the salary cap begins next year," Jones said.
Asked if he held a grudge against Smith, Jones said, "I may have miscalculated, but I've never miscalculated his importance. Emmitt will always be a Cowboy."
Jones said he would get to work on signing quarterback Troy Aikman next. Aikman has two years left on his contract, but Jones would like to sign the player so he could front-load the deal with money this year that won't count against the salary cap.
Dallas coach Jimmy Johnson said, "We're really happy that Emmitt is back with the team. He has a tremendous amount of work to do but should be ready for the Green Bay game [on Oct. 3]. I will decide prior to game time Sunday night whether he'll be activated.
"But if he is, he would be available only on a very limited basis," he said.
Smith's agent, Richard Howell, had scooped Jones on releasing the news earlier Thursday. While Howell's office in Atlanta was confirming to The Associated Press an agreement had been reached, Jones' office in Dallas refused to confirm anything had happened until 90 minutes later.
Howell's office said Smith and Jones were on their way to Dallas for a news conference.
Finally, Cowboys public relations director Rich Dalrymple confirmed "there has been an agreement in principle, but the contract has not been signed."
Jones flew from New York to Atlanta to pick up Smith after the tentative agreement was reached by telephone.
No contract terms were divulged immediately, but Smith had said he wouldn't sign unless Jones paid him "Thurman Thomas money."
The contract was expected to be a four-year deal for approximately $13.6 million, which would be more than Thomas. Smith also has the advantage of not having to pay state income tax, whereas Thomas does.
The contract was expected to be a four-year deal for approximately $13.6 million, which would be more than Thomas. Smith also has the advantage of not having to pay state income tax, whereas Thomas does.
by CNB