The Cowboys are apparently willing to let defensive tackle David Irving hit free agency, and there are a number of reasons for that, as we explored earlier this month. Today, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reported that the league is evaluating Irving and could hit him with a suspension, which could be another reason why Dallas is content to let Irving walk.
Irving was suspended for the first four games of the 2017 campaign for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy, and he missed the last four games of that season due to a concussion. In between, though, he was terrific, as he registered seven sacks in eight games and earned a second-round RFA tender last offseason.
Things went south for Irving after that, though, as he was suspended for the first four games of the 2018 season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Between the suspension, injury, and personal matters, he played in only two games last season, which did not make for an ideal platform year.
Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News confirms (via Twitter) that the Cowboys were not expected to re-sign Irving anyway. The 25-year-old, who signed with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2015, will doubtlessly get another shot in the league, but he will first have to concentrate on avoiding or limiting a third suspension.
That potential suspension, though, may not be related to PEDs or recreational drugs. Per Calvin Watkins of The Athletic, Irving’s ex-girlfriend, Angela Sanchez, has spoken with NFL senior vice president of investigations, Lisa Friel, about numerous alleged domestic violence incidents. We learned back in April that Sanchez accused Irving of domestic violence, but the police investigation into those allegations was closed because Sanchez recanted her claims.
Sanchez and Irving have a daughter together, and Irving has sole custody of her. However, Sanchez claims Irving has denied her court-ordered visitation, and that she has not seen her daughter since December 6. That is why, after rebuffing Friel’s attempts to speak with her in the past, Sanchez is willing to open up now. One of Watkins’ sources says that Friel has spoken with both Irving and Sanchez, and that both parties have credibility issues.
Irving’s recent Instagram post is not likely to help his cause. In the post, he wrote, “I’m in the NFl [sic] because I’m great at what I do. I’m not in the NFL because I’m an Eagle Scout , or the perfect model citizen. I didn’t put on a mask or kiss ass to be where I am. Im here on natural ability . This is God’s plan. Not mine. Trust me , I’m adjusting to it as well. Once I step on the field and stop performing , THEN we have a problem .. . So does anyone have anything to say about my play?”
It’s been a tough day for Cowboys pass rushers, as we learned earlier this afternoon that Randy Gregory has been suspended indefinitely.
Boy this guy sounds like a real winner…well, at least he’s pretty damn sure he is. Kinda important to be on the field if you’re going to be able to showcase those mad skills you have…otherwise, what good are they doin ya?
It’s like Groundhog Day with the Cowboys every offseason.
They weren’t going to bring him back even before this came out.. dude is an idiot
Lay off the weed dude!
Weed has nothing to do with it
When are the Cowboys gonna learn. Hardy, Gregory, Irving, Moore, Elliott, etc. this is what happens when you try and put troubled but talented players on the field.
jerry jones
Worst thing to happen to Jerry was when he passed on drafting Randy Moss due to character issues. I think he has been determined to never let that happen again. Hence the non-stop wave of nut cases.
This is why they drafted kids with a moral compass last 2 drafts. Guess what Jalen Smith and VanderEsch good picks guys that just want to ball. Guys like that are what is needed!
It’s the National Felons League. Every roster is infested with violators of one thing or another.
Hmmm sounds kind of iffy if he has custody of his kid…more often than not that is a mom’s status to lose…not saying this guy isn’t an idiot, just saying that the accusations sound like they have the potential to have an alternative motive
Next stop Cleveland.