*** DOLPHINS NEWS ***

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May 12, 1996: -- Irvin Rumors --

Drew Rosenhaus, a well know NFL agent and representative for a large number of south florida athletes, has apparenlty told two TV stations that wide receiver Michael Irvin of the Dallas Cowboys has asked to be traded to the Miami Dolphins.

This request comes in the wake of Irvin's indictment for marijuana and cocaine possession in Texas.

According to Rosenhaus, who spoke to WFOR-TV in Miami on Friday, Irvin wants to go back to the Miami area, where he played his college football. He also wants to be reunited with his former college and professional coach, Jimmy Johnson.

Rosenhaus said that Irvin was having trouble getting along with Dallas owner Jerry Jones, especially when it came to dealing with Irvin's recent arrest and indictment on drug possession charges.

Although Rosenhaus is not Michael Irvin's agent, he claims to have contacted both the Dolphins and the Cowboys about such a trade.

My Comments:

Whether or not it's true that Irvin has asked to be traded to the Dolphins, the possibility that this could actually happen is very low. But before we decide whether or not such a trade is likely, let's consider the source of this rumor: agent Drew Rosenhaus.

According to most of the stories that I've read, Rosenhaus doesn't even really represent Irvin. That makes the story questionable from the start. In my opinion, the manipulation of players by agents is one of the saddest thing about professional sports.

What does Rosenhaus have to gain by leaking such a story? Well, if he can make his fantasy come true, he gains credibility and clients, especially if the odds are against him making such a deal, as they certainly are.

Personally, I believe that Rosenhaus was probably having a private conversation with Irvin, in which Irvin was just thinking out loud. Rosenhaus then took Irvin's unrealistic wishes and decided, probably without Irvin's consent, to try and work out such a deal.

And he may have made the whole thing up, although it's harder to figure out why he would do that. I expect that Irvin said something to him, just in passing, and Rosenhaus decided to tell everyone within earshot.

But let's suppose for a moment that it's true - that Irvin has told Rosenhaus to try and get him traded. I don't believe that it will happen for 3 reasons:

1. Irvin may go to jail. JJ won't take Irvin (old buddy or not) unless he's sure that Irvin will be available to play.

2. The Dolphins don't have the cap room for him.

3. Irvin may have a substance abuse problem. Like #1, JJ won't saddle himself with a problem unless he's sure Irvin would be able to play. The NFL may bar Irvin from play, even if he doesn't go to jail.

So, even if a deal was in the making (which I doubt), I can't imagine JJ taking on Irvin with all the negatives that would be attached.

Related Info:

ESPNet:

Irvin seeking trade to Dolphins

Sportsline USA:

Irvin Reportedly Seeks Trade To Dolphins, Johnson

USA Today:

USA Today's NFL News