NFL -- Irvin Suspended For Five Games Without Pay

AUSTIN, Texas - NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue has suspended All-Pro wide receiver Michael Irvin of the Dallas Cowboys for five games without pay after his no-contest plea to felony cocaine possession.

The suspension will cost Irvin over $500,000 - he makes $102,647 a game, The Associated Press reported.

The Cowboys did not contest the suspension, which is one week longer than the standard penalty for a first-time violator of the league's substance-abuse policy. Cowboy owner Jerry Jones called it "closure and resolution."

"We're going to prepare this football team to play this year and deal with the circumstances as they are," Jones said.

Jones said he spoke with Irvin, who was in Miami.

"He said, `I want to meet this heads up. I accept my responsibility. I was wrong, and I'm going to pay the price.' "

Irvin has five days to appeal the decision. He could at that time request a meeting with the commissioner.

Irvin's suspension officially begins Aug. 26 - one week before the Monday night opener against the Chicago Bears. He also will miss games with four other playoff contenders: the New York Giants, Indianapolis Colts, Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles.

"Michael is content that this has been resolved," Jones said. "There is total closure on both sides - the legal side and the league side as well."

Notes

-- The San Diego Chargers re-signed offensive tackle Harry Swayne to a one-year contract.

-- Veteran defensive lineman Aaron Wallace was released by the Denver Broncos.

-- The Kansas City Chiefs re-signed veteran safety Martin Bayless to a three-year contract.

-- Former Chicago Bear defensive end Richard Dent, 35, worked out for the Indianapolis Colts, and the team immediately began contract negotiations.

-- Atlanta rookie defensive tackle Shannon Brown is out for the season after injuring his knee on the second day of practice. Brown, a third-round pick out of Alabama and the Falcons' first choice, sustained a torn ligament and torn cartilage.