Posted on Fri, May. 02, 2008

COWBOYS NOTES: Suspect says Pacman is framing him in shooting

By CLARENCE E. HILL JR.

Star-Telegram Staff Writer

IRVING -- Suspended cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones, who was traded from the Tennessee Titans to the Dallas Cowboys last week, is not worried about the "laughable claims" of the accused Las Vegas shooter, a source said.

Arvin Kenti Edwards, who is charged with shooting three people at a Las Vegas strip club during the 2007 NBA All-Star Weekend, told a Nashville television station that Jones ordered someone else to do the shooting and is trying to frame him.

Police arrested Edwards based on information provided by Jones, who also accused Edwards of extorting $15,000 from him.

Edwards' new accusation could impact Jones' bid for reinstatement to the NFL. Commissioner Roger Goodell said last week he needs more information so he could better understand the situation.

But a source close to Jones is confident Edwards' allegations will not hinder his return.

He said Las Vegas authorities are on top of all aspects of Edwards' claims.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was confident enough last week in what he knew about the Las Vegas incident and the ongoing process to go ahead with the acquisition of Pacman Jones from the Titans.

The Cowboys plan to lobby Goodell after this weekend's minicamp about letting Pacman Jones work out at the team's facility during his suspension. Goodell has said he will consider that. He also said he will not rule on Jones' reinstatement until right before the start of training camp.

The Cowboys have hedged their bets in their gamble with Jones with a back-loaded and incentive-laden contract as well as a trade refund clause.

Jones received a four-year, $13.3 million deal from the Cowboys, according to a source. It includes no signing bonus, although Jones will receive an advance of his 2008 salary of $700,000 if and when he is reinstated.

He has base salaries of $1 million in 2009, $3 million in 2010 and $7.25 million in 2011.

Jones has roster bonuses worth $250,000 and $255,000 due in 2009 and 2010, respectively, and a $345,000 reporting bonus in 2010. He also has $250,000 workout bonuses in 2009 and 2010.

There are also play-time and Pro Bowl incentives that could push Jones' 2011 salary to the franchise tag for cornerbacks. That number is $9.465 million in 2008.

The Cowboys included clauses in the trade that would return the fourth-round pick they gave up for Jones with a fourth-round selection in 2009 if he is not reinstated.

And if he is suspended by the league after being reinstated, the Cowboys will receive a fifth-round pick from the Titans.

The Cowboys are satisfied and so is Pacman Jones. Jones understands if he plays well and stays out of trouble, he has a chance to secure a big contract down the road, the source said.

Free agents reach deal

UT-El Paso wide receiver Joe West and Tulsa linebacker Alain Karatepeyan, two undrafted rookie free agents, agreed to terms with the Cowboys.

West caught 41 passes for 734 yards and six touchdowns last season. His cousin, Doug West, and uncle, Mark West, played in the NBA. Karatepeyan set a school record with 22 career tackles for loss.

The addition of West and Karatepeyan gives the Cowboys 14 undrafted free agents. Minicamp begins today.