What a disgraceful way for the all-time leading rusher's career in Dallas to come to an end.

Per ESPN.com (Full article - <a href='http://espn.go.com/nfl/news/2003/0227/1515406.html' target='_blank'>http://espn.go.com/nfl/news/2003/0227/1515406.html</a> )

Quote: So long, sweetheart. Emmitt Smith, the leading rusher in NFL history, was released Thursday after 13 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys.

"In my mind, I think I'm a 1,300-yard back, and I will be out to prove that,'' Smith said at a news conference with team owner Jerry Jones.

He was released to make way for a younger, cheaper running back for the Cowboys, who have been 5-11 for the last three seasons. It's the first major roster shakeup since Bill Parcells took over as coach, although Jones has made it clear it was his decision.

The timing gets Smith on the market for the start of free agency; teams can begin signing players Friday.

"In my mind, the best thing would be for me to move myself out of the equation, to do what it takes to move this organization back in the right direction,'' Smith said.

Troy Hambrick moves up to No. 1 on the Cowboys' depth chart, but certainly won't be handed the job. Dallas has the fifth pick in the upcoming draft and could sign a proven veteran in free agency, such as Stephen Davis, released Wednesday by Washington.

While Smith was cut with an eye on the future, his departure severs the final link to a celebrated part of the team's past.

Smith, Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin were stars of an offense that led Dallas to three Super Bowl championships in the 1990s. Known as ``The Triplets,'' they began breaking up when Irvin retired in 1999 because of a neck injury. Aikman was cut after the 2000 season.

Smith's departure makes safety Darren Woodson the final player left from Dallas' championship teams in 1992, '93 and '95.

"This burns the bridges. There's no looking back. We have to get it done without him,'' Jones said. "This is not a happy day for me personally. This is not a red letter day for the Dallas Cowboys.''

As a Dallas fan, I have mixed emotions over this move. Emmitt was a true team player all the way to the end....thinking about the organizations future and saying he should take himself out of the equation.

On the other hand....Jerry Jones did the ultimate dirty deed in the way he handled Tom Landry. I think Jones is an embarrassment, so the way he handled the Emmitt situation comes as no surprise.

My only hope is that Emmitt signs on with a team he can help get to the Super Bowl. It would be fun to see him run over the "Boys" on the way.

I'm just speechless and overwelmingly sad about the whole thing. :(

Tasha

For Tasha............... :D :) :drink:





~NOLEY~ :wave:

Awwwww...thank you Noley! He will be missed...by me at least. :)

Tasha

Jones is a boil on the NFL's butt! I cannot wait to see he & Parcells implode together!! Should be fun! GO CATS!! :drink: