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Cowboys legend Troy Aikman doesn't talk to former coach over racist allegation


Cowboys legend Troy Aikman doesn't talk to former coach over racist allegation

A recent Netflix documentary reveals why former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman had a strained relationship with former head coach Barry Switzer.

In the sixth episode of "America's Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys," focus is put on Switzer's tenure in Dallas. When the Cowboys were playing the Washington Commanders in a 1996 game, Aikman began yelling at wide receiver Kevin Williams for running the wrong route. Aikman was called into Switzer's office, where the coach made an allegation with racist overtones.

"He said there were some players that are saying that you only yell at Black players," Aikman said. "I said ... that's (expletive). If a player's not doing what he's supposed to do ... I didn't give two (expletive) as to what color he was. I mean, I was upset."

Switzer said he felt that the situation needed to be addressed.

"What was said really bothered me and I think you really need to apologize," Switzer said. "I think it's important that you do that."

Aikman said Switzer thought he would apologize and move forward, but he received backing from defensive end Charles Haley and wide receiver Michael Irvin, both of whom said the allegations were "BS."

"If Troy was a racist, me and him would have problems a long time ago," Haley said.

"There's a lot of places you want to go, but this is not one you can go anywhere near Troy with," Irvin said.

Aikman, Switzer and the rest of the Cowboys went on to defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XXX, but Aikman and Switzer never recovered from that exchange.

"That was the final nail that severed our relationship," Aikman said.

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