Cowboys’ Williams says he will not use banned technique

Friday, May 27, 2005 | 9:37 a.m.

SUN WIRE SERVICES

Roy Williams was backpedaling as fast as he could. Williams, an All-Pro safety, was not at the Dallas Cowboys' minicamp. He was not even dressed for practice. Williams had just arrived at a stylish function at an upscale Dallas jeweler called Bachendorf's to promote his Roy Williams Foundation, and he was doing his best to distance himself from the NFL's ban on the horse-collar tackle, a decision that has been christened the Roy Williams rule.

"I play by whatever rules the NFL lays down," Williams said. "If there's a type of tackle that's legal, I'll use it. If it's not legal, I won't. It's as simple as that."

The horse-collar tackle is a technique in which a defensive player brings down a ball carrier by grabbing the back inside of the opposing player's shoulder pads and yanking him to the ground.

NFL owners voted, 27-5, Tuesday to make the maneuver a 15-yard penalty when the tackle is made in the open field. In the event of egregious violations, the league may also impose a fine.

Five franchises -- Dallas, Detroit, New England, New Orleans and San Francisco -- dissented, citing the difficulty of having officials make such a call. Williams said it was only after Tuesday's vote that he learned it was being called the Roy Williams rule.

Many team owners became concerned with the horse-collar tackle earlier this year after it was blamed for causing a higher-rate of injury than more traditional tackles. During the 2004 season, several offensive players were sidelined after being horse-collared: Titans wide receiver Tyrone Calico (sprained knees); Ravens running backs Jamal Lewis (sprained ankle) and Musa Smith (compound fracture of the right tibia); and Eagles receiver Terrell Owens (fractured right fibula and torn ligaments). All were brought down by Williams.

Dr. Robert Anderson examined Troupe in Charlotte, N.C., and said the second-year player had an injury to his fifth metatarsal bone. Troupe is expected to be ready for the start of the season in September.

"The timetable is up in the air," coach Jeff Fisher said. "But ... he's not going to miss any time during the regular season."

Hall attended one offseason practice at Redskins Park before changing his mind about resuming his playing career. He opted not to re-sign with Atlanta after being cut in March and had been contemplating retiring to accept an offer to join the Washington State coaching staff.

Hall appeared in 87 games over six seasons with the Falcons and the Cincinnati Bengals.

Also, free agent defensive back R.W. McQuarters visited Redskins Park and took a physical, but left without signing.

Williams has been a starter since 2000 and was voted as a first-alternate to the Pro Bowl last year after recording 32 tackles and four sacks.