Larry's Back, Oh and Hambricks Gone Yeah!!!1

[gambit187]

Adios to Hambrick, but it's hello, Larry

By Clarence E. Hill Jr.

Star-Telegram Staff Writer


IRVING - One disgruntled Cowboy is gone and another appears to be back in the fold.

On the same day the Cowboys released running back Troy Hambrick, guard Larry Allen was working out at the team's Valley Ranch headquarters.

According to several sources, Allen has been working out at the team's facility since having separate meetings with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and coach Bill Parcells last week.

Allen's workouts have primarily been with strength coach Joe Juraszek. But they are significant because he was initially not invited to work out in the team's "voluntary" off-season program because of his combative relationship with Parcells.
Even though Allen earned an eighth Pro Bowl berth in 2003, he struggled with injuries and conditioning throughout the season.

After unsuccessfully trying to trade Allen during last month's NFL Draft, Parcells said he would welcome the 10-year veteran back if he returned in shape and made significant changes.

Allen's agent, Marvin Demoff, didn't return phone messages on Thursday but said two weeks ago his client was in the best shape he's been in in two years, and that conditioning wouldn't be a problem.

Parcell was unavailable for comment Thursday.

Although Jones didn't comment on Allen, he has said that he expected him to participate in the team's mandatory minicamp set for June 5-7.

Regarding Hambrick's departure, Jones said, "Troy gave us good effort for all of his time with the Cowboys. We appreciate his contributions and wish him the best as he explores his future options in the NFL."

Hambrick's release came after he recently stopped participating in the team's off-season program.

According to Hambrick's agent, Jordan Woy, the four-year veteran had grown increasingly frustrated over the prospect of losing his starting job to rookie second-round pick Julius Jones, who will have the next shot at replacing Emmitt Smith.

Hambrick rushed for 972 yards, averaging 3.5 yards per carry.

"He didn't feel he was part of the team anymore," Woy said. "Once they don't feel wanted, it's hard for them to go in there and work their butt off. I called the team and told them that I thought it would be in everybody's best interest if they would release him. He didn't feel like he belonged there and wanted a fresh start somewhere else."

The Cowboys tried to give Hambrick a fresh start by trying to trade him after the draft. And they likely would have tried to find a role for him as a part-time running back/fullback/special teams player or continued to try to trade him if he had remained in the off-season program.

The Cowboys have four running backs on the roster: Jones, Aveion Cason, Erik Bickerstaff and ReShard Lee, although fullback Richie Anderson will play at the position and serve as the team's third-down back this season.

If Hambrick is claimed, his new team would have to honor the $628,000, one-year contract he recently signed with the Cowboys. But as an unrestricted free agent, he might be subject to the veteran minimum of $455,000.

"The real money for him comes next year," Woy said. "He just wants to get an opportunity and a chance to compete. We understand nobody is going to give him a starting job