Controversy? Cowboys say locker room not divided

Dallas Cowboys coach Wade Phillips insisted there are no rifts in his locker room, owner Jerry Jones dismissed rumors of inner turmoil, and Roy Williams wore a Santa hat but hardly sounded merry.

This is how the Dallas Cowboys made their case Friday that everything is just fine at Valley Ranch.

Before a pivotal game Sunday night against the NFC-leading New York Giants, the Cowboys fended off questions about divisive secret meetings, an unhappy Terrell Owens and cornerback Terence Newman's frank comments about accountability.

"I am not worried about a divided locker room," Phillips said.

It began with individual meetings Owens, Williams and wide receiver Patrick Crayton had with Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett this week. The Cowboys characterized the meetings as normal, but the timing hinted at frustrations over their roles.

That followed a report by ESPN, citing anonymous sources, that quarterback Tony Romo and tight end Jason Witten sketched out plays in private meetings. The Dallas Morning News and Fort Worth Star-Telegram also reported, again using unnamed sources, that the Cowboys receivers felt Romo favored Witten in games and practices.

In last week's loss to the Steelers, Romo targeted Witten on his last of 3 interceptions. He also threw incomplete to Witten on fourth down in what was the last gasp for Dallas.

Owens didn't speak to reporters in the locker room Friday, and Williams and Crayton stayed mostly on-message about playing the Giants. The Cowboys held a team meeting Friday morning, but neither Phillips nor players provided much details.

"This has nothing to do with the media or anyone else who is not a Dallas Cowboy," Williams said. "I am a Dallas Cowboy; therefore, I am loyal to the Dallas Cowboys."

Deluged with questions about whether the Cowboys (8-5) are trying to mend divides at a crucial point in the season, Phillips dismissed the reports as non-issues and inventions of the media.

"Everything is set straight as far as I'm concerned," he said. "I think the players, too. We'll see."

Ex-NFL player Mitchell arrested: Former NFL player Brandon Mitchell remained in jail Friday in Abbeville, La., on drug charges. Sgt. Shane Guidry of the Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Office said Mitchell had not posted his $145,000 bond. The 33-year-old Mitchell and his girlfriend, Dawn Zenon, were arrested Wednesday after a two-year investigation by the Vermilion Parish Municipal Narcotics Task Force. Authorities said they found 51/2 ounces of powder-form cocaine, 21/4 ounces of crystal methamphetamine, two bottles of codeine, drug paraphernalia and about $4,500 in cash. Guidry said Mitchell and Zenon face charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, codeine and methamphetamine, plus manufacturing cocaine and possession in the presence of a juvenile charges.

Mitchell, who played eight seasons in the NFL, started in the 2002 Super Bowl for the New England Patriots. He was a football star at Abbeville High before moving on to play the defensive line for Texas A&M.

NFL fines three AFC players: Tennessee Titans center Kevin Mawae was fined $5,000 by the NFL on Friday for his hit on Cleveland's Kamerion Wimbley in Sunday's victory. Mawae was penalized for unnecessary roughness on the hit and plans to appeal. Also, Browns wide receiver Donte' Stallworth was fined $5,000, also for unnecessary roughness, on an interception when he speared an opponent with his helmet. Oakland defensive lineman Tommy Kelly was the third AFC player fined $5,000 for unnecessary roughness for a late shove of an opponent in a loss at San Diego.

Patriots mum on Cassel: New England quarterback Matt Cassel practiced for a second straight day following the death of his father earlier this week. But the Patriots declined to say whether he'll play against Oakland on Sunday. Coach Bill Belichick addressed the media briefly before Friday's practice at San Jose State and wouldn't describe Cassel's playing status.

Vick's house fails to sell: The house that was the headquarters for Michael Vick's dogfighting operation in Surry, Va., has once again failed to sell at auction. Auctioneer Tim Dudley said no qualified bidders showed up for Friday's auction of the five-bedroom house in Surry County. The owner required bidders to bring a $20,000 cashier's check, but none of the seven people who showed up did so.

Injury updates: Seattle star offensive tackle Walter Jones will miss the Seahawks' final three games following knee surgery. A team spokesman Friday morning confirmed the eight-time Pro Bowl blocker had arthroscopic knee surgery Thursday. ... Minnesota quarterback Gus Frerotte is listed as doubtful for the Vikings' Sunday against Arizona with a lower back injury. That means backup Tarvaris Jackson likely will start against the Cardinals. ... Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jeff Garcia was limited during practice Friday because of a right calf strain and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Atlanta. ... Halfback Brandon Jacobs is going to miss the New York Giants game against Dallas on Sunday with a knee injury.