Wednesday, April 15, 1998
By Barry Markowitz, Special to the Star-Bulletin
Mark Tuinei at the Pro Bowl.
Injury-plagued Tuinei
released by Cowboys
But if his knees are strong enough,
By Jaime Aron
the former Punahou and UH star
could return to Dallas
Associated PressIRVING, Texas -- After 15 years, Mark Tuinei is no longer a member of the Dallas Cowboys.
But after releasing the offensive lineman yesterday, team owner Jerry Jones promised that if Tuinei's knees are strong enough, he'll be back for season No. 16 this fall.
The move primarily was made to clear about $850,000 in salary cap money, much of which was used to sign free-agent running back Chris Warren.
Tuinei, 38, from Punahou, sprained his left knee early last season, then had surgery in December to repair degenerating bone in his right knee. Both knees have caused him problems during his career.
Tuinei came to the Cowboys in 1983 as a free agent from Hawaii, caught the attention of then-coach Tom Landry and played in 10 games on defense. He moved to offense in 1985 and became a full-time starter in 1987.
If Tuinei returns, he'd likely be a backup.
