Cowboys’ Lett Could Be Banned

For the fourth time in five years, the Dallas Cowboys must prepare to play without Pro Bowl defensive tackle Leon Lett--and this time, it could be for good.

Lett is facing a punishment of at least a year after failing an NFL drug test for the third time, a league source who requested anonymity told the Associated Press. The violation also could carry a lifetime ban.

Lett has been enrolled in the NFL’s substance-abuse program since 1995, when he was suspended for four games. Lett then was suspended for the last three games of 1996 and the first 13 of 1997.

Lett has not commented. The team said it could not comment, citing league confidentiality rules.

Agent Jim Steiner said that Lett, 30, has been hit hard by the news stories.

“It’s not a pleasant thing to have your name being bantered about,” Steiner said. “When you’re involved in something like this and he’s paid the price, you’re embarrassed and you’re embarrassed not only for yourself but for your teammates, the fans, the club, Jerry Jones--the whole ball of wax. It’s not easy to deal with.”

*

Indianapolis Colt President Bill Polian said Marshall Faulk’s demand for a new contract and the threat of a holdout forced the Colts to trade the three-time Pro Bowl running back.

Faulk was traded to the St. Louis Rams on Thursday for their second- and fifth-round picks in this weekend’s draft.

Polian said he became convinced in March “that Marshall and his agent were quite serious about not coming in without a new contract.”

Faulk had two more years on the seven-year contract he signed as the No. 2 overall draft pick in 1994.

*

Paul Kirk, a former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, led a delegation that included NFL officials in a meeting with business leaders to talk about keeping the New England Patriots in Massachusetts.

The NFL next month will consider Patriot owner Robert Kraft’s plan to move the team to Hartford, Conn.

*

Wide receiver Bobby Engram, right guard Chris Villarrial and running back James Allen, signed one-year contracts with the Chicago Bears. . . .The Jacksonville Jaguars signed quarterback Jay Fiedler, who was with the Minnesota Vikings last year.