Jerry Jones, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, brokered a six-figure settlement between wide receiver Michael Irvin and guard Everett McIver after their recent scuffle, The Dallas Morning News reported yesterday.

A person with knowledge of the deal told the newspaper the agreement was reached to prevent McIver from pursuing criminal charges against Irvin or discussing the July 29 incident that left McIver with a deep cut on his neck.

Previously, McIver, Irvin, Jones and Coach Chan Gailey refused to comment about the scuffle. Gailey would describe it only as horseplay, adding, We're handling it in-house.

Jones strongly denied any knowledge of or role in the reported settlement, according to the newspaper.