Watch CBS News

Firm Reportedly Knew Cowboys Facility May Fall

DALLAS (AP) - The company that designed and built the ill-fated Dallas Cowboys' practice facility knew long before the giant, tent-like structure collapsed three years ago that it was in danger of falling and concealed the problem, company documents obtained by The Associated Press reveal.

Emails, handwritten notes and other documents indicate that Summit Structures LLC knew far more about the perilous condition of the facility than has been reported and raise fresh questions about similar structures erected by the now-defunct Allentown, Pa., company.

The documents reveal that Summit knew the facility was prone to buckling and planned to provide the Cowboys with engineering calculations that would hide the defect.

Two team employees were severely injured when the building toppled in a wind storm during a rookie mini-camp in May 2009.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Also Check Out:

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.