IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys released backup cornerback Dwayne Goodrich, charged with two counts of manslaughter following a deadly hit-and-run accident, and two other players Thursday.

	Goodrich

Robert Thomas and offensive guard Jeremy McKinney also were released on the first day NFL teams could officially waive players.

Goodrich and Thomas were in the final year of their contracts; releasing them will save the Cowboys $1.25 million, the team said on its Web site.

Drafted by Dallas in 2000, Goodrich injured his hamstring during training camp in his rookie season, then ruptured his Achilles tendon in training camp the following year.

Goodrich was charged with two counts of manslaughter and three counts of failure to stop and render assistance in connection with a Jan. 14 hit-and-run accident that left two men dead.

A man who was injured in the accident sued Goodrich for $37 million in damages Tuesday, accusing Goodrich of failing to control his vehicle.

The 5-foot-11, 207-pound Goodrich has said he initially thought he had struck only debris from an accident on Interstate 35.

Police said the accident happened just after 2 a.m. while Goodrich was on his way home from a topless nightclub.

Thomas, a 6-1, 273-pound fullback in his fifth year with Dallas, missed the final 11 games of the 2001 season after left ankle surgery.

He started last season in place of Jamar Martin, who tore his right knee ligament during training camp.

McKinney was cut by the Houston Texans in September and signed with the Cowboys shortly thereafter.

In November, the 6-6, 301-pounder underwent heart surgery after having chest pains following a road defeat in Detroit, ending his NFL career.