Post by EagleGene on Nov 6, 2005 17:32:09 GMT -5
Eagles suspend outspoken Owens
November 5, 2005
PHILADELPHIA, United States (AFP) - Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Terrell Owens's latest indiscretion has earned him a suspension by the National Football League club for conduct detrimental to the team.
The Eagles announced the sanction on Saturday, a day after Owens offered a brief apology for verbal jabs at quarterback Donovan McNabb and the Eagles organization.
In an interview with ESPN.com contributor Graham Bensinger, Owens agreed with ESPN analyst Michael Irvin's assessment that the Eagles would be undefeated if Green Bay's Brett Favre was their quarterback.
Owens, perhaps the NFL's best wide receiver, also blasted the Eagles for failing to acknowledge his 100th career touchdown during the Eagles' home win over San Diego on October 23, saying it showed "a lack of class".
Apparently Owens' brief apology wasn't enough. In a prepared statement read to reporters, Owens said he had spoken with team officials regarding his remarks.
"It was brought to my attention that I offended the organization and my teammates. Therefore, I'd like to apologize for any derogatory comments toward them."
It wasn't the first time Owens has offended some of his colleagues. In an April interview he said he "wasn't the guy who got tired in the Super Bowl," a reference to media reports that claimed McNabb was either ill or tired late in the fourth quarter of the Eagles' Super Bowl loss to the New England Patriots last February.
Owens also hired agent Drew Rosenhaus in the offseason, a moved aimed at trying to rework the 49 million-dollar deal he signed last year after being acquired from San Francisco.
He has a 2005 base salary of 3.25 million dollars, which ranks outside the top 10 among wideouts.
The Eagles have stood firm in refusing to renegotiate Owens's deal.
He was banished from training camp for a week by coach Andy Reid "due to undisclosed team issues."
The Eagles' patience may be wearing thin. They play Washington in a key NFC East game on Sunday night. The Eagles trail the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys in the division.
Last season, Owens had 77 catches for 1,200 yards and a franchise-record 14 receiving touchdowns before injuring his ankle against Dallas.
After missing the final two regular-season games and the first two games of the playoffs, he made a heroic return and had nine catches for 122 yards in a 24-21 loss to New England in the Super Bowl.
November 5, 2005
PHILADELPHIA, United States (AFP) - Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Terrell Owens's latest indiscretion has earned him a suspension by the National Football League club for conduct detrimental to the team.
The Eagles announced the sanction on Saturday, a day after Owens offered a brief apology for verbal jabs at quarterback Donovan McNabb and the Eagles organization.
In an interview with ESPN.com contributor Graham Bensinger, Owens agreed with ESPN analyst Michael Irvin's assessment that the Eagles would be undefeated if Green Bay's Brett Favre was their quarterback.
Owens, perhaps the NFL's best wide receiver, also blasted the Eagles for failing to acknowledge his 100th career touchdown during the Eagles' home win over San Diego on October 23, saying it showed "a lack of class".
Apparently Owens' brief apology wasn't enough. In a prepared statement read to reporters, Owens said he had spoken with team officials regarding his remarks.
"It was brought to my attention that I offended the organization and my teammates. Therefore, I'd like to apologize for any derogatory comments toward them."
It wasn't the first time Owens has offended some of his colleagues. In an April interview he said he "wasn't the guy who got tired in the Super Bowl," a reference to media reports that claimed McNabb was either ill or tired late in the fourth quarter of the Eagles' Super Bowl loss to the New England Patriots last February.
Owens also hired agent Drew Rosenhaus in the offseason, a moved aimed at trying to rework the 49 million-dollar deal he signed last year after being acquired from San Francisco.
He has a 2005 base salary of 3.25 million dollars, which ranks outside the top 10 among wideouts.
The Eagles have stood firm in refusing to renegotiate Owens's deal.
He was banished from training camp for a week by coach Andy Reid "due to undisclosed team issues."
The Eagles' patience may be wearing thin. They play Washington in a key NFC East game on Sunday night. The Eagles trail the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys in the division.
Last season, Owens had 77 catches for 1,200 yards and a franchise-record 14 receiving touchdowns before injuring his ankle against Dallas.
After missing the final two regular-season games and the first two games of the playoffs, he made a heroic return and had nine catches for 122 yards in a 24-21 loss to New England in the Super Bowl.