T.O. apologizes for his latest comments

Maveno · 11-04-2005, 07:14 PM

Eagles wide receiver Terrell Owens
says he wants to remain in Philadelphia
but doubts that will happen.

MSNBC.com

Updated: 6:04 p.m. ET Nov. 4, 2005

PHILADELPHIA - Terrell Owens is causing more trouble with his mouth than his hands — again.

Owens apologized to the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday, one day after blasting the organization for not publicly recognizing his 100th career touchdown catch two weeks ago.

“I’ve had an opportunity to talk with the Eagles organization and I have learned that the team does not recognize individual achievements,” Owens said in a prepared statement. “It has been brought to my attention that I have offended the organization and my teammates. Therefore, I would like to apologize for any derogatory comments toward them.”

Shortly before Owens’ apology, coach Andy Reid didn’t rule out suspending the All-Pro wideout following his latest comments, which included more criticism of quarterback Donovan McNabb.

“I take care of those things in-house,” Reid said. “I obviously will address the player and those people I need to talk to and work this thing out.”

It’s unlikely Owens would be suspended now that he’s apologized. However, it’s still a possibility. In 2003, Tampa Bay declared wideout Keyshawn Johnson inactive for the final six games and sent him home because of differences with coach Jon Gruden.

Owens said in his weekly radio show on Miami’s 790 AM Friday night that he expected to play against the Washington Redskins on Sunday.

“If I am, I am,” Owens said of being suspended. “That would hurt the team.”

In an interview with ESPN.com on Thursday, Owens took shots at the team and McNabb. He made his 100th career TD reception in a victory over San Diego on Oct. 23, but the accomplishment was not acknowledged on the video screen. An announcement was made in the press box.

“That right there just shows you the type of class and integrity that they claim not to be,” said Owens, who became the sixth receiver in NFL history to reach the milestone. “They claim to be first class and the best organization. It’s an embarrassment. It just shows a lack of class they have. My publicist talked to the head PR guy, and they made an excuse they didn’t recognize that was coming up. But that was a blatant lie. Had it been somebody else, they probably would have popped fireworks around the stadium.”

Owens also said the Eagles (4-3) would be undefeated with Green Bay’s Brett Favre at quarterback.

“A number of commentators will say he’s a warrior, he’s played with injuries,” Owens said of Favre. “I feel like him being knowledgeable about the quarterback position, I feel like we’d probably be in a better situation.”

Owens said on his radio show he merely was agreeing with the opinion of Michael Irvin, the former Dallas wideout and current ESPN broadcaster.

“This is one I really regret,” Owens said of the interview, adding that some clips were taken out of context. “I said earlier in the interview that we would have a better record if Donovan wasn’t injured.”

Owens previously said on his radio show that he’d prefer to play with Indianapolis’ Peyton Manning over McNabb or any quarterback. Last year, Owens couldn’t stop praising McNabb after joining the Eagles following eight controversial seasons in San Francisco.

But their relationship soured after Owens took a verbal swipe at McNabb’s performance in Philadelphia’s loss to New England in the Super Bowl. McNabb responded harshly and the two feuded throughout the summer, not speaking to each other for a prolonged period.

McNabb, a five-time Pro Bowl quarterback who has led the Eagles to four consecutive NFC championship games, has played through several injuries this season, including a sports hernia that will require surgery. He has thrown for 2,034 yards, 15 TDs and seven interceptions while going through some tough stretches.

Owens has 47 catches for 763 yards and six TDs. He’s been upset with the Eagles since management refused to redo his contract just one season into the seven-year, $48.97 million deal he signed when he came to Philadelphia in March 2004.

A five-time Pro Bowl selection, Owens is one of the best players at his position. With him, the Eagles were dominant last year, going 13-1 in the regular season and winning five of those games by 21 points or more. They’ve struggled this season partly because McNabb is injured, the offense is inconsistent and the defense is playing poorly.

Owens’ talent often is overshadowed by the turmoil he’s caused since a defied his doctor’s advice and played against the Patriots in the Super Bowl, catching nine passes for 122 yards just 6½ weeks after having ankle surgery.

Owens has ranted about being underpaid, and turned a contract issue into a personal grudge against the organization. He earned a one-week exile from training camp after a heated dispute with Reid, which led to a bizarre workout on his lawn in front of neighbors and reporters.

Owens kept a low profile after returning to the team, and even managed to mend his relationship with McNabb. He doesn’t speak regularly to local reporters, but has found ways to diss McNabb and management in his radio show or whenever he grants an interview.

The soap-opera atmosphere Owens has created certainly has been a distraction to the Eagles, even though players and coaches insist they’re used to it.

“You don’t let it be a distraction,” Reid said. “That is not what you do. There are going to be things that happen and you don’t focus on those things. You focus on getting the football team ready to play and you handle the other things up front the way we do it.”

Defensive end Sam Rayburn shrugged off Owens’ latest remarks.

“It’s just T.O. being T.O. It’s just him talking,” Rayburn said.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ya know.. I think that the Eagles SHOULD have acknowledged the 100th reception.. and if they don't "recognize personal achievements" of any players, I think that's really crappy. So if McNabb breaks a record, they're NOT going to recognize it?? Gimme a break. You KNOW they would.

Anyway, with all that aside.. Terrell Owens is a jackass. He's just "too much".. always over the top. I just can't stand these types of athletes who think that anything they want to do is "OK". I wouldn't miss him if he never played football again.

Google · Sponsored Links

Mrs Cwebb · 11-05-2005, 02:22 PM

Now he's suspended indefinitely.

Leftcoaster · 11-07-2005, 10:33 PM

Good riddence. Any team that takes him deserves what they get.

Philadelphia should be the last stop on his self destructive journey.

Broadway · 11-07-2005, 10:42 PM

Agreed, Leftcoaster.

Opinionated POS gets a 7 year/$50 million deal and starts protesting because he thinks he isn't paid what he deserves??? That's what has started all of his rants this year. Now he wants to be lauded for every last milestone? I'm sure his 100th reception got mentioned, but just not to the level and not on the pedestal that TO, aka POS, feels is worthy of a football player of his stature.

Good riddance, indeed.

lildago · 11-07-2005, 11:14 PM

My husband just said that after a 4 day suspension, T.O. will be released from the Eagles. Buh-bye!

Unklescott · 11-08-2005, 05:12 AM

Knowing my luck, the Browns will pick him up.

mrdobolina · 11-09-2005, 11:55 AM

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports...-sportsnew-hed

Owens to Eagles: Please let me stay
Despite apology, Eagles not budging from suspension
By Jeff McLane
Philadelphia Inquirer

November 9, 2005

PHILADELPHIA -- He didn't get down on his knees, but a very contrite Terrell Owens wants to get back to playing football -- the sooner, the better -- and for only the Eagles.

The problem is, the Eagles don't want him back.

In front of his home in Moorestown, N.J., Owens said Tuesday "it really hurts me not to be a part of the team anymore."

He apologized to Eagles fans, his teammates, and specifically quarterback Donovan McNabb, head coach Andy Reid, team President Joe Banner and owner Jeffrey Lurie.

Owens was suspended for four games Monday by Reid, who had added that the talented but mercurial wide receiver would not be welcomed back to the team even after that suspension was completed.

"I'm a football player," Owens said as he was flanked by his agent Drew Rosenhaus, his publicist and a bodyguard. "This is what I do. It really hurts to not be a part of the team. I came here to help the Eagles get to the Super Bowl and win the big game."

According to sources, the Eagles will not change their position and reinstate Owens for Monday night's game against the Cowboys-- or for any other game.

Owens read from a statement and apologized to "anyone offended" by his remarks last week, when he criticized McNabb and the Eagles.

"I want to reiterate my respect for Donovan McNabb as a quarterback and a teammate," Owens said. "I apologize to him for any comments that may have been negative."

Owens did not take questions during the news conference, but Rosenhaus did as his client stood directly behind him. Rosenhaus, his voice often rising to a shout, said his client was truly sorry about his recent comments.

"Terrell has expressed a great deal of remorse in his original statement," Rosenhaus said. "He apologized to his teammates and his fans. Apparently, that was not good enough."

Owens gave an exclusive interview to an ESPN.com reporter last Thursday in which he said that the Green Bay Packers' Brett Favre would be a better quarterback for the Eagles than McNabb. The slight against McNabb was just the last in a long line of verbal shots by Owens regarding McNabb.

The following day, Owens read from a statement and apologized to his teammates and the Eagles, but did not read a section that included an apology to McNabb.

Then on Saturday, the Eagles asked Owens to publicly and privately apologize to McNabb, but he refused. Rosenhaus was asked why Owens didn't issue a similar mea culpa on Friday or Saturday when the Eagles asked him to do so.

"People obviously didn't accept the first one," Rosenhaus said. "That's unfortunate. That's not Terrell's fault."

The NFL players union informed the Eagles Monday that they would file a grievance on Owens' behalf within seven days of Monday's announcement. Rosenhaus said that he hopes the Eagles would take Owens back and that legal action wouldn't be necessary.

Owens stood blankly behind his agent for almost all of the 10-minute session, but did react late in the Q&A when a local TV reporter asked Rosenhaus, "What have you done for him other than get him kicked off of the team at this point?"

A large grin covered Owens' face and then Rosenhaus ended the press conference.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

I had to bold the last couple of lines because it just made me

.

Not to defend TO in any way (I despise the guy), but apparently this all started after TO fired his former agent and hired Rosenhaus. Rosenhaus, IMO, was probably the impetus to go after a larger contract--not to help out his client, but most likely to pad his own pockets.

lildago · 11-09-2005, 12:00 PM

I watched this press conference. I think Rosenhaus came across as as much of an ass as Owens! It shouldn't take long for the two of them to start butting heads!

gracie · 11-09-2005, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lildago

I watched this press conference. I think Rosenhaus came across as as much of an ass as Owens! It shouldn't take long for the two of them to start butting heads!

I agree with you. I really thought it was funny that after TO read his statement mr. agent wouldn't let him open his big mouth again. And all of the questions he refused to answer, OH MY.

Unk, I just hope Romeo isn't that STUPID!!! (Oh, my poor Browns!)

11-04-2005, 07:14 PM	#1
Maveno Caged Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 7,785	T.O. apologizes for his latest comments Eagles wide receiver Terrell Owens says he wants to remain in Philadelphia but doubts that will happen. MSNBC.com Updated: 6:04 p.m. ET Nov. 4, 2005 PHILADELPHIA - Terrell Owens is causing more trouble with his mouth than his hands — again. Owens apologized to the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday, one day after blasting the organization for not publicly recognizing his 100th career touchdown catch two weeks ago. “I’ve had an opportunity to talk with the Eagles organization and I have learned that the team does not recognize individual achievements,” Owens said in a prepared statement. “It has been brought to my attention that I have offended the organization and my teammates. Therefore, I would like to apologize for any derogatory comments toward them.” Shortly before Owens’ apology, coach Andy Reid didn’t rule out suspending the All-Pro wideout following his latest comments, which included more criticism of quarterback Donovan McNabb. “I take care of those things in-house,” Reid said. “I obviously will address the player and those people I need to talk to and work this thing out.” It’s unlikely Owens would be suspended now that he’s apologized. However, it’s still a possibility. In 2003, Tampa Bay declared wideout Keyshawn Johnson inactive for the final six games and sent him home because of differences with coach Jon Gruden. Owens said in his weekly radio show on Miami’s 790 AM Friday night that he expected to play against the Washington Redskins on Sunday. “If I am, I am,” Owens said of being suspended. “That would hurt the team.” In an interview with ESPN.com on Thursday, Owens took shots at the team and McNabb. He made his 100th career TD reception in a victory over San Diego on Oct. 23, but the accomplishment was not acknowledged on the video screen. An announcement was made in the press box. “That right there just shows you the type of class and integrity that they claim not to be,” said Owens, who became the sixth receiver in NFL history to reach the milestone. “They claim to be first class and the best organization. It’s an embarrassment. It just shows a lack of class they have. My publicist talked to the head PR guy, and they made an excuse they didn’t recognize that was coming up. But that was a blatant lie. Had it been somebody else, they probably would have popped fireworks around the stadium.” Owens also said the Eagles (4-3) would be undefeated with Green Bay’s Brett Favre at quarterback. “A number of commentators will say he’s a warrior, he’s played with injuries,” Owens said of Favre. “I feel like him being knowledgeable about the quarterback position, I feel like we’d probably be in a better situation.” Owens said on his radio show he merely was agreeing with the opinion of Michael Irvin, the former Dallas wideout and current ESPN broadcaster. “This is one I really regret,” Owens said of the interview, adding that some clips were taken out of context. “I said earlier in the interview that we would have a better record if Donovan wasn’t injured.” Owens previously said on his radio show that he’d prefer to play with Indianapolis’ Peyton Manning over McNabb or any quarterback. Last year, Owens couldn’t stop praising McNabb after joining the Eagles following eight controversial seasons in San Francisco. But their relationship soured after Owens took a verbal swipe at McNabb’s performance in Philadelphia’s loss to New England in the Super Bowl. McNabb responded harshly and the two feuded throughout the summer, not speaking to each other for a prolonged period. McNabb, a five-time Pro Bowl quarterback who has led the Eagles to four consecutive NFC championship games, has played through several injuries this season, including a sports hernia that will require surgery. He has thrown for 2,034 yards, 15 TDs and seven interceptions while going through some tough stretches. Owens has 47 catches for 763 yards and six TDs. He’s been upset with the Eagles since management refused to redo his contract just one season into the seven-year, $48.97 million deal he signed when he came to Philadelphia in March 2004. A five-time Pro Bowl selection, Owens is one of the best players at his position. With him, the Eagles were dominant last year, going 13-1 in the regular season and winning five of those games by 21 points or more. They’ve struggled this season partly because McNabb is injured, the offense is inconsistent and the defense is playing poorly. Owens’ talent often is overshadowed by the turmoil he’s caused since a defied his doctor’s advice and played against the Patriots in the Super Bowl, catching nine passes for 122 yards just 6½ weeks after having ankle surgery. Owens has ranted about being underpaid, and turned a contract issue into a personal grudge against the organization. He earned a one-week exile from training camp after a heated dispute with Reid, which led to a bizarre workout on his lawn in front of neighbors and reporters. Owens kept a low profile after returning to the team, and even managed to mend his relationship with McNabb. He doesn’t speak regularly to local reporters, but has found ways to diss McNabb and management in his radio show or whenever he grants an interview. The soap-opera atmosphere Owens has created certainly has been a distraction to the Eagles, even though players and coaches insist they’re used to it. “You don’t let it be a distraction,” Reid said. “That is not what you do. There are going to be things that happen and you don’t focus on those things. You focus on getting the football team ready to play and you handle the other things up front the way we do it.” Defensive end Sam Rayburn shrugged off Owens’ latest remarks. “It’s just T.O. being T.O. It’s just him talking,” Rayburn said. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ya know.. I think that the Eagles SHOULD have acknowledged the 100th reception.. and if they don't "recognize personal achievements" of any players, I think that's really crappy. So if McNabb breaks a record, they're NOT going to recognize it?? Gimme a break. You KNOW they would. Anyway, with all that aside.. Terrell Owens is a jackass. He's just "too much".. always over the top. I just can't stand these types of athletes who think that anything they want to do is "OK". I wouldn't miss him if he never played football again. __________________ All things beautiful do not have to be full of color to be noticed; in life that which is unnoticed has the most power.

11-07-2005, 10:42 PM	#4
Broadway One in every crowd.. Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Michigan Posts: 18,763	Agreed, Leftcoaster. Opinionated POS gets a 7 year/$50 million deal and starts protesting because he thinks he isn't paid what he deserves??? That's what has started all of his rants this year. Now he wants to be lauded for every last milestone? I'm sure his 100th reception got mentioned, but just not to the level and not on the pedestal that TO, aka POS, feels is worthy of a football player of his stature. Good riddance, indeed. __________________ Never let the things you want make you forget about the things you have.

11-07-2005, 11:14 PM	#5
lildago Believe Dat! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Who Dat Nation Posts: 11,029	My husband just said that after a 4 day suspension, T.O. will be released from the Eagles. Buh-bye! __________________ "I would wear him like a scrunchie."

11-08-2005, 05:12 AM	#6
Unklescott Chillin' Join Date: May 2003 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 24,257	Knowing my luck, the Browns will pick him up. __________________ Donate your Delta Sky Miles to help bone marrow transplant patients. Click here for information: Be The Match

11-09-2005, 11:55 AM	#7
mrdobolina Can They Do It?? Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: The Miami of Canada Age: 38 Posts: 3,254	http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports...-sportsnew-hed Owens to Eagles: Please let me stay Despite apology, Eagles not budging from suspension By Jeff McLane Philadelphia Inquirer November 9, 2005 PHILADELPHIA -- He didn't get down on his knees, but a very contrite Terrell Owens wants to get back to playing football -- the sooner, the better -- and for only the Eagles. The problem is, the Eagles don't want him back. In front of his home in Moorestown, N.J., Owens said Tuesday "it really hurts me not to be a part of the team anymore." He apologized to Eagles fans, his teammates, and specifically quarterback Donovan McNabb, head coach Andy Reid, team President Joe Banner and owner Jeffrey Lurie. Owens was suspended for four games Monday by Reid, who had added that the talented but mercurial wide receiver would not be welcomed back to the team even after that suspension was completed. "I'm a football player," Owens said as he was flanked by his agent Drew Rosenhaus, his publicist and a bodyguard. "This is what I do. It really hurts to not be a part of the team. I came here to help the Eagles get to the Super Bowl and win the big game." According to sources, the Eagles will not change their position and reinstate Owens for Monday night's game against the Cowboys-- or for any other game. Owens read from a statement and apologized to "anyone offended" by his remarks last week, when he criticized McNabb and the Eagles. "I want to reiterate my respect for Donovan McNabb as a quarterback and a teammate," Owens said. "I apologize to him for any comments that may have been negative." Owens did not take questions during the news conference, but Rosenhaus did as his client stood directly behind him. Rosenhaus, his voice often rising to a shout, said his client was truly sorry about his recent comments. "Terrell has expressed a great deal of remorse in his original statement," Rosenhaus said. "He apologized to his teammates and his fans. Apparently, that was not good enough." Owens gave an exclusive interview to an ESPN.com reporter last Thursday in which he said that the Green Bay Packers' Brett Favre would be a better quarterback for the Eagles than McNabb. The slight against McNabb was just the last in a long line of verbal shots by Owens regarding McNabb. The following day, Owens read from a statement and apologized to his teammates and the Eagles, but did not read a section that included an apology to McNabb. Then on Saturday, the Eagles asked Owens to publicly and privately apologize to McNabb, but he refused. Rosenhaus was asked why Owens didn't issue a similar mea culpa on Friday or Saturday when the Eagles asked him to do so. "People obviously didn't accept the first one," Rosenhaus said. "That's unfortunate. That's not Terrell's fault." The NFL players union informed the Eagles Monday that they would file a grievance on Owens' behalf within seven days of Monday's announcement. Rosenhaus said that he hopes the Eagles would take Owens back and that legal action wouldn't be necessary. Owens stood blankly behind his agent for almost all of the 10-minute session, but did react late in the Q&A when a local TV reporter asked Rosenhaus, "What have you done for him other than get him kicked off of the team at this point?" A large grin covered Owens' face and then Rosenhaus ended the press conference. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- I had to bold the last couple of lines because it just made me . Not to defend TO in any way (I despise the guy), but apparently this all started after TO fired his former agent and hired Rosenhaus. Rosenhaus, IMO, was probably the impetus to go after a larger contract--not to help out his client, but most likely to pad his own pockets. __________________ "You don't own a TV?!? What's all your furniture pointed at?" Joey Tribianni It's not who you are underneath, but what you do that defines you.

11-05-2005, 02:22 PM	#2
Mrs Cwebb Thorpedo is Love Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 2,215	Now he's suspended indefinitely.

11-07-2005, 10:33 PM	#3
Leftcoaster FORT Fogey Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,511	Good riddence. Any team that takes him deserves what they get. Philadelphia should be the last stop on his self destructive journey.

11-09-2005, 12:00 PM	#8
lildago Believe Dat! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Who Dat Nation Posts: 11,029	I watched this press conference. I think Rosenhaus came across as as much of an ass as Owens! It shouldn't take long for the two of them to start butting heads! __________________ "I would wear him like a scrunchie."