Sources: Dallas may release Owens (ESPN) *Merge*

[30yrheel]

good, see you later

 

[bbgun]

Not to mention that the competition among Insider reporters is fierce.

If Jay Glazer gets something that Ed Werder doesn't get or Adam Schefler (spelling?) doesn't get, you can rest assure their bosses are saying, "Why don't you have this?" That's why they're insiders/investigative reporters paid to have sources, and deep sources, and know what's going on. That's why they spend their days on the phone.

It would be foolish for them to quote Glazer without attribution. If they can't verify it on their own, they're not going to use it, or they're going to attribute it to a particular source.

Some people really don't understand how journalism works. But what do you expect when you get your understanding from the Internet.

True. The notion that Werder or Lombardi would share a scoop of this magnitude is absurd. They'd also be risking their jobs by deliberately "sexing up" the TO angle.

 

[Idgit]

That's some pretty serious meat on those bones from an unnamed source. Very interesting stuff.

 

[superonyx]

OK in your world getting arrested no big deal, nobody cares.


What happened to the last guy to get arrested for alcohol as a Cowboy?

If that doesnt happen this time think anyone may be upset at a double standard?


Think some players will be ok if nothing happens to Spencer?

No player will think double standard. Are you seriously saying that spencer getting arrested for what he did is the same as Pacman Jones getting arrested for his 11 time since he was in the league with a few involving people getting shot?

Do you seriously think players on this team will want spencer cut for what he did? You are not understanding team chemistry.

You are just one of those people that chooses to defend someones negative behavior by trying to point to another persons negative behavior and saying "double standard". If anything the double standard would be for a person like pacman who has enough talent that the team tries to protect him. Not an underachiever like Spencer.

 

[chinch]

things are looking better

 

[tomson75]

Isn't it much more likely that the same VR source is leaking to both Werder and Lombardi? Or maybe you think it's a coincidence that they reported the same thing on the same day. Not every negative nugget about the Cowboys is the product of a "media conspiracy."

First of all, you're just assuming that I even think this is a "negative nugget". I'm as much for turnover at WR as the next guy. IMO, it's one of our worst positions when ability isn't the only factor.

Secondly, yes, it is more likely that the same source is leaking something to both guys. If there is a "leak" at all. It's not like anyone is really going out on a limb suggesting that the Cowboys would consider releasing Owens. Hell, there are a hundred posters on this forum who've suggested the same thing. I was simply pointing out that this is not a "factual" piece. Yet.

That doesn't make the story any more credible, or worthwhile. It's crap. Until one of these guys can get a real ******* source, why bother? No need to answer that, it's rhetorical. Unfortunately, ESPN and it's employee's lack any ethical integrity. This is just another example.

True. The notion that Werder or Lombardi would share a scoop of this magnitude is absurd. They'd also be risking their jobs by deliberately "sexing up" the TO angle.

At this point, Werder is likely damn happy to share any stories concerning TO. He needs all of the support he can get.

...and if you believe they aren't "sexing up" these angles, you're insane. That's all Werder does. You think he knows football? No. He knows journalism. Sex sells.

...and with the lack of moral conduct that ESPN is liable for, I doubt Werder's job is in question. He'd more likely get a raise to get his name thrust into the national spotlight again. ESPN eats it up.....and this is coming from someone that doesn't buy into the "bias" that so many Cowboys fan's rant about. I simply think the Cowboys make ESPN money, and it's pretty easy to talk **** about the Cowboys.

I'd love to know the percentage of full length stories that Werder has put out over the last four 2 months that concern TO.

 

[theogt]

That's some pretty serious meat on those bones from an unnamed source. Very interesting stuff.

Here are the only two quotes from unnamed sources on Owens:

"The big one [Owens] didn't get discussed yet, but I'm sure it will and real hard.''

"I think some of people want to just cut our losses and get rid of all those guys _ TO, Tank, Pacman,'' another Cowboys source said. "But I really think Jerry likes the thrill of trying to make it all work."

One says the topic hasn't even been discussed yet and the source is only guess whether it ever will be. And the second one just say that he thinks there might be people that want to cut TO.

There's no meat there whatsoever. It's just innuendo and guesswork used to make it sound like there's a story when there's not.

 

[Coy]

Same thing as Werder`s, but it`s interesting that Mosley thinks he will be gone.

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nflnation/0-4-959/Report--T-O--could-be-out-in-Dallas.html

Report: T.O. could be out in Dallas

January 14, 2009 9:14 PM


Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley

The Dallas Cowboys' biggest priority this offseason will be to improve locker room chemistry, and that will lead to serious discussions about Terrell Owens' future, according to team and league sources who spoke with ESPN's Ed Werder. Owner Jerry Jones has pointed to the negative impact that Owens' release would have on the club's salary cap as a major reason for keeping the receiver around. But it sounds like others at Valley Ranch, namely his son Stephen, are trying to convince Jones that releasing T.O. would be worth the financial risks.


Owens
"I think we all know that chemistry is the problem with this team more than the schemes or anything else," a Cowboys source told Werder. "Are we going to continue to allow talent to outweigh everything else in the decisions we make with players and putting the roster together? We're like the Commanders used to be when they signed every player they wanted. There's more to it than talent. It has to be more about the team. The big one [Owens] didn't get discussed yet, but I'm sure it will and real hard."

Jones has maintained over the years that team chemistry is overrated. But according to Werder's sources, Stephen Jones is trying to convince his father to part ways with the controversial wide receiver. We've been saying this is the best course of action for a while, but it's interesting that it's now coming from Valley Ranch voices.

The club is apparently worried about the effect that T.O. is having on players such as Roy Williams, Patrick Crayton and Marion Barber. T.O. certainly has leadership qualities. It's just hard to tell where he's leading everyone. From reading Werder's report, it seems like the Cowboys are placing more blame on team chemistry than offensive coordinator Jason Garrett's schemes. Lots of interesting nuggets in Werder's exclusive.

I'm starting to think that T.O.'s probably gone. I don't think the salary-cap ramifications that Jones keeps bringing up are as dire as he's making them out to be.

Digest all this and then let me know what you think in the comments section. I'll dive in there later tonight

 

[dmq]

This article = garbage

 

[BigDFan5]

No player will think double standard. Are you seriously saying that spencer getting arrested for what he did is the same as Pacman Jones getting arrested for his 11 time since he was in the league with a few involving people getting shot?

Do you seriously think players on this team will want spencer cut for what he did? You are not understanding team chemistry.

You are just one of those people that chooses to defend someones negative behavior by trying to point to another persons negative behavior and saying "double standard". If anything the double standard would be for a person like pacman who has enough talent that the team tries to protect him. Not an underachiever like Spencer.

way to totally miss the point. That takes skill

 

[tomson75]

Here are the only two quotes from unnamed sources on Owens:

One says the topic hasn't even been discussed yet and the source is only guess whether it ever will be. And the second one just say that he thinks there might be people that want to cut TO.

There's no meat there whatsoever. It's just innuendo and guesswork used to make it sound like there's a story when there's not.

Pretty much sums it up. Using TO for a paycheck on a slow news week.

 

[superonyx]

way to totally miss the point. That takes skill

Miss the point or expose the fact that your point was weak.

You tried to point to Spencer getting arrested as a reason to cut him because he ruined team chemistry with his arrest. Then you pointed to Pacman as the basis and standard for how to deal with a arrested for alcohol player.

So explain to us how spencer getting arrested in the offseason for alcohol ruins team chemistry and why he should be cut because of it.

Or make your point since the first attempt obviously missed its mark completely.

 

[jobberone]

OK in your world getting arrested no big deal, nobody cares.


What happened to the last guy to get arrested for alcohol as a Cowboy?

If that doesnt happen this time think anyone may be upset at a double standard?


Think some players will be ok if nothing happens to Spencer?

His arrest is not a nothing. It's less than a lot and just a hair more than a little. That's it.

 

[BigDFan5]

Miss the point or expose the fact that your point was weak.

Missed, by a large margin Swing and miss!!

You tried to point to Spencer getting arrested as a reason to cut him because he ruined team chemistry with his arrest.

no I didnt. I said he was the only player arrested while a member of this team in a couple years and asked what happened to the last one

Then you pointed to Pacman as the basis and standard for how to deal with a arrested for alcohol player.

No I didnt this is all in your fantasy world. I made no points about pacman dont give a damn that he is gone

So explain to us how spencer getting arrested in the offseason for alcohol ruins team chemistry and why he should be cut because of it.

Because getting arrested is bad, much worse than wanting the ball more. Much worse than anything TO has ever done. Yet you want to cut TO, not the guy who evidently is pimmadonna enough to think he is special and can pay bars to break the law and stay open late. Then throw punches at Bouncers trying to make him leave, finally not be smart enough to leave when told by the police to leave instead he evidently didnt care about the team enough to stay out of the headlines "I dont care arrest me"

Or make your point since the first attempt obviously missed its mark completely.

Last person to be arrested on an acholol charge as a Cowboy was cut immediately

 

[BigDFan5]

His arrest is not a nothing. It's less than a lot and just a hair more than a little. That's it.

You have your opinion, I have mine. Getting arrested and putting a bad spotlight on your team and teammates over your stupidity is a pretty big deal to me.

 

[jobberone]

I won't say this can't happen. But I have my doubts. Whatever happens happens. If he's tearing the team apart then he needs to go. NOW. Otherwise I wish all the tabloid reporters and rumormongerers would just go away.

 

[Jimz31]

Chemistry is MORE than ONE frickin' player.

From what I remember, Charles Haley wasn't exactly a choir boy in the locker room, etc.

T.O. always gets the blame no matter what....it's just stupid. The other players need to just man up.

 

[romoluv]

i don't hate TO at all....but if releasing him can improve the locker room chemistry, im ALL FOR IT.....

sorry, TO...

 

[RealCowboyfan]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3833575

---------

Improving locker room chemistry will be the highest priority for the Dallas Cowboys this offseason and that will force serious discussions between Wade Phillips' coaching staff and owner Jerry Jones about whether to release controversial wide receiver Terrell Owens, according to team and league sources.

"I think we all know that chemistry is the problem with this team more than the schemes or anything else,'' a Cowboys source said. "Are we going to continue to allow talent to outweigh everything else in the decisions we make with players and putting the roster together? We're like the Commanders used to be when they signed every player they wanted. There's more to it than talent. It has to be more about the team.''

"The big one [Owens] didn't get discussed yet, but I'm sure it will and real hard.''

The Cowboys released twice-suspended cornerback Pacman Jones last week and Tank Johnson is expected to depart through free agency. Both decisions are at least partly related to the renewed emphasis on creating a different atmosphere in the locker room. The Cowboys began their ill-fated 2008 season with three players on the roster who had been suspended by the league or their previous teams -- Jones, Johnson and Owens.

At least two sources believe that vice president Stephen Jones will attempt to convince his father that Owens should be finished with the Cowboys. But Jerry Jones just last year invested a $12 million signing bonus in Owens, which means there would be salary-cap fallout. In fact, Jerry Jones has suggested that there might be enough damage that the team would find it difficult to sign NFL sack leader DeMarcus Ware to a new contract.

"I think some of people want to just cut our losses and get rid of all those guys _ TO, Tank, Pacman,'' another Cowboys source said. "But I really think Jerry likes the thrill of trying to make it all work."

The discussions involving Owens have not yet been formally initiated and probably will not occur until the Cowboys are more certain of the composition of their coaching staff.

Offensive coordinator Jason Garrett's candidacy for at least two NFL head coaching positions could influence the Owens debate. Garrett met with the St. Louis Rams on Wednesday after interviewing last week with the Detroit Lions.

At the moment, Jones has insisted that Phillips will return, but he might have to reconsider if Garrett secures another opportunity. There are people within the Cowboys organization who do not believe that Garrett would turn down another job unless Jones was willing to promote him to head coach in Dallas and purge Owens from the roster.

Not only does Owens have relationship issues with quarterback Tony Romo and tight end Jason Witten, but the controversial receiver consistently criticized Garrett's play calling and his offensive schemes to the point that sources say the offensive coordinator does not believe they can co-exist.

The potential of the Cowboys losing Garrett to another team could accelerate the timetable for a decision about Owens. They had expected not to face a deadline until his $3 million roster bonus is due June 3. But that changes if Garrett finds himself in a position to leave the Cowboys and makes Owens' departure a condition of his remaining.

"I think Jerry would have to think about it, but I believe he'd let Jason leave,'' said one team source, believing Jones would prefer to be relieved of his remaining $6 million obligation to Garrett.

Regardless, Owens could still be jettisoned. His detractors can argue their belief that that Owens, 35, is a poor route runner with inconsistent hands and generally a descending player who seldom accepts responsibility for his own shortcomings. There is fear internally that he will become more volatile if his performance continues to deteriorate -- and that he may feel more empowered if he perceives that his presence forced Garrett to depart.

Of particular concern is the apparent negative influence Owens has had on teammates such as Roy Williams and Patrick Crayton and even running back Marion Barber.

"You have to be worried about his influence over there, and I think we'd get some of those players back over to our side if he was gone,'' another source said. "I think we have to decide how detrimental he is to Witten and Romo.''

While Garrett's offensive productivity plunged and quarterback Romo appeared to regress in his second full season as the starting quarterback, Jerry Jones apparently still covets his young offensive coordinator. The perception within the Cowboys coaching and executive offices is that the team's demise was more the result of poor locker room chemistry and a serious leadership void than it was a failure of Garrett's system.

It was Jones who personally returned Garrett to the Cowboys organization with the expectation the he would eventually become the next head coach of the franchise. When Garrett was offered head-coaching positions with the Ravens and Falcons exactly a year ago, Jones persuaded him to remain with the Cowboys by making him the highest-paid assistant coach in football. Jones was fiercely determined to have Garrett develop Romo, maintain offensive continuity and even mentioned his view of the team's future with Garrrett as head coach in the new $1 billion stadium, which the team opens next season.

Ed Werder covers the NFL for ESPN.[/quote]

Ed Werder

 

[Daudr]

and what exactly can marion barber do?

Fumble on a key play near the goal line - oh wait, he already did that...