TO Blames ESPN For His Unemployment

[DallasEast]

TO is an immature boy in a mans body. Doesn't excuse the behavior that attracts the media attention but I have a bit of sympathy for him because he just doesn't know better.

ESPN is a cold. calculating, merciless, controversy generating, machine.

Their "reporting" when it comes to personalities like TO is akin to the the cool kids picking on the slow kid on the playground.

I'd buy TO a beer. I'd smash my empty bottle over ESPN's head.

Stop insulting the slow kid.

Knowing ESPN, they would tell you, "WAIT! Don't swing that bottle yet! Hey Chuck! Bring that camera over here! Do you have the shot yet? Are you sure? Great! Okay, sir! Swing!"

They never pass up an opportunity to sensationalize anything.

 

[zrinkill]

TO is an immature boy in a mans body. Doesn't excuse the behavior that attracts the media attention but I have a bit of sympathy for him because he just doesn't know better.

ESPN is a cold. calculating, merciless, controversy generating, machine.

Their "reporting" when it comes to personalities like TO is akin to the the cool kids picking on the slow kid on the playground.

I'd buy TO a beer. I'd smash my empty bottle over ESPN's head.

Cannot argue with any of that.

 

[JoeCorrado]

:laugh2:

One guy I have never heard of ..... a worst poster poster finalist ...... and the worst poster winner.

That is a great defense team.

From the guy that I've never heard of.

Great prosecution team, eh?

Been a Cowboys fan since they lost to the Colts in SB V - I've seen enough "problem players" or those who were "perceived" as such to know the real deal when I see it. Owens and his "issues" were a small price to pay for the production.

From Hollywood, to Duane Thomas, Irvin and all points in between. All were considered distractions, misfits or trouble makers by many. Do you think Owens was worse?

Make your argument or hush up.

By the way, my name is Joe Corrado. Pleased to meet you.

 

[JoeCorrado]

Basically, you deny that he is a locker room problem.

Thanks. The Bills gifted him with a one-year contract. Taking into consideration the personnel already in place, they had absolutely no Super Bowl aspirations--much less playoff hopes.

True, they brought Owens in to heighten fan enthusiasm.

So, you are basically admitting that he accomplished the goal that the team had for him when they signed him. They brought him in because Owens DOES have value- and that value has to be balanced against his personality, or baggage if you wish. Teams make those decisions everyday. Even in Dallas.

I always aim to please. No need to thank me.

Still, Owens is Owens... Simply put, he can't help himself. I recognized that trait within him within his first few seasons in San Francisco. It didn't surprise me then and it certainly didn't surprise me many years later when he played here.

I agree. He just can't help himself. Self inflicted damage for the most part. The mentality of a child in many ways. I can't hold that against him any more than I could hold Lett's boo-boos against him. It came as part of the package. Owens just couldn't help himself- and every opportunity that he gave to ESPN, or his other distractors was pounced on, magnified and generally blown out of proportion. So what- that's life. His fault? ESPN's fault? Your fault? What's the difference, right? Everybody has a finger in the pie.

Throughout its history, the NFL has seen (and will continue to see) various incarnations of the "Terrell Owens" within its player ranks--namely, extremely talented, yet woefully idiotic and self-defeating.

See my previous post for a few examples.

As far as his tenure here is concerned, what of it? Did he contribute a bunch of receiving yards and touchdowns while he was here? Yep.

'nough said. And THAT was my point. Thank YOU, for agreeing.

So far as his leaving last season- if he had not, do you think that Austin would have had the opportunity to do what he did? Nope.

And giving the youngsters the OPPORTUNITY to play was one of the reasons given for his release. Or is my recollection wrong?

Did JJ or Wade say a negative thing about him as a reason for his release? Please feel free to reference any negative behavior as a reason for his release. I sure don't recall it.

 

[zrinkill]

Make your argument or hush up.

You want me to argue that Owens is a disruptive influence and not worth the trouble he causes?



ok here I go ....

<clears throat>

Star incident

accused 49'rs head coach of intentionally blowing game

'Sharpie' incident

Pom-Poms incident

sideline tirades with 49'rs

refused to report to Ravens

hinted that ex-teammate Jeff Garcia was gay

mocked Ray Lewis

$7.5 million not enough to “feed his family.”.

hinting that he might hold out of training camp, Owens shows up with a bad attitude, refusing to acknowledge the media or speak to his teammates. After a confrontation with head coach Andy Reid, he was suspended for one week.

took shots at the Eagles franchise for not publicly recognizing his 100th touchdown catch. During the interview he stated the Eagles showed a "lack of class". He also suggested the Eagles would be better off with Packers QB Brett Favre instead of Donovan McNabb.

suspended November 5 by the Eagles for the club's contest against the Washington Commanders on November 6.

Owens' suspension was stretched to four games, and head coach Andy Reid added that Owens would not play for the remainder of the season.

Owens released a tell-all book badmouthing his old team.

Owens claimed he was misquoted in his own autobiography.

On August 3, Owens missed the first of 14 consecutive days of practice because of a hamstring problem despite an MRI two days later revealing no major problems. After returning to practice for several days, Owens claimed he re-aggravated the injury because his coaches pushed him back to the playing field too soon. This time he didn't return to practice until August 29.

On August 10, while still out with an injured hamstring, Owens drew attention to himself by wearing the silver and blue uniform of Lance Armstrong's Discovery Channel pro cycling team while riding a stationary bicycle on the sidelines.

September 26, Owens was taken by ambulance to Baylor University Medical Center for what was thought to be a suicide attempt. The following day, Owens denied trying to kill himself, claiming a mixture of pain pills and supplements caused him to be "out of it" when talking to emergency respondents

Owens has a run in with Cowboys receivers coach Todd Haley (the incident isn't reported until Friday). It began when Owens missed the start of Wednesday's practice because of an upset stomach, and Haley berated him for being late. Owens held his tongue then, but they later argued during a meeting. On his Friday radio show Owens said, "there will be nothing else, no other dialogue" between him and Haley. "There will be no more friendly nothing because I don't trust anybody like that. I will go out and practice hard. I will respect him as a coach, and he should respect me as a player. Anything outside of that I am not going to be able to deal with."

spit in the face of cornerback DeAngelo Hall.

Accused Romo and Witten not including him in plans

Accused Jason Garrett of bad gameplans

Joined Bills

Kicked of Bills

No team wants him.

 

[JoeCorrado]

Lots of words that don't add up to diddly.

One, just one incident from Irvin's past would make all that you mentioned above pale in comparison.

I cannot believe that you mentioned the "star" incident.

I am surprised that you didn't mention popcorn in there somewhere.

Your arguments are as childish as the arguments that Owens makes when accusing ESPN that all of his problems are created by somebody else.

Come on, you can do better. Or is that all you have??

Please try to be concise in your response. I enjoy reading but really, there has to be a plot to the story to keep me reading, and your previous post was like trying to convince me that Mount Scott is really Mount Everest.

Give me some real meat to sink my teeth in to. Don't talk to me about pom-poms.

==
edit: add the following for your consideration:

235 receptions / 3500 yards / 38 TDs >> his end zone celebration penalties.

The Star > Owens

ESPN < PBS

 

[zrinkill]

Lots of words that don't add up to diddly.

One, just one incident from Irvin's past would make all that you mentioned above pale in comparison.

I cannot believe that you mentioned the "star" incident.

I am surprised that you didn't mention popcorn in there somewhere.

Your arguments are as childish as the arguments that Owens makes when accusing ESPN that all of his problems are created by somebody else.

Come on, you can do better. Or is that all you have??

Please try to be concise in your response. I enjoy reading but really, there has to be a plot to the story to keep me reading, and your previous post was like trying to convince me that Mount Scott is really Mount Everest.

Give me some real meat to sink my teeth in to. Don't talk to me about pom-poms.

This was about being a good teammate ..... a distraction ..... a liability in the internet age.

You are confusing me with someone who thinks Irvin and his antics would have been acceptable in this age ......

The fact that you are trying to defend this moron is all I need to know about your mindset.

"diddly" that.

 

[JoeCorrado]

This was about being a good teammate ..... a distraction ..... a liability in the internet age.

You are confusing me with someone who thinks Irvin and his antics would have been acceptable in this age ......

The fact that you are trying to defend this moron is all I need to know about your mindset.

"diddly" that.

The internet age??

Way to slip into the abyss partner. No valid argument leaves you struggling, eh?

Your intellect < your post count. Let's just move along then.

 

[jimmy40]

How did the scales balance out for the team during his tenure here?

well the owner gave him 9 mil to go away

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Since when does off-field attention have to do with lockerroom accountability?

There a few examples of primmadonnas who were good team players throughout history:

George Patton

Salmon P Chase.

 

[Stautner]

From Hollywood, to Duane Thomas, Irvin and all points in between. All were considered distractions, misfits or trouble makers by many. Do you think Owens was worse?

Sure, we've had problem children like any NFL team, but there are a couple of differences with TO.

One is that he makes it a public spectacle, and at times intentionally so. People tend to overlook things as long as they aren't public and in your face.

Another is that he bashes teammates, and again, often publically. Lockerroom incidents behind closed doors are one thing, but holding press conferences designed to publically bash teammates, coaches and ownership like he did in Philly are another.

He has a history of the same kind of issues with every team he has been on, and his latest claims are just more of the same. In some places the issues have been smaller than in others, but he has laid a bed for himself over the course of many years, and that's what colors the way he is perceived, but rather than learn from his mistakes he ALWAYS ends up pointing fingers at people.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Sure, we've had problem children like any NFL team, but there are a couple of differences with TO.

One is that he makes it a public spectacle, and at times intentionally so. People tend to overlook things as long as they aren't public and in your face.

Another is that he bashes teammates, and again, often publically. Lockerroom incidents behind closed doors are one thing, but holding press conferences designed to publically bash teammates, coaches and ownership like he did in Philly are another.

He has a history of the same kind of issues with every team he has been on, and his latest claims are just more of the same. In some places the issues have been smaller than in others, but he has laid a bed for himself over the course of many years, and that's what colors the way he is perceived, but rather than learn from his mistakes he ALWAYS ends up pointing fingers at people.

But there is not one instance of him sabotaging on the field those teammates whom he bashes. Or shirking his on-field responsibilities to them.

 

[DallasEast]

So, you are basically admitting that he accomplished the goal that the team had for him when they signed him. They brought him in because Owens DOES have value- and that value has to be balanced against his personality, or baggage if you wish. Teams make those decisions everyday. Even in Dallas

I always aim to please. No need to thank me..

You appear to be on some sort of "value" kick. Where exactly did I state that Owens had 'small' or 'zero' value as a wide receiver

As far as the "thank" response is concerned, you've overlooked a comment made earlier in the thread (although not by me).

I agree. He just can't help himself. Self inflicted damage for the most part. The mentality of a child in many ways. I can't hold that against him any more than I could hold Lett's boo-boos against him. It came as part of the package. Owens just couldn't help himself- and every opportunity that he gave to ESPN, or his other distractors was pounced on, magnified and generally blown out of proportion. So what- that's life. His fault? ESPN's fault? Your fault? What's the difference, right? Everybody has a finger in the pie.

:laugh2: @ "everybody".

See my previous post for a few examples.

It always funny whenever his supporters do not allow Owens to be seen as is. It's always, "He's equal to this player or that player." Thankfully, the Hollywood Hendersons, Duane Thomases and Michael Irvins have not promoted their personal shortcomings as media victimization.

'nough said. And THAT was my point. Thank YOU, for agreeing.

Your point is irrelevant. In his unique case, it's the same point which would be incorrectly emphasized immediately following after his departures from San Francisco AND Philadelphia AND Dallas AND now (to a certain extent) Buffalo. Thus, I ask again, "What of it"? His production on the field has not secured his spot on multiple rosters or made him appear 'indisposable'. It should have, but it hasn't. The question is why?

Who knows? Let's not ask those in-the-know within the front offices of his former teams or others throughout the league. Let's ask ESPN instead (the dirty scoundrels).

So far as his leaving last season- if he had not, do you think that Austin would have had the opportunity to do what he did? Nope.

Of course not. Perhaps you should pose the question to others here who fretted over his release on this forum. I (on the other hand) am on forum record before, during and after his release stating (either verbally or though illustrations) that Owens removal from the offense would not be detrimental, but acknowledged that the wide receiver corp as a group could succeed without him in the mix. And this was before many outside the team itself had any idea of what Miles Austin could do.

I certainly wished you had posed a similar question to me way back then. It would have saved you the trouble of asking this redundant question nearly 1 1/2 years after it was necessary.

And giving the youngsters the OPPORTUNITY to play was one of the reasons given for his release. Or is my recollection wrong?

If you sincerely mean "one of the reasons", my answer would be 'no'. If not, my answer would be 'oy'.

Did JJ or Wade say a negative thing about him as a reason for his release?

Umm.

Wade Phillips has been around the NFL for a long, LONG time.

Does anyone ever recall him saying a negative thing about a player which was worthy of conversation? Ever?

So, my answer would be no. Still, since you're questioning whether Wade Phillips (of all people) would publicly comment in a negative fashion about ANY player (much less Terrell Owens), I am honestly tempted to retract my answer and replace it with, "Where's the relevance?"

Bill Parcells? Sure. Jimmy Johnson. Yep. Wade Phillips? Good grief.

And Jerry Jones? You've included his name as well? "Jerral Wayne Jones"? That guy??? You're talking about the same guy who's been kickin' it around Valley Ranch for 20+ years? That guy? The same guy whom you have to get drunk first in order to capture a not so politically correct response on a cameraphone AND he can still manage to turn a negative characterization into a flippin' joke Jerry Jones?

In my best Tom Jackson voice, "Come on, man".

[Oops! I mentioned someone from ESPN. Dang!]

Please feel free to reference any negative behavior as a reason for his release. I sure don't recall it.

No kidding.

 

[JoeCorrado]

Obviously the question of Owen's behavior is one that can best be placed in the context of "degrees" to which his "disruptions or distractions" to the players in and out of the locker room compare to others.

Ben Rothlisberger

Vince Young

Randy Moss

Etc, etc, etc~

You betcha, the guy is a real problem child.

 

[Hostile]

Obviously...

You betcha, the guy is a real problem child.

He absolutely is. No question about it.

 

[InmanRoshi]

Irvin made some really stupid decisions in his personal life, but someone will have to refresh my memory and remind me of the time when Michael Irvin tried to split the lockerroom by claiming Troy Aikman and Jay Novacek were secretly conspiring together to see to it that other players weren't getting the ball.

Stupid people do stupid things and stupid things get forgiven .... however, trying to rip the fabric of the team apart and breed mutiny amongst your quarterback and coaching staff among your teammates (repeatedly in your career)? You gotsta go.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Irvin made some really stupid decisions in his personal life, but someone will have to refresh my memory and remind me of the time when Michael Irvin tried to split the lockerroom by claiming Troy Aikman and Jay Novacek were secretly conspiring together to see to it that other players weren't getting the ball.

Stupid people do stupid things and stupid things get forgiven .... however, trying to rip the fabric of the team apart and breed mutiny amongst your quarterback and coaching staff among your teammates (repeatedly in your career)? You gotsta go.

I don't think the thing that happened with Romo was him "trying to rip the fabric of the team apart".

He just doesn't know how to communicate properly. Plus he's obviously paranoid.

I doubt he went to one of the Olinemen, and told him to allow a pass-rusher through him to nail Romo.

Now the situation with Garcia was different, although again, I don't think he was doing it to divide the Eagles.

 

[JoeCorrado]

trying to rip the fabric of the team apart and breed mutiny amongst your quarterback and coaching staff among your teammates (repeatedly in your career)? You gotsta go.

Oh please. Your description does not match the facts.

His career of "trying to rip the fabric of the team apart and breed mutiny amongst your quarterback and coaching staff among your teammates" huh?

In reverse order:

Dallas: You CHOOSE to believe the allegations in the face of repeated assurances to the contrary. At some point you have to accept that the most likely "truth" is that Owens did not do what he was accused of.

The Eagles and McNabb: Owens returned from injury to play in the SB. His performance that day was one that even his worst detractors should be able to agree was magnificent. AFTER the game, he "rightly stated" that HE was not the one who got tired late in the game when it mattered the most. SURELY you remember the game, don't you? McPuke... I mean McNabb could barely make it out of the huddle. McNabb likely cost the Eagles the game. Was Owens wrong for saying it in public? Sure. Hardly grounds for all the drama that followed. And if you know ANYTHING about McNabb, you know that HE is a "throw your buddies under the bus" kind of guy on almost a weekly basis. Owens gets the blame for opening his mouth when he should not have- and he paid the price for it. For my money though- he spoke the truth and had every right to do so. Not like it was a secret to any of the millions of us who watched the game.

The 49ers: Owens should have just played out the year with the 49ers. The team obviously wanted him to, and he was obligated to do so. Regardless of his agent not filing the paperwork to void the last season of the contract, once the date had passed to do so Owens was obligated IF the TEAM WANTED to pick up the option... and they did. Owens whined his way out of it and was traded- twice actually. Kind of reminds me of Brett Favre. You remember all of THAT whining after the draft, don't you? Anyway- Owens certainly didn't "rip the fabric" of the team apart in San Fran. anymore than Charles Haley did.

ESPN loves the guy because he is SUCH an easy target, THEY just can't help themselves anymore than Owens can. THAT is my point. Is it true that his problems are the fault of ESPN? Of course not- all they do is run their mouths... just like Owens. But THEY are never held accountable for THEIR "erors" in "creating", I mean reporting the news.

Owens has never driven his cleats into the face of another player as he lay helpless on the ground. Never forced himself on a woman when she said no. Never killed an innocent person while driving drunk. You get the point, surely? Why isn't ESPN hot on the trail of those all too often repeated stories in the NFL, hounding them relentlessly?

All things considered, we could have done far worse than to have had Owens here for the years that he was. I don't understand all of the angst here aimed at him. Are you all so really angry about that "star incident" that somebody mentioned earlier?? Or are you all so really bored that you stoop to this?

Owens was a Dallas Cowboy for three of his most productive seasons. And he has had some great ones. If given the choice of Owens or Randy Moss... let's just say it would be a no brainer. I'd take Owens. Regardless of whether ESPN approved or not.

 

[Yeagermeister]

Irvin made some really stupid decisions in his personal life, but someone will have to refresh my memory and remind me of the time when Michael Irvin tried to split the lockerroom by claiming Troy Aikman and Jay Novacek were secretly conspiring together to see to it that other players weren't getting the ball.

Stupid people do stupid things and stupid things get forgiven .... however, trying to rip the fabric of the team apart and breed mutiny amongst your quarterback and coaching staff among your teammates (repeatedly in your career)? You gotsta go.

And when he got in trouble the team rallied to his side. Aikman was in the court room everyday.

And on the field Irvin took care of business. He never led the league in dropped passes or alligator armed them. He caught the ball even when he knew he was going to get hit.

 

[Yeagermeister]

If given the choice of Owens or Randy Moss... let's just say it would be a no brainer. I'd take Owens. Regardless of whether ESPN approved or not.

I'm glad we passed on Moss and was one happy Cowboy fan when TO was released.