I was watching ESPN’s “Pardon the Interruption” with sports columnists Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser a few weeks back. There was the usual discussion for this time of year. The upcoming NFL season, Tiger slumping around the golf course, Larry Brown’s coaching caravan . . .
All of a sudden, I was staring at the face of “super agent” Drew Rosenhaus and beleaguered Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Terrell Owens. They were there to explain to me, the average sports fan, why T.O. would not conform being a team player and report to training camp. He demanded a new contract. He wanted to be the highest paid on par receiver in the National Football League. He wanted respect.
Owens said he has not been given his due. He returned earlier than expected from a leg injury to play in the Super Bowl last February. He said the team made him sign a waiver relieving them of any liability if he sustained further injury. Eagles management denied these allegations. After the Super Bowl, which the Eagles lost to the New England Patriots, T.O. signed a contract with Rosenhaus.
Ever since, Owens has been attempting to negotiate a new contract through the media. He has said more to his employers through sound bites than behind closed doors. It began with his first NFL team. In San Francisco, his behavior overshadowed his play so they traded him to Baltimore. Unhappy with the prospect of playing for the Ravens, he demanded another trade and was shipped to Philadelphia two weeks later.
His antics continued just weeks after the big game, bashing Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb in an interview and questioning the Pro Bowl QB’s integrity and heart. He said McNabb ran out of gas at the end of the game. Of course, McNabb kept relative composure. He refrained from sparring with Owens.
Earlier this summer, Owens began jabbing at McNabb again as training camp began.
Meanwhile, in Pittsburgh, Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward had a similar problem. He wanted a contract on par with his perceived worth. He took the high road. He kept the negotiations “on the down low” and, as a result, he got the deal he wanted.
So this begs the question: Is Terrell Owens just another greedy athlete who has replaced his love for the game with dollar signs? (Shaking Magic 8 Ball) all signs point to yes. Does anyone believe otherwise? Please, e-mail me if you do. While you’re at it, you may want to take your temperature and perhaps lie down.
In a land where capitalism is more openly embraced than evolution, it seems that money is all that matters, especially in professional sports.
Once upon a time, athletes were humble and teachers actually got respect. When I was a kid, I rarely heard from my favorite professional sports athlete.
I just watched them perform.