T.O. Gets Canned

I'm not a big football fan, but I'll do my best to give decent commentary on the T.O. problem (or the problem with T.O.)

There's no doubt Terrell Owens is good. In just seven games this season, he has averaged 109 receiving yards. He's built like a brick wall and is fast as hell. He ranks third in NFL with 47 catches, third with 763 receiving yards, and is tied for second with six touchdown catches. Owens just made his 100th touchdown. He is arguably the the best receiver in the NFL right now.

Every sport has their bad-boy (John Rocker, anyone?). But T.O. denigrates the already poor image of professional football bringing it to a new low. On top of the Vikings' party-boat fiasco and the two Carolina cheerleaders arrested for having sex in a public bathroom, T.O.'s TWO suspensions do nothing but hurt the NFL. This second time, the Eagles finally had enough. He publicly criticized the management and starting quarterback of the team. And, this second time, the hand that fed was finally gnawed on long enough. Owens has been suspended for the rest of the season and will not play with Philly next year. This will end up costing him $191,176 (only 1/17 of his $3.25 million salary for the 2005 season).

I, among many, feel this was a perfect decision. His showboating and the criticizing of his teammates shouldn't be tolerated. His apology was three sentences long and was less than heartfelt. I have no sympathy for his fate. I'm sure he can make up for the monetary loss by selling wristbands on his own website. I do, however, have sympathy for Philly. They have lost a great receiver, but I'm certain it's for the best.