Just Show T.O. the Money

Here we go again. Another dramatic episode of "As Terrell Owens' World Turns." But this time, the hubbub surrounding the All-Pro wide receiver seems to be justified. Don't get me wrong, I am not the biggest T.O. supporter in the world, but the man is a competitor and anyone that goes for over 100 yards receiving in the biggest game of his life after suffering a broken ankle only five weeks earlier has my utmost respect.

After all of the well-documented incidents Owens has had in the past, for one season, he acted like a true professional (most of the time). And he should be rewarded for that accomplishment. Of course, the Eagles won the NFC Championship with out T.O., but you have to be blind to not notice the impact the receiver had on the club throughout the season. Even the players acknowledged that fact.

When T.O. down against Dallas late last season, the city of Philadelphia and the whole Eagles franchise held their collective breaths, as the Eagles' quest for that elusive Super Bowl ring seemed to be put on hold (or at least for another season). But the Eagles rallied and managed to finally make it to the Super Bowl, after three unsuccessful tries. Although injured, Owens' presence on the sidelines, in the skybox, and in the locker room was felt throughout the Eagles' postseason run without their star receiver. It appeared that for the first time in his career Owens' had realized football was team sport. But everything went downhill after the Eagles lost to the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXIX.

Reports started to surface that Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb became physically ill during the fourth quarter the Super Bowl. And while T.O. remained mum on the issue at first, he did manage to slip in a cheap shot at his quarterback. That's where our latest episode begins. After Owens' comments about McNabb's so-called "sickness," the receiver fired his longtime agent, David Joseph, and hired "super agent" Drew Rosenhaus. Rosenhasus is famous/notorious for bitter contract disputes involving the players he represents. The Buffalo Bills' selection of Willis McGahee in the first round of the 2003 draft after the running back suffered a devastating knee injury the year before was perceived as brilliant on Rosenhaus' part, so T.O. made a smart move.

Now to the meat of the situation. Owens had 77 catches for 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns last year and was easily a viable candidate for Most Valuable Player. T.O's argument is simple people. NFL contracts are not guaranteed and teams have made a habit of releasing aging players who they deem past their primes. Owens had the best numbers last season and has clearly raised the level of his game, therefore he should be paid. This is not to take away from what top receivers such as Randy Moss and Marvin Harrison have accomplished. A player can have their career ended in an instant, so why can't they be financially protected? This scenario, however, will happen in a perfect world.

But in reality, this could be a long and drawn-out process for Eagles fans. Of course, it's only June and of course the season doesn't start for another two months, but both sides seems to be strong in their beliefs and neither appears willing to budge from their stance. Is it possible the Eagles might actually play this season with out No. 81 in the huddle? Or will they release him? The latter is hard to believe giving the Eagles' lackluster receiving corps behind Owens. But this could turn out to be a long and hot summer for the Eagles camp.

The situation is simple, pay T.O., go to the Super Bowl, and be happy. Don't expect Donovan to carry the team every year because it won't and can't happen. He's a human being, and sooner or later, he'll burn out. Bottom line, just show T.O. the money!