SOME EAGLES PLAN TO MEET WITH REID
As Terrell Owens prepares to return from a team-imposed one-week exile, word out of Philly is that a group of players plan to seek out coach/G.M. Andy Reid and request that the situation involving T.O. be resolved.
One way or the other.
Whether he gets more money (good luck in hell, snowball) or gets run out of town (good luck in the furnace, too), there is a feeling in the locker room among some players that they just want the whole thing to be over.
The organization's response to that sentiment likely would be to say that it will be over when T.O. honors his contract and acts professionally and appropriately within the context of a football team. The incessant silent treatment and the "don't f--k with me" demeanor contributed to last week's brouhaha -- so if Owens would merely get the stick out of his sphincter, the problem would be solved.
But, frankly, we don't see that happening. Word is that both sides are making plans for a looming battle of lawyers and letterhead, with the team likely to try to suspend Owens -- and toll his 2005 contract -- if he continues to cause problems.
Still, even though the organization decided weeks ago to make an example out of Owens if he acts up, and even though Reid, Joe Banner, and Jeff Lurie have the resolve, the resources, and the smarts to make it happen, they need to consider at some point the potential damage to the franchise's broader interests that could occur if/when other players grow weary of the three-ring circus.
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My thoughts -- this is just the first step in a long war that will probably end up in front of an arbitor. By documenting this and all future occurances, the Eagles have a leg to stand on. I hope Rosenhous and TO realize that they not only won't get a raise out of this, he could stand to lose a substantial amount of money.
Odds of TO playing week one in an Eagle uniform is approaching zero.
