Bombardier
11-23-2005, 11:59 AM
Thought I'd borrow spinks' old line since he's on hiatus :) .
Anyway, here's the story:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10087982/
Eagles will release Owens, report says
Wide receiver's 4-game suspension also will be cut, report adds
NEW YORK - Terrell Owens may get his wish after all.
According to a report in Newsday, arbitrator Richard Bloch is expected to reduce Owens’ four-game suspension from four games to one or two games later Wednesday.
Owens was suspended four games by Reid for conduct detrimental to the team Nov. 9. The NFL Players Association is seeking to have the suspension reduced and wants the Eagles to cut Owens if they have no intention of playing him again.
The report indicates that the Eagles, who planned to de-activate Owens for the remainder of the season, will release the mercurial superstar receiver instead. Philadelphia is concerned that Owens will cause a distraction if the ruling allows him to return to the Eagles’ practice facility.
Owens has stated all along that he wants to return to the Eagles, but would want to be released if Philadelphia didn’t plan to play him. If released, Owens would go through the league’s waiver system, with the worst team getting the first shot of claiming him.
Owens is making a base salary of $3.75 million this season.
A decision on Owens’ grievance hearing against the Philadelphia Eagles was expected sometime Wednesday. Arbitrator Richard Bloch heard more than 13 hours of arguments last week. He’ll issue a ruling on whether Owens’ four-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team is justified.
Owens’ side argued the penalty is excessive and the Eagles’ plan — which is to deactivate him when that time is up — is too severe. Owens is seeking reinstatement to the Eagles or a release so he can sign with another team.
The Eagles maintain the suspension is fair and are willing to pay Owens about $1 million to stay home the final five games.
If the arbitrator reduces the suspension, the Eagles simply would pay Owens his salary of about $200,000 per game for the games he’s missed.
However, if Bloch says that Owens must be allowed to practice, use the team facility and participate in team functions, it’s possible the Eagles will challenge the ruling or cut the All-Pro wideout.
Owens was suspended Nov. 5 after he again criticized quarterback Donovan McNabb, called the organization “classless” and fought with former teammate Hugh Douglas, who serves as team “ambassador.”
Two days later, the Eagles extended the suspension to four games and told Owens not to return to the team. The reigning conference champions are 0-3 without Owens and 4-6 overall, last in the NFC East.
Owens has five years remaining on a seven-year, $48.97 million contract that he signed when he came to Philadelphia in March 2004. His problems started when he demanded a new contract after an outstanding season in which he caught 77 passes for 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns, helping the Eagles reach the Super Bowl.
With Owens, the Eagles are 17-5 over two seasons. Without him, they’re 2-5, including two meaningless losses and two playoff wins.
Anyway, here's the story:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10087982/
Eagles will release Owens, report says
Wide receiver's 4-game suspension also will be cut, report adds
NEW YORK - Terrell Owens may get his wish after all.
According to a report in Newsday, arbitrator Richard Bloch is expected to reduce Owens’ four-game suspension from four games to one or two games later Wednesday.
Owens was suspended four games by Reid for conduct detrimental to the team Nov. 9. The NFL Players Association is seeking to have the suspension reduced and wants the Eagles to cut Owens if they have no intention of playing him again.
The report indicates that the Eagles, who planned to de-activate Owens for the remainder of the season, will release the mercurial superstar receiver instead. Philadelphia is concerned that Owens will cause a distraction if the ruling allows him to return to the Eagles’ practice facility.
Owens has stated all along that he wants to return to the Eagles, but would want to be released if Philadelphia didn’t plan to play him. If released, Owens would go through the league’s waiver system, with the worst team getting the first shot of claiming him.
Owens is making a base salary of $3.75 million this season.
A decision on Owens’ grievance hearing against the Philadelphia Eagles was expected sometime Wednesday. Arbitrator Richard Bloch heard more than 13 hours of arguments last week. He’ll issue a ruling on whether Owens’ four-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team is justified.
Owens’ side argued the penalty is excessive and the Eagles’ plan — which is to deactivate him when that time is up — is too severe. Owens is seeking reinstatement to the Eagles or a release so he can sign with another team.
The Eagles maintain the suspension is fair and are willing to pay Owens about $1 million to stay home the final five games.
If the arbitrator reduces the suspension, the Eagles simply would pay Owens his salary of about $200,000 per game for the games he’s missed.
However, if Bloch says that Owens must be allowed to practice, use the team facility and participate in team functions, it’s possible the Eagles will challenge the ruling or cut the All-Pro wideout.
Owens was suspended Nov. 5 after he again criticized quarterback Donovan McNabb, called the organization “classless” and fought with former teammate Hugh Douglas, who serves as team “ambassador.”
Two days later, the Eagles extended the suspension to four games and told Owens not to return to the team. The reigning conference champions are 0-3 without Owens and 4-6 overall, last in the NFC East.
Owens has five years remaining on a seven-year, $48.97 million contract that he signed when he came to Philadelphia in March 2004. His problems started when he demanded a new contract after an outstanding season in which he caught 77 passes for 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns, helping the Eagles reach the Super Bowl.
With Owens, the Eagles are 17-5 over two seasons. Without him, they’re 2-5, including two meaningless losses and two playoff wins.