BrudLee
08-12-2005, 09:24 AM
For those of you who haven't watched the last few days of "All-T.O." Sportscenters, the rift between Owens and the Eagles has grown exponentially. Most pundits have speculated that Owens will not play for the Eagles ever again - a notion that doesn't upset me in the least, as a Skins fan.
My question to you (yes, you) is, under what circumstance could Owens suit up for the Eagles and play a meaningful and productive season? Not just come back, shut up, and fill a roster spot - which, given the "shut up" portion of the answer seems unlikely - but actually reach some measure of peace with the players and coaches he's managed to alienate, and play the game like he and few others can?
Though I don't see a way, maybe one of one do. By all means, share.
I like the fact this TO thing is blowing up in the faces of the Eagles, but damn I am really getting tired of hearing about this guy!
BrudLee
08-12-2005, 09:29 AM
I like the fact this TO thing is blowing up in the faces of the Eagles, but damn I am really getting tired of hearing about this guy!
It's playing out like two people at the same party going through an ugly divorce. Reid's by the appetizer tray saying they are having some "communication problems" that they need to sort out, and Owens is within earshot by the bar, telling his girlfriends how rotten Andy is in the sack - loudly.
Everyday on sports talk radio it's either TO or steroids, I feel like I'm going crazy!
FRPLG
08-12-2005, 09:39 AM
This is a hard call. I do believe that the Eagles could forgive and forget if they knew TO could chill for the season but what are the chances of that? This guy is not a reasonable person and is it is hard to see him simply chilling and waiting to get to free agency next year. I can see this going many ways but if I had to guess I say the strongest possibility is that he patches up temporarily but as soon as they hit a spot or things get mildly difficult you'll see TO in self destruction mode again.
I think a lot depends on how they are playing. Everythign was cool last year because they were playing well and winning. As soon as things didn't go so well (see SB) he starts pointing fingers and bitching.
BrudLee
08-12-2005, 09:44 AM
I can see this going many ways but if I had to guess I say the strongest possibility is that he patches up temporarily but as soon as they hit a spot or things get mildly difficult you'll see TO in self destruction mode again.
That's the rub. Even if Owens (I'm going to refuse to call him T.O. from now on) could patch things up before the opener, you know it would be under a "zero tolerance" policy. I just don't see 17 weeks of problem-free behavior. They didn't have it last year (see: sideline arguements with Donovan, attention grabbing dances, etc.), and he was "allegedly" happy.
FRPLG
08-12-2005, 10:00 AM
Yeah he hasn't had a issue-free season in what at least 3 seasons now(plus this pre-season). He got a serious attitude issue and guys like that rarely learn in time to make things right. I don't think he realizes how much damage he is doing to himself. I am guessing he is never going to get the big money deal he so passionatly believes he deserves when he was in a good situation in Philly and screwed it up, Plus he is pushing it in age now. He had to know that Philly wasn't going to budge with him. The contract was made as a two year tryout and if everything worked out then he be a Eagle for life. They aren't going to renogeotiate when they can simply dump his ass after the season for basically no cap space. He is not only self-centered he is stupid.
What a waste. Such a quality player with what seems like a good drive to play but his head is just so screwed up.
BrudLee
08-12-2005, 10:23 AM
Another possible wrench in this scenario: the hosts on WIP (Sports Talk in Philly) are making the case that the Eagles may cave to Owens somewhat to prevent him from (paraphrasing) "revealing what went on in the last five minutes of the Super Bowl." If Owens calls McNabb out for "getting tired" or losing control of the huddle while on the way out of the door, it would hurt his, and their reputation.
FRPLG
08-12-2005, 10:27 AM
Who would honestly give a crap about Owens' version of that story. He has little to no credibility. No chance the Figgles are going to cave. They have already drawn the line in the sand for better or worse.
BrudLee
08-12-2005, 10:31 AM
Who would honestly give a crap about Owens' version of that story. He has little to no credibility. No chance the Figgles are going to cave. They have already drawn the line in the sand for better or worse.
Honestly, I would. I wouldn't take it as gospel, but there is a story there.
Who would give a crap about what Jose Canseco had to say about steroids, either?