Owens Fined for missing Team meetings: (1 Viewer)

[Da Guru]

Owens fined for missing team meetings

12:12 AM CDT on Sunday, August 27, 2006

By JEAN-JACQUES TAYLOR / The Dallas Morning News

IRVING – Cracks are starting to become more evident in the relationship between Terrell Owens and the Cowboys.

Now, the Cowboys have to ensure those cracks don't create a fissure that can't be repaired.

Terrell Owens, who has missed 19 of 31 practices since the start of training camp with a strained left hamstring, missed a team meeting and a rehabilitation session and was late to an offensive meeting Friday.

"That's our club business. That's going to be accounted for," owner Jerry Jones said at halftime of Saturday's 17-7 win over San Francisco.

Owens was fined $9,500.

When asked if there was any problem between Owens and the club, Jones said, "We're going to be fine."

Several sources said Owens has been fined for being late to multiple rehabilitation sessions.

Owens could not be reached for comment. He did not attend the game, which is not unusual for injured players in the preseason because coach Bill Parcells doesn't like players who aren't playing to be on the sideline.

The strained hamstring Owens suffered during the first week of training camp could create a conflict between Owens and Parcells. Parcells is a stickler for having players practice.

He believes that because football is a game of repetition, players who don't practice can't thrive because they inevitably make mistakes that cost games. Rare is the player on a Parcells team who plays on Sunday after missing practice Wednesday and Thursday, the two heaviest work days during the regular season.

Twice in the last week, Owens has mentioned that he played well in San Francisco the second half of one season without practicing.

Owens, who returned to practice Aug. 16, managed only five practices before saying he aggravated his hamstring because of too many repetitions in practice. Passing game coordinator and receivers coach Todd Haley is responsible for practice repetitions.

"There's no question our best thing to do is get him well," Jones told Ch. 11 after the game. "I want him out there and would've wanted him to make every practice.

"I understand that, and everyone else does, too. He wants to be out there, too. ... I know this: When he's healthy, he's going to help us win these ballgames."

Since the Cowboys signed him in March to a three-year, $25 million deal, including $10 million in signing bonus and salary this year, Owens has talked about learning from his mistakes and being a better teammate.

Philadelphia suspended and deactivated him for the final nine games of last season before releasing him in March. Less than a week later, he signed with Dallas.

Owens has made an effort to fit in. He met the team's chartered flight when it arrived at Point Mugu for training camp, greeting teammates with hugs and handshakes. He also threw a barbecue for teammates on their first off day of training camp.

Owens' combination of size (6-3, 226 pounds) and speed makes him one of the NFL's most gifted players. His attitude and conflicts with teammates in San Francisco and Philadelphia have made him one of the league's most notorious players.

He can be combustible.

But Jones has said he doesn't think a problem will develop between Owens and Parcells – two strong-willed men who like confrontation – because they will manage their relationship carefully.

Time will tell if the cracks can be fixed.

 

[renesauz]

As a die-hard Philly fan...

 

[Keys Myaths]

Yeah, this might not end well, even in the first year.

I think there's about a 5% chance he doesn't play a down in Dallas.

 

[Philly Hater]

As a life-long Cowboys fan, this makes me laugh. From the day that the rumors about him coming to Dallas started, I said it would be the biggest mistake that they've ever made. Nothing would make me happier than for all of this to come to a head before the season starts. I hope that Parcells tells Jones to pay TO whatever cash they are bound to pay him, and tell to get he F*** out. He is an incredible talent for sure, but he is a man with absolutely no integrity as far as I can see. He is worthless POS who deserves no more chances. Good job Jerry.

 

[Leviathan]

T O Canada!!

 

[Tackling Dummies]

When asked if there was any problem between Owens and the club, Jones said, "We're going to be fine."

 

[cobalt_27]

As a life-long Cowboys fan, this makes me laugh. From the day that the rumors about him coming to Dallas started, I said it would be the biggest mistake that they've ever made. Nothing would make me happier than for all of this to come to a head before the season starts. I hope that Parcells tells Jones to pay TO whatever cash they are bound to pay him, and tell to get he F*** out. He is an incredible talent for sure, but he is a man with absolutely no integrity as far as I can see. He is worthless POS who deserves no more chances. Good job Jerry.

 

[Courtjester]

All I can say as a Denver fan is thank goodness we dodged this bullet.

 

[CrossEyed]

I'm just glad the Rooneys aren't stupid enough to sign players like this.

 

[Hairy Snowman]

Owens = Value

I think you people are underestimating JJ and Tuna's desire to win. If the guy sits on the bench all year and only plays division games and playoff games the Cowboys will be thrilled. They don't care if you win your league. Parcells just wont play him until he practices - thats all there is to it.

Take your fantasy colored glasses off.

Owen = Value. When he plays he's going to be good for a TD and 80 yards at least.

 

[Dieselskid]

They are NOT going to pay him that kind of money to play in playoff games only, TO would not accept that type of playing time anyway.

 

[knowledge dropper]

I'm just glad the Rooneys aren't stupid enough to sign players like this.

Good point. The Steelers prefer to draft those types of players. Plaxico, Santonio Holmes, etc.

 

[Ozymandias]

I don't know how you define "normal" in terms of intelligence, judgment and common sense. But however you define it, TO is outside those parameters. He has a sense of grievance and a chip on his shoulder which makes him incredibly difficult to deal with. I don't think it is temporary.

His relationship with the Cowboys will not end well. The question is whether it will survive the season. It's not looking very good.

 

[Two Deep]

Owens = ValueI think you people are underestimating JJ and Tuna's desire to win. If the guy sits on the bench all year and only plays division games and playoff games the Cowboys will be thrilled. They don't care if you win your league. Parcells just wont play him until he practices - thats all there is to it.Take your fantasy colored glasses off.Owen = Value. When he plays he's going to be good for a TD and 80 yards at least.

Owens equals selfisness. Owens equals breaker of team cohesiveness. Owens equals lack of respect of authority. Owens equals immaturity. Last but not least Owens equals the biggest ##### in sports. This guy should be out of a job. Jerry Jones was a dumb ### for bringing him in, every atheletic skill Owens brings to a team is overshadowed by the team destruction he creates. Take your adoration blinders off.

 

[Hairy Snowman]

I just want to add:

I do think TO is a punk. I think he would be a potential cancer on a team if he is integrated and given the kind of leeway that would allow him to be a locker room PITA

I do think Jerry Jones is a creepy, obssessive meglomaniac. (Although, as a good point, he does have tremendous loyalty to the people who do well for him which inspires loyalty kinda sounds like the president.....anyway).

Having said all that, I have nothing but the utmost respect for Bill Parcells. As a manager of people, there is no better. I remember when people predicted he would not last with Jerry Jones. "Jerry Jones would want too much control", "the two egos won't be able to co-exist", etc. Havent heard about Jerry Jones since he got there.

IMO there will be a rough period early with TO. But that is just the way it goes when you have two men with the egos these two men have.

But as it goes on, Parcells will wear him down. Parcells knows how to break a stallion in. TO will fall in line. Either that or he just wont play.

I guarauntee you Parcells will not budge on the no practice/no play rule.

In the end I expect TO's desire to get back on the field and in the spotlight will motivate him to jump through whatever hoops Parcell puts in front of him. And I expect Parcells desire to win allowing TO back in games once he sees that TO really wants it.

Remember, He isnt going to be able to go the media with his "story" (at least until his cowboy career is over). If TO blows this contract it will be the LAST big contract TO will ever sign. Whatever you do , don't underestimate TO's selfishness.

If he blows this contract he may play again, but he'll become a one year fill-in wherever he goes. No team will welcome him. Certainly not any team with playoff aspirations and never the "Big" payday again..

Like in the movie "An Officer and a Gentleman" - TO has no where else to go. Just call Parcells Sarge.

Peace-

Snowman

 

[zamboni]

But as it goes on, Parcells will wear him down. Parcells knows how to break a stallion in. TO will fall in line. Either that or he just wont play.

I would tend to agree. I seem to recall a hothead young egomaniac receiver named Keyshawn Johnson that Parcells was able to reel in. Of course, Keyshawn was a hard worker despite his big mouth.

 

[Sinrman]

Dear Dallas:

 

[Bankerguy]

I just want to add:

I do think TO is a punk. I think he would be a potential cancer on a team if he is integrated and given the kind of leeway that would allow him to be a locker room PITA

I do think Jerry Jones is a creepy, obssessive meglomaniac. (Although, as a good point, he does have tremendous loyalty to the people who do well for him which inspires loyalty kinda sounds like the president.....anyway).

Having said all that, I have nothing but the utmost respect for Bill Parcells. As a manager of people, there is no better. I remember when people predicted he would not last with Jerry Jones. "Jerry Jones would want too much control", "the two egos won't be able to co-exist", etc. Havent heard about Jerry Jones since he got there.

IMO there will be a rough period early with TO. But that is just the way it goes when you have two men with the egos these two men have.

But as it goes on, Parcells will wear him down. Parcells knows how to break a stallion in. TO will fall in line. Either that or he just wont play.

I guarauntee you Parcells will not budge on the no practice/no play rule.

In the end I expect TO's desire to get back on the field and in the spotlight will motivate him to jump through whatever hoops Parcell puts in front of him. And I expect Parcells desire to win allowing TO back in games once he sees that TO really wants it.

Remember, He isnt going to be able to go the media with his "story" (at least until his cowboy career is over). If TO blows this contract it will be the LAST big contract TO will ever sign. Whatever you do , don't underestimate TO's selfishness.

If he blows this contract he may play again, but he'll become a one year fill-in wherever he goes. No team will welcome him. Certainly not any team with playoff aspirations and never the "Big" payday again..

Like in the movie "An Officer and a Gentleman" - TO has no where else to go. Just call Parcells Sarge.

Peace-

Snowman

Good post. I agree with much of what you wrote.

 

[pghrob]

I just want to add:

I do think TO is a punk. I think he would be a potential cancer on a team if he is integrated and given the kind of leeway that would allow him to be a locker room PITA

I do think Jerry Jones is a creepy, obssessive meglomaniac. (Although, as a good point, he does have tremendous loyalty to the people who do well for him which inspires loyalty kinda sounds like the president.....anyway).

Having said all that, I have nothing but the utmost respect for Bill Parcells. As a manager of people, there is no better. I remember when people predicted he would not last with Jerry Jones. "Jerry Jones would want too much control", "the two egos won't be able to co-exist", etc. Havent heard about Jerry Jones since he got there.

IMO there will be a rough period early with TO. But that is just the way it goes when you have two men with the egos these two men have.

But as it goes on, Parcells will wear him down. Parcells knows how to break a stallion in. TO will fall in line. Either that or he just wont play.

I guarauntee you Parcells will not budge on the no practice/no play rule.

In the end I expect TO's desire to get back on the field and in the spotlight will motivate him to jump through whatever hoops Parcell puts in front of him. And I expect Parcells desire to win allowing TO back in games once he sees that TO really wants it.

Remember, He isnt going to be able to go the media with his "story" (at least until his cowboy career is over). If TO blows this contract it will be the LAST big contract TO will ever sign. Whatever you do , don't underestimate TO's selfishness.

If he blows this contract he may play again, but he'll become a one year fill-in wherever he goes. No team will welcome him. Certainly not any team with playoff aspirations and never the "Big" payday again..

Like in the movie "An Officer and a Gentleman" - TO has no where else to go. Just call Parcells Sarge.

Peace-

Snowman

I am not sure.....TO is taking up a roster space. He is daily distraction that creates a media circus and major headache for Tuna.

For what they are paying and what they are getting, I think Tuna would be jsut as glad to get him the hell out of there.

 

[airraid81]

This is just what TO wanted. Now, Rosenhaus can negotiate a new, even bigger contract after he is eventually released. Millen is pretty stupid; maybe TO ends up in Detroit?

 

[Bankerguy]

If they release him now it is only 1.66 Million Cap hit.

However: Read my lips......

IT WON"T HAPPEN.

 

[Da Guru]

Owens has mental problems that need to be adressed so he can move on as a player and as a person. TO needs counseling for his behavioral problems and issues that cause him to self destruct.

 

[Hairy Snowman]

This is just what TO wanted. Now, Rosenhaus can negotiate a new, even bigger contract after he is eventually released. Millen is pretty stupid; maybe TO ends up in Detroit?

I don't thin kyou understand. If TO blows it in Dallas - thats it - no more big contracts. He'll get vet minimum and whoever offers the biggest signing bonus and like it. And the singing bonus will have strings - just like the cowboys singing bonus did. Trust me on this one - he will either fall in line in Dallas or rot on the vine in Dallas. Parcells will justify putting him on the bench all season if he has too as doing it for the players own good. And, in fact, it would be. But, in the secrecy of the locker room Parcells will dare TO to go to the media about it so Parcells/Jones can rip up the contract and get all the money back from the clauses. Probably actually says something close to that to TO. TO is leashed by those clauses. He either plays ball or goes home.

Hence IMO the TO mind games with the "injury". It sounds like politics inside the complex - TO's trump card (In TO's mind) is to call foul - play injured. Don't think Parcells doesn't get what's going on. Hence why he will likely hold him out the first few weeks - while quietly daring TO to go the the media. Demonstrate that the team can win without him. What does he care, he's been getting the team ready to play without TO from the beginning anyway.

In the end Parcells will win. He prides himself on it. One way or the other. Cause he just doesn't care. TO plays, TO sits. Do you really think it matters THAT much to a coach like Parcells? He just wants to win - always. And between him and TO - Parcells knows he holds all the cards.

The man is a master.

 

[moondawg]

In today's Dallas Morning NEWS , Rick Gosselin the NFL beat writer has this observation

QUOTE

I saw the thumbprints of Jerry Jones in the signings of high-profile players Eddie George, Peerless Price, Anthony Thomas, and Drew Henson these last few off-seasons. I also saw the thumbprints of Bill Parcells in the eventual banishments of those four players. Jones as the general manager can sign anyone he wants. But that doesn't mean Parcells as the coach has to play them. Or keep them. END QUOTE

The relationship betwen Parcells and Jones has never been close. The speculation here in Dallas on some radio talk shows is the comment Parcells made about Drew Henson in his daily press conferences this week was a shot at Jones. Parcells said he saw nothing in Henson to warrant a roster spot and that he saw very little improvement. I don't know how this will turn out but if TO doesn't practice he won't play. I see this getting worse. As always IMHO except for the quote above - verbatim.

 

[Fla\/\/ed]

You can take the TO out of tool but you can't take the tool out of TO.

 

[Fla\/\/ed]

This is just what TO wanted. Now, Rosenhaus can negotiate a new, even bigger contract after he is eventually released. Millen is pretty stupid; maybe TO ends up in Detroit?

 

[BassNBrew]

Anyone seen TO's agent Bostonfred around?

 

[Couch Potato]

Owens = ValueI think you people are underestimating JJ and Tuna's desire to win. If the guy sits on the bench all year and only plays division games and playoff games the Cowboys will be thrilled. They don't care if you win your league. Parcells just wont play him until he practices - thats all there is to it.Take your fantasy colored glasses off.Owen = Value. When he plays he's going to be good for a TD and 80 yards at least.

Owens equals selfisness. Owens equals breaker of team cohesiveness. Owens equals lack of respect of authority. Owens equals immaturity. Last but not least Owens equals the biggest ##### in sports. This guy should be out of a job. Jerry Jones was a dumb ### for bringing him in, every atheletic skill Owens brings to a team is overshadowed by the team destruction he creates. Take your adoration blinders off.

 

[meanjoegreen]

Anyone seen TO's agent Bostonfred around?

 

[Couch Potato]

Owen = Value. When he plays he's going to be good for a TD and 80 yards at least.

No, Owens = Overvalued.Glenn = Value

 

[bostonfred]

Putting aside the speculation of the media, the real question is, which one of them will blink first with his hamstring injury - will it be Owens returning to practice at less than 100%, or Parcells letting Owens play without attending a full week's practice? We've got two weeks before we start talking about him missing a game with the injury, but unsurprisingly, people seem more interested in whipping up a frenzy about the off the field issues.

These issues will all be much smoother once Parcells sees Owens in a game. This hamstring injury really couldn't have come at a worse time.

 

[Ozymandias]

Putting aside the speculation of the media, the real question is, which one of them will blink first with his hamstring injury - will it be Owens returning to practice at less than 100%, or Parcells letting Owens play without attending a full week's practice? We've got two weeks before we start talking about him missing a game with the injury, but unsurprisingly, people seem more interested in whipping up a frenzy about the off the field issues. These issues will all be much smoother once Parcells sees Owens in a game. This hamstring injury really couldn't have come at a worse time.

Parcell's won't budge. So either Owens practices, or he sits.

 

[Kevin Ashcraft]

Putting aside the speculation of the media, the real question is, which one of them will blink first with his hamstring injury - will it be Owens returning to practice at less than 100%, or Parcells letting Owens play without attending a full week's practice? We've got two weeks before we start talking about him missing a game with the injury, but unsurprisingly, people seem more interested in whipping up a frenzy about the off the field issues. These issues will all be much smoother once Parcells sees Owens in a game. This hamstring injury really couldn't have come at a worse time.

If you think Parcells is the one who will budge...keep dreaming. Parcells would walk away before he let a child like Owens dictate what he does. I dont think Owens is injured right now....I said that from Day 1. The man played with the most gruesome injury in a SB....and yes I have played teh game and know what a hamstring injury does. But Ownes was running routes fine on ths ide during the day or two he was back.

 

[Bri]

Putting aside the speculation of the media, the real question is, which one of them will blink first with his hamstring injury - will it be Owens returning to practice at less than 100%, or Parcells letting Owens play without attending a full week's practice?

Parcells sticks by his rules. As you saw with Rice and a young Lloyd, Owens will eventually be jealous of the guys on the field. Bledsoe to Glenn works just fine. Witten could easily be the second or first passing option. Crayton has had his moments and should be able to fill in for a week or two. This Hurd guy can come in on 3 WR sets and they'll be fine. Eventually Owens will want to be a part of it.Don't forget Parcells still wants to run two TEs alot and IIRC Polite is still on the roster. He could switch to two TEs and a FB in a heartbeat and have his O pound the ball like crazy esp with two good young backs.They're fine without TO. It will take a while til this bugs him. Because of his hamstring BS he's yet to hear+see it in action about blocking first from Parcells. This frustrated Keyshawn to no end and then he changed his ways and became a great blocker. Even when healthy, TO won't get passes til he blocks first. I'm awaiting that confrontation.

 

[BassNBrew]

I dont think Owens is injured right now....I said that from Day 1. The man played with the most gruesome injury in a SB....and yes I have played teh game and know what a hamstring injury does. But Ownes was running routes fine on ths ide during the day or two he was back.

Studs? Huerta? Is that you?

 

[Da Guru]

Owens has a mental disorder and when the Cowbys signed him it should have had a counseling clause in it for Owens to get treatment.

http://www.angelfire.com/ego/narcissism/

 

[FFdork]

Owens = ValueI think you people are underestimating JJ and Tuna's desire to win. If the guy sits on the bench all year and only plays division games and playoff games the Cowboys will be thrilled. They don't care if you win your league. Parcells just wont play him until he practices - thats all there is to it.Take your fantasy colored glasses off.Owen = Value. When he plays he's going to be good for a TD and 80 yards at least.

Owens equals selfisness. Owens equals breaker of team cohesiveness. Owens equals lack of respect of authority. Owens equals immaturity. Last but not least Owens equals the biggest ##### in sports. This guy should be out of a job. Jerry Jones was a dumb ### for bringing him in, every atheletic skill Owens brings to a team is overshadowed by the team destruction he creates. Take your adoration blinders off.

Given that this is a FF site, I took the original statement from a FF perspective. From that perspective, he could be a value. These kind of headlines during the week most people are drafting could cause him to fall like a rock. He's definitely high risk, but if you're able to nab him as your #2 WR in the 4th that could be the foundation of a winning team. If I pulled the trigger on it, I would want to load up on value receivers to hedge my bet in the mid rounds. Just don't let the usual TO circus distract from the real issue, which is the possibility of lingering hammy issues.

 

[Couch Potato]

I dont think Owens is injured right now....I said that from Day 1. The man played with the most gruesome injury in a SB....and yes I have played teh game and know what a hamstring injury does. But Ownes was running routes fine on ths side during the day or two he was back.

Sounds just about like a year ago, doesn't it? Seemed to be running just fine, practicing separately from the team on an adjacent practice field, with his injured groin last year in Philly just before everything blew up.

 

[Da Guru]

Right now it is Value vs Possible lingering hammy issues, possible suspension from the team again.

The third is that Bledsoe loves Terry Glenn and they have developed some good chemistry.

 

[Ridgelake]

I'll add my voice to the others that Parcells won't budge. Its a 16 game season plus the playoffs. There's a long time to go and whether TO's hamstring is well enough for week 1 or after the bye week, Parcells is going to stick by his guns.

One of Tuna's strengths is that he clearly communicates his expectations to his players. He lets everyone know where they stand. BP has been very clear (at least publicly) that TO needs to practice before he plays. So everyone knows what the situation is.

It should also be noted that Dallas seems to be playing VERY well right now. Granted, its preseason and they've played scrub teams like the Saints and 49ers. But Dallas has dominated every game so far this year, including the Seahawks. Dallas is showing that its a pretty darn good football team even without TO. Its showing that TO is a luxury, not a necessity. You better believe if Dallas starts winning and TO is on the sideline, no way BP caves.

The only chance BP caves is if Dallas loses repeatedly, looks horrible, and clearly needs help. That seems rather improbable given what we've seen so far this year.

 

[Couch Potato]

I know that some here don't like ProFootballTalk.com, but I find them to be fun, and their Rumors section had this to say today:

POSTED 10:30 a.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 1:33 p.m. EDT, August 27, 2006

T.O. FINED FOR MISSING MEETINGS

So after seeing his career end up in shambles a season ago in Philly and with no one but the Cowboys seriously interested in signing him, Terrell Owens will be on his best behavior in 2006, right?

Wrong.

The Dallas Morning News reports that Owens has been fined $9,500 by his new team for missing a team meeting, missing a rehab session, and arriving late to an offensive meeting.

"That's our club business," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said. "That's going to be accounted for."

With Owens, there are no accidents, in our view. Everything he says and does is part of a broader plan, misguided as it may be. As we explained a week ago, he's upset that he was pressured to return to practice before he was ready, and that his premature return resulted in an aggravation of his bruised va. . . hamstring injury.

He's now committed to sitting out until he's at 100 percent, and he has been reminding the media that, in the past, he has played without practicing. The only problem is that coach Bill Parcells has a far different attitude regarding practice, and he wants his guys on the field.

The fact that Owens also missed a rehab session is the most telling infraction, in our view. If he won't practice or play until he's 100 percent, then he should be doing everything in his power to get to 100 percent. Though we're not doctors nor physical therapists, missing a pre-planned rehab session probably isn't the best way to get back on the field.

So we still see this thing ending badly. And if Owens is going to be missing meetings and otherwise doing stuff that he shouldn't be doing, it'll make it even easier for Parcells to persuade Jones that Owens' name should be added to the list of final cuts.

Remember this -- if Owens is on the roster once the regular season starts, his $5 million salary becomes fully guaranteed. By dumping Owens, they would free up the $5 million in cap room for 2006.

And with Deion Branch suddenly on the market, wouldn't it be hilarious if the Tuna gets on the horn with son-in-law Scott Pioli and tries to work out a deal that would allow the 'Boys to acquire Owens' replacement a minute before cutting him loose? The chances of that happening are pretty slim. But as we've seen in the past with Owens, anything is possible.

 

[Deadzone21]

As a die-hard Philly fan...

As a die-hard Niner fan...

 

[Fla\/\/ed]