KRTProfessional sports are a complicated business. Almost a contradictory statement don’t you think? To me at least, sports are supposed to be fun and uplifting, and anything that involves business is generally not that great. When you put them together, which happens quite often you get an interesting situation.
Take, for example, the situation swirling around Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Terrell Owens. In an off-season that saw the likes of former defensive tackle Corey Simon and running back Brian Westbrook hold out, the story that revolved around T.O. seemingly got immensely more attention.
The enigmatic receiver first decided to verbally attack Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb on account of his play in the Super Bowl. Shortly following that, T.O. made it clear that he wasn’t happy with his contract, that he “out-performed it.”
Frankly, I think that is just silly. In the off-season before he came to Philly, he basically begged and pleaded to come here. He refused to play for the Baltimore Ravens even after a trade had been made in principal.
Once he finally made it here, the fans adored him. Welcomed him with open arms and the anticipation of a great season was at it’s highest. Not surprisingly, T.O came through and had a great year; one of the best for an Eagles wide receiver, pulling in 77 catches for 1200 yards and 14 touchdowns, which helped the Eagles to their first Super Bowl in more than 20 years.
But that wasn’t enough for T.O.
He felt that the seven year, $42 million contract that he signed wasn’t enough to satisfy his obviously outstanding needs. He needed more money to make him happy, and without it, which he made publicly known, he wouldn’t be cooperative.
Lets think about it this way for a second. Let’s just say, and I know this is hard to think about, if the Eagles had a really poor year last year. Maybe they finished with a 10-6 record and missed the playoffs. Perhaps T.O. only made 35 receptions and four touchdowns, which would be way below his career averages.
There would be hysteria in Philadelphia for many reasons. Firstly, because the Eagles were so used to outstanding success. Secondly, because the acquisition they tried so hard to get didn’t produce. And thirdly, the goal of a Super Bowl parade in the city didn’t happen. Then what?
Could the Eagles front office demand some of that money back from Owens? Could they essentially walk up to him and say, “Mr. Owens, you didn’t produce up to our expectations, now we want some money back, or to pay you less in the future.” Absolutely not. That would never ever happen in any pro sports situation. But why can an athlete demand more just because he had a good season? Sure the Eagles made it to the Super Bowl for the first time in over 20 years. Sure T.O. had one of the best seasons for a wide receiver in Eagles history. But that doesn’t mean he can ask for more money does it? No.
Some call it greediness. Some call it a smart decision to complain. I call it madness. Especially when you put it into perspective. For example, T.O. makes exponentially more than the President of the United States. The President! How can he go out and publicly bash a very respectable Eagles front office and wound his relationship with them just to make more money that he doesn’t even need. I just don’t get it.
Don’t get me wrong people; I have seen this man in person. I have seen him practice at the NovaCare Complex. I understand the raw talent and athletic ability that he has. It’s astounding. He is one of the most physically fit and toned people I have ever seen. He has thus far this season proved his worth and that’s fine. But seriously, and I’m talking directly to you now T.O.: just stick it out. It could be a lot worse.
With the 2005 season three games old for the Eagles, and T.O. producing like he normally does, 21 receptions, 335 yards and three touchdowns, the harsh words seemed to have faded a bit. And so have mine. I respect Terrell Owens as an athlete and as a performer. Unfortunately, I question his morals at times. That’s just how it is. You just have to separate the off-field issues from play on the field. But in the world of sports it’s business as usual.
Posted to the web by Tim Hague
