Terrell Owens Has A Reality Television Show?
By author
I recall attending a Seahawks game at Qwest Field on a Monday night in 2002. It was the middle of October, and Monday Night Football had come to Seattle for the first time in nearly a decade. The Seahawks were hosting the San Francisco 49ers, a new division opponent in the NFC West.
The atmosphere at the stadium was just a notch below a playoff game. Fans in Seattle were pretty excited to see the return of Monday Night Football to Seattle – any national exposure up here usually indicates some sort of success.
Midway through the fourth quarter, Terrell Owens caught a touchdown pass while being defended by Shawn Springs. Owens reached into his sock, pulled out a Sharpie, and signed the football. He then jogged over to Shawn Springs’ suite, and handed the ball to a mutual friend.
No class, Seattle players thought. John Randle referred to the incident as an “embarrassment to the league.” Mike Holmgren called Owens’ celebration “shameful” and a dishonor to anyone who ever played the game.
In the stands, we were more concerned that the Hawks had just surrendered the go-ahead touchdown. To be honest, I didn’t even think much of the celebration until I got home and saw the highlights on SportsCenter. It could be because I had my face buried in my hands, but I had just assumed Owens was up to his normal antics. I was more upset that the Seahawks ended up losing to the 49ers, 28-21.
And the Sharpie incident wouldn’t be the last time that Terrell Owens found a way to get himself national exposure. Like a child, Owens seems to crave attention and must always be the center of discussion. His selfish habits have caused him to bounce around the league, unable to find a steady home regardless of his talent.
Since the Sharpie incident, Owens has celebrated touchdowns by borrowing a pair of pom-poms from a 49ers cheerleader, mocking Ray Lewis by performing the linebacker’s trademark celebration dance, tearing down a fan’s sign that read, “T.O. has B.O.”, and mocking Bill Belichick by holding the football to his face like a video camera, as if he was secretly filming the game. There have been several other celebrations done by Owens, and far too many to list.
Terrell Owens has openly argued with coaches on the sidelines during games, criticized teammates through the media, and is constantly late for team practices and meetings. He seems to have the same troubles wherever he goes, and many critics consider him a selfish player and a locker room “cancer”.
After Dallas cut ties with the troubled receiver last March, some folks thought it was a real possibility that Owens would end up in Seattle. Fortunately for Seahawks fans, Seattle didn’t show any interest and now Owens is in Buffalo. And do I ever feel sorry for the fans in Buffalo.
But wait; now you’re telling me Terrell Owens has his own reality show on television? So he can continue his childish antics and selfish ways? Not a chance I’ll watch even a second of it. In fact, I’ve never been so thankful that I have to work during the “primetime” television hours.
For the sake of fans in Buffalo and the entire football organization, I hope the Terrell Owens signing works out. But if history is any indicator of what will happen in Buffalo, then the Bills are definitely in trouble. As long as that mess stays far away from Seattle, I’ll be fine. Just don’t expect me to pay attention to any of it – including his new television show.