Thursday, October 17, 2002
Owens won't be disciplined for autograph
The Associated Press
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Terrell Owens is still thinking up unique ways to celebrate his touchdown catches. The San Francisco 49ers' All-Pro receiver doesn't understand why some people didn't see the humor in his latest innovation Monday night during a 28-21 victory over Seattle.
After beating cornerback Shawn Springs for the winning score in the fourth quarter, Owens produced a pen from his sock, signed the ball and presented it to his financial adviser in the front row.
“I felt it was harmless,” Owens said Wednesday. “At the same time, I thought it was funny, being creative. So it has gotten more attention than I really expected.”
His move infuriated many of the Seahawks and prompted a national debate. Some saw it as creative and funny; to others, it was a boastful taunt.
To Owens, it's just another chapter in a remarkable career that's been marked by clashes with his coaches, teammates, opponents and the media — and several years of outstanding play as one of the NFL's top receivers.
“Things I've done that really have gotten so much nationwide attention were because they were different and I'm different,” Owens said. “I think that people who see me do these things, maybe they have something against me or don't like me. Some people can deal with it, and some people can't.”
Owens won't be fined or suspended by the NFL, league spokesman Greg Aiello said.
“However, such acts will not be tolerated going forward,” Aiello said.
Many members of the Seahawks — not Springs, however — were angered by Owens' celebration, with coach Mike Holmgren calling it “shameful” and “a dishonor to anyone who ever played this game.”
More than one Seattle player suggested retaliation might be in order when the teams play at San Francisco on Dec. 1.
“At this point, I'm still baffled by where the disrespect comes in,” Owens said. “It wasn't like I made a gesture toward anybody or the team or anything. I just signed the ball and gave it to a friend.”
Owens could only laugh at the Seahawks' vows of revenge — and he thought he knew the real reason behind Holmgren's comments.
“My coach wasn't bothered by it,” Owens said. “He thought it was funny, just like a lot of people. I think (Holmgren), being on the losing end of it makes him bitter. It's not like I'm disrespecting the game or I disrespected him.
“They're going through a tough time where they're 1-4 and they got beat in their home spot. Obviously, he has some issues that he has to deal with.”
The rest of the 49ers (4-1) were taken aback by all the attention being paid to the demonstration as they prepared for Sunday's game in New Orleans. Pro Bowl center Jeremy Newberry vowed to help protect Owens from any cheap shots from the Seahawks, and most of his teammates echoed Mariucci's chuckles about Owens' move.
“I'm sure he didn't do it to knock Seattle,” quarterback Jeff Garcia said. “It's just one of those things where he had an idea and he went with it.”
Owens has employed a variety of odd dances and choreographed moves after scoring touchdowns, including his league-high 16 last season.
He caused his biggest stir more than two years ago when he celebrated two touchdowns by running to the Dallas Cowboys' star logo at midfield in Texas Stadium.
“After you look at what I did (in Dallas), I think a lot of people were for it and a lot of people were against it,” Owens said. “But at the same time, it wouldn't be such a big deal if it weren't for the media. I think our reaction is based on the media, so I really think it was media-influenced.”
Mariucci suspended Owens for one game after the Dallas game, a move which catalyzed months of bad feelings between the two. But Mariucci had no problem with Owens' latest self-expression.
“T.O. explained everything to me,” the coach said. “We had a good talk on the bus (Monday night). We don't even need to talk about it anymore.”
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Owens won't be disciplined for autograph