Banner: We want TO here

[MURP]

August 15, 2005
By ZACH BERMAN

PITTSBURGH -- Team President Joe Banner was interviewed on the Heinz Field sidelines before Monday night's game, and remains confident that the Terrell Owens situation can be resolved.

Banner understands that there is a large difference of opinion regarding Owens' contract, but stands firm on the Eagles' position not to re-negotiate the contract. Rather, the Eagles want to focus on resolving the problem and getting Owens back on the field to help reach the Super Bowl.

"It's time now to get back together and get focused on our goals," Banner told ESPN's Suzy Kolber. "I know T.O. wants to play here and I know he wants a Super Bowl ring. Hopefully he can put the emotions he has behind him and the difference of opinion we have and contribute to that for a year."

Banner confirmed that a letter was sent to Owens regarding last week's dismissal from training camp. The intention was to clear any misunderstanding about the dismissal and outline the Eagles' expectations for the Pro Bowl receiver

"We wanted to make sure there was no ambiguity about what it was that we didn't think was acceptable and try to set a positive goal for his return on Wednesday as for what we can do together and what we can accomplish," Banner said.

"Hopefully we can get to a fresh start and achieve the goals we have."

The notion that the Eagles might trade Owens was also dispelled. Banner emphasized that the organization wants Owens to play for the Eagles and no one else. He said the team hasn't sought interest in Owens, nor have they received any indication of other teams trying to obtain him.

The goal remains keeping Owens in an Eagles jersey this season and creating a situation where he can pick up where he left off after his record-breaking 2004 season.

"He is a great player and we're still optimistic that this is a manageable situation," Banner said. "He's a prideful guy and he's a great player. In the end, hopefully that will override the difference of opinion we have and we can get back on the field together."

doesnt sound like a guy who is sick of TO and wants to make an example of him. 

[WEST is GOD]

You can always say he is just taking the high road, but we'll find out wednesday. If he truly means what he says then they would think long and hard about suspending him for the season.

[TexasEagle]

I don't think anyone really doesn't want him on the team. They just want him to stop being an ass and/or child every day of the week. "Shut up and play" has never fit so well with this situation.

[PhillyPhreak54]

Gary Papa said tonight that he's been told that TO viewed the letter as an insult and he felt that they didn't need to send him that. Basically he's pissed.

[PhillyGirl]

Gary Papa said tonight that he's been told that TO viewed the letter as an insult and he felt that they didn't need to send him that. Basically he's pissed.

LOL, he's been told. 

[General_Failure]

Maybe Banner should have faxed TO a picture of TO's ass with this caption under it:

"Guess what I own?"

[TexasEagle]

Gary Papa? Is that a nickname or something?

[PhillyPhreak54]

Nope..that's his name. Channel 6 Sports Anchor

[Sgt PSN]

Gary Papa? Is that a nickname or something?

Sports anchor for one of the local news programs.  Action News I believe. 

[Rome]

It seems to me that T.O. is slightly retarded and needs even the most basic instructions explained to him repeatedly.

Therefore, when Banner laid out the expectations of the team with respect to T.O.'s behavior and demeanor, everything had to be spelled out precisely for T.O. so that there's no chance of any misinterpretation on T.O.'s part.

Plus, I think they were laying the law down for Rosenhaus as well so that that little spooge-guzzling shyster has no recourse but to accept the terms of the deal T.O. intitially signed.

[WEST is GOD]

TO is so paranoid. He takes everything to heart for a reason.

[MURP]

I don't think anyone really doesn't want him on the team.

I dunno man, in our very scientific CF poll, nearly 60% of the voters dont want TO on the team this year.  Of course, they could have all been Cowturd fans.   

[Sgt PSN]

It seems to me that T.O. is slightly retarded and needs even the most basic instructions explained to him repeatedly.

Therefore, when Banner laid out the expectations of the team with respect to T.O.'s behavior and demeanor, everything had to be spelled out precisely for T.O. so that there's no chance of any misinterpretation on T.O.'s part.

Plus, I think they were laying the law down for Rosenhaus as well so that that little spooge-guzzling shyster has no recourse but to accept the terms of the deal T.O. intitially signed.

In the Marines we are required to document any problems with our subordinates before giving them bad reviews, write them up etc.  It's to show a documented history of problems and the actions taken to attempt to correct those problems.  That way when you write a Marine up or give him bad performace evaluations there is documentation there to support it. 

The Eagles are basically doing the same thing.  They have laid down the law and explained to TO in plain English what is and isn't acceptable behavior.  This way if TO crosses the line again they can suspend him or hand out whatever punishment they feel is necessary and TO wouldn't be able to fight it.  He's already acknowledged reciept of the letter so unlike the changes in filing for free agency, he can't claim that he never got it.  Too bad he hired Rosenhaus.  If he still had Joseph they could use that excuse and everyone would believe it. 

[TexasEagle]

I don't think anyone really doesn't want him on the team.

I dunno man, in our very scientific CF poll, nearly 60% of the voters dont want TO on the team this year. Of course, they could have all been Cowturd fans.

Gah! That reminds me of that stupid poll they kept flashing on the screen over and over again. I'm starting to really, really hate ESPN.

[General_Failure]

They kept flashing it, but from the first time to the last time only 10,000 more people voted. The percentages never moved.