Owens-Parcells rivalry nothing but a media creation
August 20, 2006
by Chris Russell
Sporting News
As a member of the media, I've always strived to think a little differently than the rest and to not always be a card-carrying member of the "There's no story, so let's create one" club.
That's why I am so disappointed by the non-stop soap opera that is Dallas Cowboys training camp in Oxnard, CA, a situation that everyone knew was going to be a circus, and now is a full-fledged house of horrors.
The media has been stalking out a controversy for weeks and finally got their wish.
Terrell Owens, who of course deserves no benefit of the doubt because of his own selfish antics in San Francisco and Philly, missed 14 team workouts earlier this month. He got back on to the field last week, but now has been ruled out of Monday night's nationally televised preseason game vs. New Orleans.
Bill Parcells allegedly ordered the Cowboys team trainer to get Owens back on the field, and bam, there he was. Then there was the infamous "practice" press conference, which has been played over and over again like he was Allen Iverson Sr.
Sorry, but I don't believe for a minute that Parcells would be stupid enough to order Owens back to practice fields last week, unless he was medically cleared and good enough to go. Parcells is tough and militant at times, but he's not a moron.
Parcells is not going to risk Owens being out for eight weeks of the regular season just so that T.O. can practice three or four more times with his teammates, or to give dopey Tony Kornheiser something to ramble on about on Monday Night Football.
Sure, Parcells can ride guys pretty hard, and there is no doubt that he is the boss. That's all fine and good, but Parcells cares more about winning football games and championships than looking good for the media and the outside world.
Parcells knows that the only way the Cowboys contend for a championship this year is with Owens, a better field goal kicker (Mike Vanderjagt) and an improved defense that keeps getting better.
Every coach, Parcells or first timers like Gary Kubiak or Brad Childress, want their players to practice. Nobody batted an eyelash when Brian Billick sent a jab in the direction of second year wide receiver Mark Clayton, who has battled some injuries - with Billick saying in June, "We're going to make him start renting his uniform if he's not out here more."
It's only because it's Owens and Parcells, two fiercely stubborn individuals who are both very good at what they do, but also have very confrontational personalities.
Another reason why this is much ado about nothing, and a complete media fabrication, is when you look at what is going on in Steelers camp. The Steelers are the defending Super Bowl Champions, with Ben Roethlisberger coming off a near-death experience and a banged-up hand. Not to mention, Hines Ward has missed some significant practice and playing time so far this summer. Where is all the media coverage in Latrobe? Of course, it's not there. Why? Simply, it's not controversial enough. It's not a juicy enough story. There is a much better chance of creating headlines and making up stories in Cowboys camp than with the champs.
I know that Owens is a drama queen, and certainly deserves no benefit of the doubt, but even I believe that he's legitimately hurt and is not boycotting by riding his cute little exercise bike thinking that he's Lance Armstrong.
Maybe it's a good thing that I'm not in Oxnard with the Cowboys. The silliness and stupidity might actually get me to start making up stories.
by Chris Russell
Sporting News
As a member of the media, I've always strived to think a little differently than the rest and to not always be a card-carrying member of the "There's no story, so let's create one" club.
That's why I am so disappointed by the non-stop soap opera that is Dallas Cowboys training camp in Oxnard, CA, a situation that everyone knew was going to be a circus, and now is a full-fledged house of horrors.
The media has been stalking out a controversy for weeks and finally got their wish.
Terrell Owens, who of course deserves no benefit of the doubt because of his own selfish antics in San Francisco and Philly, missed 14 team workouts earlier this month. He got back on to the field last week, but now has been ruled out of Monday night's nationally televised preseason game vs. New Orleans.
Bill Parcells allegedly ordered the Cowboys team trainer to get Owens back on the field, and bam, there he was. Then there was the infamous "practice" press conference, which has been played over and over again like he was Allen Iverson Sr.
Sorry, but I don't believe for a minute that Parcells would be stupid enough to order Owens back to practice fields last week, unless he was medically cleared and good enough to go. Parcells is tough and militant at times, but he's not a moron.
Parcells is not going to risk Owens being out for eight weeks of the regular season just so that T.O. can practice three or four more times with his teammates, or to give dopey Tony Kornheiser something to ramble on about on Monday Night Football.
Sure, Parcells can ride guys pretty hard, and there is no doubt that he is the boss. That's all fine and good, but Parcells cares more about winning football games and championships than looking good for the media and the outside world.
Parcells knows that the only way the Cowboys contend for a championship this year is with Owens, a better field goal kicker (Mike Vanderjagt) and an improved defense that keeps getting better.
Every coach, Parcells or first timers like Gary Kubiak or Brad Childress, want their players to practice. Nobody batted an eyelash when Brian Billick sent a jab in the direction of second year wide receiver Mark Clayton, who has battled some injuries - with Billick saying in June, "We're going to make him start renting his uniform if he's not out here more."
It's only because it's Owens and Parcells, two fiercely stubborn individuals who are both very good at what they do, but also have very confrontational personalities.
Another reason why this is much ado about nothing, and a complete media fabrication, is when you look at what is going on in Steelers camp. The Steelers are the defending Super Bowl Champions, with Ben Roethlisberger coming off a near-death experience and a banged-up hand. Not to mention, Hines Ward has missed some significant practice and playing time so far this summer. Where is all the media coverage in Latrobe? Of course, it's not there. Why? Simply, it's not controversial enough. It's not a juicy enough story. There is a much better chance of creating headlines and making up stories in Cowboys camp than with the champs.
I know that Owens is a drama queen, and certainly deserves no benefit of the doubt, but even I believe that he's legitimately hurt and is not boycotting by riding his cute little exercise bike thinking that he's Lance Armstrong.
Maybe it's a good thing that I'm not in Oxnard with the Cowboys. The silliness and stupidity might actually get me to start making up stories.
posted by The Gryphon at 5:41 PM
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