2008 Woodie Awards
Terrell Owens wants to renegotiate contract
Matt Smith
Issue date: 4/20/05 Section: Athletics
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The honeymoon with Terrell Owens in Philadelphia may be over. The all-pro wide receiver is campaigning for a new contract, and seems to be causing serious doubt among fans whether he?ll return to play for the Eagles in the 2005 season.
Owens signed a seven-year, $49 million contract in March of 2004 after he helped force a trade that sent him to the Eagles. Owens is only set to make $3.5 million in his second season in Philadelphia. In 2006, Owens will make a base salary of just $770,000, but with roster bonuses of over $7 million.
In an interview with CNBC, an emotional Owens talked about his financial future and his desire to support his family, including his ailing grandmother who is suffering from Alzheimer?s disease. "In this situation, at this point in my career, it?s business first. It?s family first," said Owens.
Owens recently complained in various reports about having no leverage at the time histract was renegotiated with the Eagles. The NFL brokered a deal with the Eagles, and Owens and his former agent, David Joseph, had little input in coming to terms with a more appropriate deal. "[The NFL] used their leverage to strong-arm us because they knew I wanted to leave Baltimore for Philadelphia, and they capitalized on it. I can?t go for that now.
It?s not in me to do that," said Owens in an Associated Press report.Last month, Owens fired Joseph, who represented him since his rookie season in 1996. "Terrell is doing this for himself and his family," said Owens? new agent Drew Rosenhaus, on Fox Sports Net?s "Best Damn Sports Show"
Rosenhaus assured Eagles fans that Owens "loves you guys", and that it is "just business." One Eagles fan doesn?t want to hear it. "[Rosenhaus] is a hardball agent who just wants his share of the contract.
Terrell made a huge mistake hiring this guy," said sophomore Joe Kilgore. "Terrell is really wearing out his welcome real quickly. It?s a shame this had to happen. I know for Eagles fans, it is personal - real personal." The consequences of Owens seeking a new contract may significantly impact the Eagles this season.
Owens signed a seven-year, $49 million contract in March of 2004 after he helped force a trade that sent him to the Eagles. Owens is only set to make $3.5 million in his second season in Philadelphia. In 2006, Owens will make a base salary of just $770,000, but with roster bonuses of over $7 million.
In an interview with CNBC, an emotional Owens talked about his financial future and his desire to support his family, including his ailing grandmother who is suffering from Alzheimer?s disease. "In this situation, at this point in my career, it?s business first. It?s family first," said Owens.
Owens recently complained in various reports about having no leverage at the time histract was renegotiated with the Eagles. The NFL brokered a deal with the Eagles, and Owens and his former agent, David Joseph, had little input in coming to terms with a more appropriate deal. "[The NFL] used their leverage to strong-arm us because they knew I wanted to leave Baltimore for Philadelphia, and they capitalized on it. I can?t go for that now.
It?s not in me to do that," said Owens in an Associated Press report.Last month, Owens fired Joseph, who represented him since his rookie season in 1996. "Terrell is doing this for himself and his family," said Owens? new agent Drew Rosenhaus, on Fox Sports Net?s "Best Damn Sports Show"
Rosenhaus assured Eagles fans that Owens "loves you guys", and that it is "just business." One Eagles fan doesn?t want to hear it. "[Rosenhaus] is a hardball agent who just wants his share of the contract.
Terrell made a huge mistake hiring this guy," said sophomore Joe Kilgore. "Terrell is really wearing out his welcome real quickly. It?s a shame this had to happen. I know for Eagles fans, it is personal - real personal." The consequences of Owens seeking a new contract may significantly impact the Eagles this season.
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