Goodbye to Terrell "T.O." Owens — for now.
One of the most talented (and controversial) stars in the NFL is currently unemployed. The Dallas Cowboys released him today after a year of team turmoil when, among other things, Owens complained publicly about not being thrown the ball enough. His stats were down, the 'Boys didn't make it to the playoffs and obviously outspoken owner Jerry Jones needed a change.
(Take a look inside the Cowboys' locker room —
before T.O.'s locker was cleaned out.)
It's been a huge story in the sports world today, because the move comes as somewhat of a shock — especially to those who live right in the D. Avid Cowboys fans who make music in Dallas e-mailed us today with their reactions.
"I think the Cowboys will be good with or without T.O., and I'm sure T.O. will be good with or without the Cowboys," wrote a very diplomatic Skillz, half of the Grammy-winning production duo Play N Skillz. "The Cowboys have a good all-around team, and I don't think one person will affect their playoff run."
"I think this is a great move by the Cowboys organization," Skillz's brother/partner Play said. "T.O. is a great player, but his off-the-field antics were showing the team in a negative light. I figured this was going to happen when we picked up Roy Williams. I tip my hat to Jerry Jones, because he proved that no one athlete is bigger than Dallas or the Dallas Cowboys. Goodbye, Terrell Owens, and let the season begin for the 'Boys."
While Play N Skillz concur that their hometown team can survive without the star player, Big Chief, on the other hand, said dropping T.O. is a mistake.
"I think that was a bad move for the Cowboys," Big Chief said. "They don't have anyone to replace him, and if he stays in the same division, T.O. is going to kill the Cowboys when they meet."
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones released a statement to ESPN, saying, "In the aftermath of the season, we talked about change. Some of what is changing involves the process, and some of it involves people. This is a decision that was made based upon consideration for an entire team.
“We will move on now with a new team — a new attitude — and into a new stadium,” he added. "The evaluation process and the prospect for change will continue at every level of the organization."
Owens thanked his fans on his Web site and said he was looking forward to continuing his career.