Terrell Owens Suspension Upheld

Arbitrator Sides With Eagles, Ending Star Receiver's Season

(CBS/AP) 
The reigning conference champions are 0-3 without Owens and 4-6 overall, last in the NFC East.

"We're trying to concentrate so hard because we know it's there, we're not being ourselves," said defensive end N.D. Kalu. "It just got to the point where it's just frustrating. We're playing the Giants, we're playing Green Bay, but yet we're talking about a guy who's not here. Most of us like him, but we're not supposed to like him, so you've got to watch how you answer the questions."

Some players, including Pro Bowl linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, said they wanted Owens back, but coach Andy Reid and management stuck by their decision.

"T.O. has friends on the team, so they're going to feel for T.O. and like him," Reid said before the decision was announced. "I expected guys to come talk to me. Jeremiah, being one of the leaders, did that. I didn't have a problem with it."

Owens has five years remaining on a seven-year, $48.97 million contract that he signed when he came to Philadelphia in March 2004. His problems started when he demanded a new contract after an outstanding season in which he caught 77 passes for 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns.

He took his first verbal shot at McNabb, suggesting the five-time Pro Bowl quarterback was tired in the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl loss to New England.

McNabb responded harshly and the two didn't speak for a prolonged period in training camp. They briefly reconciled their relationship and performed well together on the field — Owens had 47 catches for 763 yards and six TDs in seven games.

Owens earned a one-week exile from training camp after a heated dispute with Reid that followed a shouting match with offensive coordinator Brad Childress.

One day after the Eagles told him to go home for good, a contrite Owens apologized to McNabb, Reid, the team's owner and president, and fans.

"I fight for what I think is right. In doing so, I alienated a lot of my fans and my teammates," Owens said, reading a statement outside his house outside Philadelphia.

His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said Owens was making a public apology (video) in hopes of returning to the Eagles immediately.

The team was unmoved.

Owens was set to earn base salaries of $770,000 in 2006, $5.5 million in 2007, $6.5 million in 2008, $7.5 million in 2009, and $8.5 million in 2010.