Could the Terrell Owens situation be heading to a courtroom as a free-speech case?

That seems unlikely, but consumer advocate Ralph Nader is now involved in the fued between Owens and the Eagles.

Nader wants the Eagles and the NFL to drop the Owens suspension, which he says "dishonors this country's traditional respect for free speech."

Adds Nader: "There is, as well, a consumer issue at stake here. Fans have purchased tickets for Eagles' games, in Philadelphia and elsewhere, on the assumption that they will see one of the game's most exciting receivers, so long as he is healthy enough to play. The Eagles' action denies them this opportunity."

The Nader letter raises the specter that an outside entity could sue the league or the Eagles, and push the Owens saga past Nov. 18, when a league arbitrator will decide what happens to T.O.

The Terrell Owens saga      McNabb rips T.O. for wanting white QB Ventre: Donovan becoming the new T.O. Vote: Do you agree with McNabb? Ex-Eagle Douglas: McNabb not a leader Chiefs join others in pursuit of Owens Expert: Market for T.O. will be hot Timeline of Owens' controversies   Slide show: A controversial career

And as far-fetched as it sounds, we could see Owens, the Eagles, the NFL, Nader and a host of lawyers in court, arguing that T.O. is a free-speech victim, and not just a troublesome employee, depending on the outcome of next Friday's grievance hearing.

In an ironic piece of timing, Terrell Owens is the guest this Sunday on MTV's 'Punk'd,' where Ashton Kutcher and friends pull a mean prank on Owens.

We have the advanced footage and there are some funny confrontations with a fake lawyer and a fan who says he really likes Donovan McNabb.

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