Jesse Jackson says T.O. punishment too tough
Activist says punishment more fair if Owens had shaved points, sold drugs
 | Video |
 | King's Notebook: Week 11 Nov. 22: Dan Patrick and Peter King break down the wild finish in Detroit, highlighting the clutch play of Matthew Stafford and the decision making of Eric Mangini. NBC Sports |
 | Video: Football from NBC Sports |
 Browns ‘sick, disappointed’ with their loss Nov. 23: Eric Mangini and Brady Quinn can’t believe Cleveland lost to Detroit, but it’s even worse how they lost. |
NFL team pages |
 | Slideshow |
 | more photos |
PHILADELPHIA - The Rev. Jesse Jackson called the Philadelphia Eagles’ punishment of Terrell Owens “much too severe.”
Jackson said in a statement released Friday that Owens could have been more professional when he publicly complained about his contract, his team and the Eagles’ organization.
But Jackson said Owens’ suspension without pay for four games and deactivation for the rest of the season is “much too severe for the charge” and hurts the athlete’s NFL career at its height.
The civil rights activist said the level of punishment could have been warranted if Owens had been caught shaving points, selling drugs, carrying a gun or fighting fans without sufficient restraint.
“This does not warrant a one-year ban from the game,” Jackson said, adding that the Eagles should release Owens to the open market or free agency if they no longer want to associate with him.
|
Owens was suspended last week after he said in an interview that the Eagles showed “a lack of class” for not publicly recognizing his 100th career touchdown catch, and that the team would be better off with Green Bay’s Brett Favre as quarterback. He has since apologized.
- Discuss Story On Newsvine
-
Rate Story:
LowHigh - Instant Message
MORE FROM NFL |
 NFL Section Front |
| Add NFL headlines to your news reader: |
Sponsored links