updated 7:58 p.m. ET Nov. 29, 2005

PHILADELPHIA - Sen. Arlen Specter backed off a threat to have a Senate subcommittee investigate whether the NFL and the Philadelphia Eagles violated antitrust laws in their handling of Terrell Owens.

Specter, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said Tuesday that he talked to lawyers in the Department of Justice about the issue.

“I think it’s more a matter for them than us because we’ve got ... a lot of matters which take precedence over this for our own time,” said Specter, R-Pa.

Specter did not say Tuesday whether the Justice Department indicated it will look into the matter.

Early next year his committee will conduct a confirmation hearing for Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito.

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

On Monday, Specter said it was “vindictive and inappropriate” for the league and the Eagles to prohibit the All-Pro receiver from playing and prevent other teams from talking to him, and he might refer the matter to the subcommittee. He added that he was “not a supporter of Terrell Owens.”

The Eagles suspended Owens on Nov. 5 for four games without pay for “conduct detrimental to the team,” and deactivated him with pay Sunday after the suspension ended.

Slideshow   Week in Sports Pictures A boxing champ celebrates, a kicker regrets, fans mourn a hero, and much more. more photos

Arbitrator Richard Bloch said last week the team’s actions were supported by the labor agreement between the league and the NFL Players Association.

MORE FROM NFL

NFL Section Front

Steelers’ playoff future slipping away   Chiefs pull off K.C. masterpiece, stun Steelers Bengals botch chances, lead in loss to Raiders   Eagles shake off close losses, edge Bears Pats stifle Jets, take 2-game lead in AFC East   Video: Patriots make a statement Saints move to 10-0, but ‘haven’t peaked yet’ Colts survive vs. Ravens by a ‘small margin’ Chargers rout Broncos, move atop AFC West Giants boot Falcons in OT, stop 4-game slide NFL Section Front   Add NFL headlines to your news reader: