A Tiger Can't Change His Stripes

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T.O. SAYS: "WHY THE F--K AM I HERE?"

Howard Eskin of WIP radio and NBC 10 in Philly reports, by way of Tom Curran of NBCSports.com, that Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens entered the Dallas locker room after the team's 38-24 loss to the Eagles and yelled, "Why did you guys bring me here? Why the f--k am I here?"

Owens had only three catches for 45 yards. Unofficially, 11 balls were thrown his way, he dropped three, and two were intercepted.

The fact that the Cowboys didn't showcase Owens in his return to Philly could be interpreted as a not-so-subtle message from coach Bill Parcells to Owens and, indirectly, to owner Jerry Jones that, as long as the whistle still dangles from the Tuna's cleavage, he's the guy who's calling the shots on game day.

For us, the move conjures memories of former Cowboys running back Eddie George, who was signed by Jones without Parcells' involvement, and who then languished on the bench for most of his one year in Big D.

It's no secret in league circles that Parcells didn't want Owens. And we continue to hear that, indeed, Parcells wanted to cut him in early September. Though some naysayers have dismissed our report by pointing to Owens' "$15 million" signing bonus, he received only $5 million up front. Cutting him would have actually created $5 million in 2006 cap space, and would have triggered a mere $3.33 million in dead money for 2007.

Besides, Parcells is notorious for picking his roster irrespective (or, as Bill Maas would say, irregardless) of pedigree.

Sure, Owens drew double coverage from time to time on Sunday, which opened up the field for other guys. But T.O. didn't come to town to be a high-priced decoy; he wants to be a (the) "star among stars."

So the Eagles won Round One with Owens. Whether he's even on the roster for the return match on Christmas Day in Dallas is, at this point, an open question.

I'm glad he's all yours Cowboys fans. Couldn't happen to a better fan base.