Terrell Owens: Proceed with caution

by Dave Halprin on Sep 27, 2006 11:25 AM CDT in News Comment 32 comments

Terrell Owens attempts suicide. That was a headline that I was not expecting to see this morning. It's easy to write about a player, to call out his failings and foibles, that's safe territory to cover. After all, it's only sports. I've done my fair share of analyzing, dissecting and excoriating Terrell Owens; he provides so much material to go on. But when someone is reported to have attempted suicide, the equation changes. Suddenly, nothing seems quite so funny or so care-free.

Queen Elizabeth I once said "I have no desire to make windows into mens' souls". So I won't either, I can't know what's going on inside Terrell Owens. I pass judgment on his actions all the time; in fact, it's become a national past-time. Whether it's his antics on the field or his unpredictability off the field, Owens was fair game for slings and arrows. In this particular case, the wiser course is to proceed with caution, judging the demons that could lead to a suicide attempt should be left to the professionals.

Logic tells me this had a few ways it could've gone. Owens may have had some kind of psychotic reaction to the medication that left him in an impaired state, one where he wasn't fully in control of his actions. Or Owens may have some kind of mental health issue that somehow forced its way to the surface in dramatic fashion. Perhaps something has been happening to him that we just don't know about, and he really was attempting suicide. All of these are possible, and none deserve our scorn.

What the Cowboys do over the next few days should be a good indication of the truth behind what happened. Bill Parcells is a tough man; we often picture him as the stereotype - the cantankerous old-school coach with a vicious sarcastic speech pattern. He can seem cold and distant. But we've seen his human side when he talks about certain players. He really does care about his charges. Parcells and Owens, by all indications, are only beginning to build a relationship. But Parcells has been around Owens almost every day for the last few months. That has to build some kind of bond.

Parcells will take this very seriously and how Owens' situation affects the team will be a secondary consideration, Owens the person will be the primary consideration. If this was a medical issue, a reaction to the medicine, then the concerns about his mental state are greatly lessened. Under a scenario like that, my guess is that Parcells would permit Owens to play in the near future, as long as everyone that counts is in agreement. If there is more to the story, then Owens will need a longer break from football, the most important thing for him would be his own well-being.

Since I'm not a medical professional, I have only questions and no answers. As a journalist, I'll try to cover the story as evenly as I can, without using one man's tragedy as a punch-line or a cheap ratings gimmick. As a Cowboys fan, I have too many emotions to process right now. As a human being, I'm deeply saddened by what has happened. Terrell Owens told us many times in interviews that no matter how he's portrayed publicly, he's a human being, too. Never was it more important than now to understand that sentiment.

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Proceed with caution

Well said.

by dunkman on Sep 27, 2006 11:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

We're back, full force, into the TO ZONE!

I refer you to my all-time favorite post, written by Grizz, about the "TO Zone." The hilarious--and all too true--opening paragraph:

"You're traveling through a new dimension, a dimension made of neither fact nor reality. A dimension where rumor and innuendo rule the weak-mind, where the headline and the sound-bite are the all-powerful, where intellect and reason are banished. A space so vast that it must be filled by vacuous reports of impending danger, and so dark that even a hint of light from the truth is chased away like so many rats in the night. You are entering the T.O. Zone."

While most of the people on this blog are exercising rational faculties, some of you seriously need a review on the TO Zone:

http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/story/2006/8/28/234038/421

by jsdoty on Sep 27, 2006 11:39 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Well said...

As a Cowboys fan since about 1982, I've almost become desensitized to the behavior of certain players - it's always been more of a 'disappointment' reaction rather than shock- but this incident actually stunned me to silence this morning when I first heard it on Mike & Mike (ESPN Radio). Thankfully for myself I reacted in a human sense first, and a sports fan second. Sure this stinks for the team, but this is a man's life we're talking about.

Suddenly all the arrogance and belligerence almost makes sense - T.O. acts the way he does because it's potentially masking some deeper psychological issues. I can't be sure it's a reaction to the pain medication, because I don't have expertise in that arena. But what sort of meds would T.O. be taking for an injured finger - for only about a week now - that would cause him to attempt suicide?

My only immediate conclusion would be the mental implications of the injury itself - the 'here we go again, that Owens is nothing but problems' rhetoric that seems to follow the man every time he sneezes or misses a practice. T.O. knew he would be missing up to a month of football, and with all the pressure in the world on his head to live up to expectations, the man finally cracked.

Of course, this is only my theory. At least he wasn't successful in his attempt, and this cry for help will finally allow him the help he needs.

I've been dealing with a depressed family member for over a year and a half now, and this just sparked a real emotional reaction from me today. I've been hearing the "attention whore" and "psycho" comments from various sources all morning, and the ignorance just makes me shudder.

by Pete on Sep 27, 2006 11:47 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

pain medicine

When T.O. was in Philly he broke his leg. I'm assuming he was on pain medication then. So what's the difference? Was the prescription for a different drug or perhaps a different dosage? There's a lot of stuff that doesn't add up.

Derek

Signature! I don't need no stinking signature!!

by DerekSTheRed on Sep 27, 2006 12:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

well done

Nice writing, Grizz. Very level-headed and humane. You, Clarence Hill, and Norm Hitzges are the only reliable and balanced sources about this.

Latest is Ed Werder on ESPN reporting that the "Cowboys haven't ruled out Owens practicing as early as tomorrow." In the last few minutes, Deion has arrived at Owens' condo along with Drew Rosenhaus, publicist Etheridge, and various luminaries. Owens will issue a statement or meet reporters any minute now.

I think we're seeing some consistency now in the anecdotal evidence for this as medicinally-induced, erratic behavior.

by AmosM on Sep 27, 2006 12:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Grizz ...

I'm certain that I will not read or hear more thoughtful comments about the "TO circumstance" than what you have written.

This story is now about life first, and football comes much further down the line.

by agapaw on Sep 27, 2006 12:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Our best wishes to TO

He needs to get better, and the team has to help him if he can't help himself. This is much bigger than football.

=====The Curly R: A Redskins Blog=====

by thatguyben on Sep 27, 2006 12:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Bob & Dan

Bob & Dan on KTCK The Ticket are ripping what they're characterizing as bad reporting and conclusion-jumping by Channel 8. They now both say they think the suicide report is highly suspect and they do not believe it.

If Owens is okay, and if the suicide report turns out to be incorrect, then I hope this incident will open a larger conversation about the bias shown by Channel 8, the Dallas Morning News, and their employees in their coverage of the Cowboys.

by AmosM on Sep 27, 2006 12:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

So..

Is that where the report originated? I heard it on ESPN, myself...

If this turns out to be false, I'd say there's some serious legal sh!t going down soon...

by Pete on Sep 27, 2006 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

report origin

The suicide report was derived from the circumstancial information of Etheridge attempting to remove pills from his mouth (now debated), plus the report language that Owens answered "yes" to questions about if he had taken the remainder of his presciption and if he was trying to harm himself. Obviously that's a disturbing piece of information, but it is not incongruous with the newly-emerging narrative line of an adverse reaction to pain pills and supplements creating a groggy and disoriented condition.

It's hard for me to imagine that Baylor doctors would release T.O. already today if they believed he constituted a risk to himself, or that T.O.'s "entourage" of Pastor Prime Time, Etheridge, and Rosenhaus would put him in front of cameras in about ten minutes.

by AmosM on Sep 27, 2006 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

slander and libel?

And on the nation level, ESPN.com still has their "Report: Suicide Try" headline. They could at least throw a goddam question mark on it.

Another case of fake local news (or in the least, seriously mis-reported, perhaps intentionally)that becomes "real" national news. Again, the TO Zone.

by jsdoty on Sep 27, 2006 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

according to Michael Irvin

TO said that he he told the police "yes" when he was asked if he took pills to hurt himself. He does say however, that he didn;t know what was going on at the time and this wasn't a suicide attempt.

So, it does appear that the police report and the reporting done based on that report was correct.

Of course, this is according to Michael Irvin who talked to TO 20 minutes ago.

Philadelphia Eagles Blog http://www.bleedinggreennation.com

by JasonB on Sep 27, 2006 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

This was my first reaction

But according to The Smoking Gun the Police Report calls it an attempted suicide.

The medication very well could have altered his perceptions with as little as one dose -- I once, as a teen, took a single pill that made me sick for weeks -- so sick my folks considered suing the doc who'd prescribed the medication.

Poke

by Poke on Sep 27, 2006 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

right

Frankly I do not have a problem with the media reporting on what a police report says.

It seems now that it was not a suicide attempt, but it still seems likely according to Michael Irvin that TO may have been confused due to the mediation and responded to the police "yes" when they asked if he tried to hurt himself.

This is not jumping the gun on the media's part. Of course they are going to try to get a story out ASAP, and they went on what info they had. The info they had was pretty decent. Lots of stories are written on nothing more than a police report, which is supposed to be a first hadn account of what Owens said.

Philadelphia Eagles Blog http://www.bleedinggreennation.com

by JasonB on Sep 27, 2006 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Journalistic Responsibility

I am a card carrying member of the media (local Austin Media, but media nontheless), and the first thing you are made aware of and kept aware of throughout your life as a journalist is the responibility of your reporting.

It's a thing many journalists forget and end up running with bad info (see Dan Rather). I think that's what happened here, but unfortunately it'll have no affect on how the media operates because most members of the media have become so defensive about the subject they refuse to admit fault (see Dan Rather).

Poke

by Poke on Sep 27, 2006 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I understand

I'm also a member of the media. Look at this on face value. You get a police report that says Owens admitted to taking pills to hurt himself. Now it comes out that he did, albiet in a confused state that he apparently didn't understand, respond yes when asked if he tried to hurt himself.

How can you bash the media over this? How is that not responsible reporting? How is that a story they sit on? That's solid evidence to use. Misunderstandings and mistakes happen.

It appears that it is a fact that TO indicated to the cops that he took pills to hurt himself. In hindsight he is telling everyone that it was a mistake and he was just trying to cooperate in a dazed state.

I don't see how anyone can bash the media as being too quick to report on what happened. They reported the facts of the case, facts that appear to have been confirmed by TO himself.

Philadelphia Eagles Blog http://www.bleedinggreennation.com

by JasonB on Sep 27, 2006 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

AGREED! And it will be a valuable lesson learned!

The TO hatred by some is amazing. This will turn out to be nothing, and will only wake a few people up about how rediculous it really is for some to just be sitting back HOPING that something factual will happen that will allow some to say "I told you it was a mistake to acquire TO!" It's not going to happen and all the hatred in the world is only going to make sure that it doesn't. This situation will help the Cowboys and fans come together and be more open to TO being on our team. He did absolutely nothing wrong, yet some have tried to make him out to be a demon because of this. They can deny it all they want, but their desire to make this out to be something that it wasn't only reveals their true childish mindset. I am definitely convinced that every member of our team will now somehow be much closer to TO than ever before. Thanks to all the haters! :)

STAY TUNED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

by dboysrback on Sep 27, 2006 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

TO presser delayed to 12:30 Central

T.O. at 12:30 Central.

Tuna at 1:30 Central.

by AmosM on Sep 27, 2006 12:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

UPDATE

Michael Irvin has said on ESPN that he's talked to TO who does admit that when the police asked if he took pills to hurt himself he said "yes". However, TO denies that in any way this was a suicide attempt. This is a positive development. In the end we all want the guy to be safe.

Philadelphia Eagles Blog http://www.bleedinggreennation.com

by JasonB on Sep 27, 2006 12:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

And as we say in the Army

"The first report is always wrong..."

by dunkman on Sep 27, 2006 12:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Media Coverage

I doubt this will cause any big time debate about media coverage -- most of the coverage today has centered around TO's mental state, and any instance where a call in guest brought up the media's role, the subject has been quickly changed (at least on Cowherd's show).

Poke

by Poke on Sep 27, 2006 12:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Hook us up with a T.O. press conference update...

Please. I'm not somewhere that I can watch TV but I'll check back here every so often.

by Doomsday on Sep 27, 2006 12:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Same here.

Post any further details!

by Pete on Sep 27, 2006 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

IMPORTANT COMMENTS! WHAT UP HATERS?

Multiple people with knowledge of this sort of incident and these types of investigations maintain that if this indeed was determined to be a suicide attempt the DPD would not be allowing Owens to leave Baylor Medical Center, as he already has, and that it would subject Owens to a 72-hour psychological investigation.

That Lt. Watson said one more time, "It's not a criminal offense" seems to refute the notion that whatever happened from the time a 911 call was placed Tuesday evening by Owens' publicist Kim Etheredge and the 10 a.m. news conference was not the suicide attempt that has been widely reported.

Etheredge told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that Owens "is fine . . . he will be leaving the hospital today." Owens in fact not only was leaving the hospital this morning, but to make a statement for reporters outside his residence early Wednesday afternoon.

Cowboys officials have made no comment so far on the incident, other than to point out a normal schedule of practice, open locker room and head coach Bill Parcells' daily news conference was planned for Wednesday as the team continues preparation for Sunday's game at Tennessee. Parcells' news conference planned for 1:30 p.m. (CDT) can be heard on DallasCowboys.com.

Owens has been taking pain medication for the past week, following his surgery on Sept. 18 to place a metal plate over his fractured fourth metacarpal on his right hand to help facilitate healing. In fact, Parcells said last Wednesday Owens had a bad reaction to pain medication and was sent home while the team had its first workout during the bye week. Owens returned to The Ranch on Thursday and actually did some running with the team on Friday.

As of Tuesday, when the Cowboys returned to practice from their bye weekend, Parcells hadn't ruled out the possibility of Owens returning Sunday against the Titans (noon, CDT), a potential 13-day turnaround from last Monday's surgery. Owens didn't practice Tuesday but began catching passes, and Parcells said he thought Owens would participate to some extent at practice Wednesday.

According to Etheredge, Owens experienced increased pain and discomfort Tuesday evening, causing him to take a few of his pain medication pills. She also told the Star-Telegram Owens had previously taken some supplements and that "it kicked in a reaction.

"When I went to grab him, he was out of it. That's why I called 911."

Etheredge said Owens did not have his stomach pumped at the hospital and did not vomit, as was initially reported by several local news affiliates.

by dboysrback on Sep 27, 2006 12:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

change of venue/time again

Deion Sanders just said that T.O. is going to Valley Ranch. Sanders told reporters that T.O. will speak to reporters AFTER the Tuna presser. I don't know about you guys, but I sort of need to get on with my day, and it's starting to look like T.O. is going to have a more normal day than the rest of us if we don't get away from our computers.

He's going to work and I probably should too.

by AmosM on Sep 27, 2006 12:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

TO refutes claims

"Man, that didn't happen."

Forgive me if this has been posted elsewhere.

Poke

by Poke on Sep 27, 2006 12:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

mosely retreats at full speed

Matt Mosely is starting the Belo/Channel 8/DMN effort to distance themselves from their own irresponsible "journalism" by suggesting that anything T.O. and the Cowboys say later today is "spin."

MOSELY:"What you're about to hear is some huge spin control. T.O. will say that this was all a huge misunderstanding. What's hard to figure out is how his publicist, Kim Etheredge, went from trying to save her client's life to saying he just had a bad mix of pain medication and supplements."

He's the one doing the spinning and you can bet the entire Belo Empire is getting their orders from up on high. I posted a comment on that blog suggesting that Mosely himself was in spin-mode, but they blacklisted me over there a long time ago. Not because I use obscenities or don't know my way around the language, but because I consistently criticize their coverage. Hey, it's their blog and they can ban who they like. But I hope if any of you guys have time to respond to Mosely's snow-job that you will. They can't ban everybody. Or maybe they can.

breaking news from Bob and Dan: Parcells at 1:30, Bledsoe to address team at 2, Bledsoe talks to Bob and Dan at 2:10, then T.O. at 2:30 CST. LOL. Dan just said "if you have a couple of things to do, you might want to do them now."

by AmosM on Sep 27, 2006 12:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

mosely retreats at full speed

Yeah, heard the same type thing coming across on ESPN radio from Dan-Boy Patrick. Sure, it could be spin by TO's camp, but at this point, it seems just as likely that Etheredge found him woozy and assumed he had OD'd, but after further assessment, thinks he had an adverse reaction.

Either way, the key point is that everyone in the media is waiting for something bad surrounding TO, and are poised to jump on anything and everything that even comes close.

by dunkman on Sep 27, 2006 12:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Mosely on radio

For the postmodernists in the audience, we have the meta-narrative now of Mosely writing about the Ticket talking about his blog and so he calls the Ticket to go on the air. Reporters are reporting on reporters reporting. Makes you want to take 35 pain pills.

Meanwhile Mosely is VERY interested in characterizing anything that Owens or the Cowboys will say later is "spin control." No chance it might be the truth, Matt? Bristol is watching!! Ham it up.

by AmosM on Sep 27, 2006 12:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

why Matt Mosely fills me with rage

On his blog, Mosely is trapped in the tangles of his own logical errors. He reports that:

(1)the POLICE are revising their report (which was "premature")

but that:
(2) everything that TO says later will only be spin control--lies, in other words, to cover his attempted suicide, even though the original document claiming suicide is becoming invalidated by the authority that issued it. Apparently TO has no right to put his "version" of events out there, and if does, we shouldn't listen.

Ergo:
Mosely is a lying idiot.

by jsdoty on Sep 27, 2006 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Whew.

Just went over to home base for a moment (dallascowboys.com), and a big blue headline under Owens' photo screams "OWENS RELEASED".

(from the hospital)

Needless to say, my pulse quickened a tad.

by Pete on Sep 27, 2006 1:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Etheridge made an $honest$ mistake

She's not working for T.O. for nothing right? She sees her benefactor laying on a table, unresponsive and a bottle of pills nearby - she panicked. It's almost the end of the month, that new red convertible is already on order.... and Pappi pays so gooood. Don't die Pappi!

Ok so I'm jaded but you get the idea. Her mouth may have leaked "suicide" and everyone with a police radio scanner ran for their slippers and cell phones for a chance at cracking a less than pedestrian story.

by Doomsday on Sep 27, 2006 4:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs