TO

Dallas Cowboys release Terrell Owens

From ESPN, Jerry Jones didn't initially plan to fire Owens, but was pressured to do so by OC Jason Garrett, QB Tony Romo, and TE Jason Whitten.

It seems like, oddly, TO was particularly popular amongst defensive players (for example Terrance Newman), while disliked by some offensive players and coaches. His supporters credit his unmatched heart, work-ethic and talent. His detractors point to his divisiveness -- being a "cancer" -- in the clubhouse. This divisiveness stems from his demands on how he is used in the offense. In his defense, one often hears quotes along the lines of "Show me a WR who does not want the ball more and I'll show you a WR who doesn't belong in the NFL."

Its worth noting that TO is extra-ordinarily divisive to the degree that team-mates buy his arguments. It is precisely because many of the Dallas players believed that Garrett, Romo and Whitten were under-using TO to the team's detriment, that TO had to be cut. A lesser player making similar comments would be less divisive and, therefore, more tolerable,

It is not clear to me that Romo is an winningNFL QB. He certainly has the talent, but thus far has yet to develop the judgment, especially under pressure. Given his central role in TO's dismissal, he will playing this season under a tight microscope. While talent left in DAL, far exceed that which Garcia and McNabb were left-with post TO, offenses have not improved with a TO departure.

ESPN reports that OAK is the team most interested in TO. This would be a good move for OAK, given their investment in JaMarcus Russell. It might be good for TO as Al Davis is not afraid to spend money.

Baltimore would be a great fit for TO personel-wise. With TO, if they can keep their defense mostly intact, they may well be the pre-season favorite for the super-bowl. Cameron -- who knows how to use stars -- must be salivating at the prospect of coaching TO. Harbaugh tho, was on Philly when TO disrupted there and may hold it against him.

A more interesting option mentioned may be IND. TO has arguably never played with a great QB. He need not fear insufficient attention to the passing game in Indy. If he could come to terms with it mentally, he would only benefit statistically from being a #2 WR.

With either IND or BAL, TO stands a better chance of winning a ring next year then Jerry Jones has.

A dark horse team may be MIA. On account of his heart and work-ethic, I've always seen TO as a Parcels sort of guy. On the other hand, Pennington does not seem to have the arm to take real advantage of TO.

In the end, I see TO's exit from "America's Team" as a metaphor for the general decline of America. TO exemplifies those qualities that used to be most identified with American greatness. He was a late third round draft pick from a forgettable school, initially buried behind more gilded players. But he had god-given talent buttressed by uncompromising work-ethic and all-encompassing commitment and heart, alongside a willingness to speak the truth as he sees it.

Romo and Garrett represent what America is becoming. Garrett was tagged as future head coach while still a backup QB. Romo famously took a mini-vacation with his pop-singer girlfriend days before a playoff game (which he lost). Neither has done much to indicate they really have what it takes to get going when the going gets tough. For example, as TO did putting up a MVP caliber performance in the super bowl, with a panic-ridden QB, on a strained ankle and against doctors orders.

Jerry Jones, an oilman, in his heart of hearts must identify with the old America TO still stands for. Which is why he has stood by TO this long. There is a note of tragedy in his finding his hand forced by the new America's Team.