NFL

With T.O.'s lost appeal, Eagles expected to extend ban

By wire services
Published November 24, 2005

PHILADELPHIA - In what has to be one of the least satisfying victories in Eagles history, an arbitrator on Wednesday upheld the team's four-game suspension of all-pro wide receiver Terrell Owens, and said the team could ban Owens from rejoining the squad or entering its practice facility.

In a 38-page ruling that sided with the Eagles on every count, Richard Bloch said the team "shouldered its burden of proof of clear and convincing evidence" that Owens behaved in a manner detrimental to the team during the course of this season.

"The four-week suspension was for just cause," Bloch wrote in his decision. "Additionally, there was no inherent violation of the labor agreement in the club's decision to pay Owens but not practice or play him due to the nature of the player's conduct and its destructive and continuing threat to the team."

Neither Owens nor his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, could be reached for comment.

Although he refused to answer most questions about Owens during a news conference on Wednesday, Eagles coach Andy Reid remains steadfast that Owens will not return to the team. The wide receiver is not welcome at the NovaCare Complex, and his locker has been cleaned out and given to rookie tight end Stephen Spach.

GATSKI DIES OF HEART FAILURE: Hall of Fame center Frank Gatski, a powerful blocker who played in 10 straight championship games for the Browns, died Tuesday at age 83 of congestive heart failure in Morgantown, W.Va. "Gunner" Gatski anchored a line that by the end of his career included Hall of Fame tackles Lou Groza and Mike McCormack. He also played alongside former Steelers coach Chuck Noll, a Browns guard, and snapped the ball to Hall of Fame quarterback Otto Graham.

CHARGERS: It will be a gameday decision whether record-setting tight end Antonio Gates will be able to play against the Redskins. Gates wasn't able to test his sprained right foot at practice, but remained hopeful.

PATRIOTS: The team practiced under the direction of offensive line coach and assistant head coach Dante Scarnecchia, while head coach Bill Belichick was in Annapolis, Md. for his father's funeral. He is expected to return to the team Friday.

JURISPRUDENCE: Greg Gall, the fan who ran onto the field during a Bengals game and took the football from Packers quarterback Brett Favre was placed on 14 months' probation after pleading guilty to charges of trespassing and disorderly conduct while intoxicated, sentenced to 230 hours of community service and fined $200. While on probation, he is banned from Paul Brown Stadium and Great American Ball Park.

ARENA FOOTBALL: Storm quarterback Shane Stafford will distribute food Dec. 6 at Metropolitan Ministries as part of the Arena League's effort to give back to the communities that support it during the holiday season.

Times staff writer Frank Pastor contributed to this report, which used information from other news organizations.

[Last modified November 24, 2005, 00:18:19]