Commentary

Faceoff

Did Donovan McNabb go too far with his comments about T.O.?

By Times staff writers
Published February 5, 2006

AS LONG AS HE RIPS T.O, IT DOESN'T MATTER

Unless Terrell Owens was taking Donovan McNabb's lunch money while proclaiming Brett Favre a better quarterback, he wasn't committing a "black-on-black" crime.

But you know what? I don't care.

McNabb could claim Pluto is at the center of the universe, and if it meant not taking Owens' side in an argument, I'd agree. In fact, I'd personally fund his research into the subject.

That's how much I disagree with what Owens stands for. And that's how much I think McNabb was the wronged party in their spat this season.

Keep in mind that McNabb always has had the topic of race hovering above his head, from the Rush Limbaugh fiasco to the idiot from the Philadelphia branch of the NAACP who essentially accused McNabb of being a dropback Uncle Tom. Unfortunately, the color of the quarterback's skin has never quite faded into the background.

So what if it is hard for a white guy like myself to understand? McNabb didn't just make up his feelings. And even if he did, as long as it means Owens is wrong, I'll stand up and cheer.

- DAVID MURPHY

Yes, Terrell Owens is a knucklehead. He deserves every rotten tomato that has been lobbed in his direction. But Donovan McNabb went too far when he compared T.O.'s criticism of him to "black-on-black crime" during an interview Wednesday.

Understandably, McNabb was upset that the receiver told ESPN in November the Eagles would be better with Brett Favre at quarterback. But Owens was responding to a question posed by commentator and former player Michael Irvin, a black man.

For McNabb to inject race into the issue is irresponsible. To compare Owens' verbal attacks to black-on-black crime, which accounts for 85 percent of the homicides in Philadelphia, is inexcusable. To do so during Black History Month is shameful.

The feud should have been put to rest when the Eagles parted ways with Owens this season. Unfortunately, McNabb's vitriol has only served to fan the flames.

Considering many of his teammates come from areas where black-on-black crime is an everyday reality, imagine how those words will play in an already divided locker room.

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[Last modified February 5, 2006, 01:22:20]