.the T.O. saga.

T.O. is no longer a Dallas Cowboy and unlike some Sportscasters, I AM surprised. I did not believe Jerry Jones would let his pride and joy Terrell Owens go. Maybe QB Tony Romo told Head Coach Wade Phillips that it is impossible to play with T.O. going forward. Maybe TE Jason Witten felt he couldn't be himself on the field knowing T.O. would be on the sidelines hoping for a botched Romo-to-Witten play. Maybe Offensive Coordinator/Assistant Head Coach Jason Garrett gave Jerry Jones an ultimatum, T.O. goes or I go. Maybe they needed to place the blame of a horrible season on a specific person? Who really know what went on. What I can say with confidence is that in the end, he had to make a choice between his flesh and blood son Cowboys VP Stephen Jones and his adopted son Owens. In some situations you’ve got to go with family over your pride and for Jerry Jones; this was one of those situations.

After the news broke that T.O. had been cut, Jerry Jones stated, "In the aftermath of the season, we talked about change. Some of what is changing involves the process and some of it involves people. This is a decision that was made based upon consideration for an entire team. We will move on now with a new team—a new attitude—and into a new stadium. The evaluation process and the prospect for change will continue at every level of the organization.”

Wonder what that last sentence means—more changes to come at other “levels”? Hmm.

How did T.O. take it you wonder? To the disappointment of Sports Analysts and Reporters everywhere, T.O. did not come through with a ranting response or a press conference to vent, he merely released a stand-up guy statement. He thanked Jones, head coach Wade Phillips and the Cowboys’ organization. He said, “thank you for the opportunity to be a member of the team for the past three years. Big thanks to the fans—you've been awesome!” Owens added. “I look forward to the upcoming season and continuing to play in the NFL.”

Later, more news from the T.O. camp came from his infamous agent, Drew Rosenhaus. He indicated in a text message today (to ESPN) that his client won't be out of work for too long. He says, “There are several teams that are interested in signing Terrell. I have been in negotiations with these teams. I will not identify the teams at this time. Terrell and I expect to have a deal in place by the end of next week if not sooner.”

Here are a few teams I think T.O. will end up (in no particular order):

· Baltimore Ravens
· Kansas City Chiefs
· Tennessee Titans
· Oakland Raiders
· Detroit Lions
· Minnesota Vikings
· Jacksonville Jaguars

Here's a thought. Wouldn't it be bittersweet to see him sign with the San Francisco 49ers? With Michael Singletary at the helm of the team and the prospect of a new or rookie quarterback who will need a reliable receiver—it doesn’t see too far fetched. Plus, the Bay area loves T.O. and since he started with the 49ers, how awesome would it be see him full circle and make some history with the very team that drafted him? I think it would be very interesting, especially if the 49ers somehow ended up with Vick as their QB. Ok, I know it's a long shot but ANYTHING can happen in football and you know it's true!

All in all, I'm proud of T.O. for taking this like a man and being optimistic about his chances of playing for another team. I'm not going to lie, I happen to like T.O. and am a fan of his. He's an awesome and exciting player on the field. I have faith that he can be that humble, dedicated and appreciative guy he once was. The 4th time could be the charm and if I had my way, he'd be in a Chargers uniform next year. ;) Haha, we’ll just have to wait and see.

Get your popcorn ready, -c