Owens apologizes for skit
While Terrell Owens would never say he’s sorry for his flashy touchdown celebrations, he did apologize Thursday to anyone offended by his role in a steamy segment with actress Nicollette Sheridan for the intro to “Monday Night Football.”
“I felt like it was clean, the organization felt like it was a clean skit and I think it just really got taken out of context with a lot of people and I apologize for that,” Owens said. “Personally I didn’t think it would have offended anyone and, if it did, I apologize.”
ABC and the Philadelphia Eagles also apologized this week, with Owens’ team saying it wished the titillating segment “hadn’t aired.”
The opening, which has generated complaints to ABC and the Federal Communications Commission, showed Sheridan (of the hit show “Desperate Housewives”) wearing only a towel and provocatively asking Owens to skip the game for her as the two stood alone in a locker room. She drops the towel and jumps into Owens’ arms.
Owens had no idea the intro would create such outrage.
“I thought it was a fun skit and that was it,” Owens said.
Former All-Pro Sharpe sentenced
Former Arizona Cardinals tackle Luis Sharpe, who pleaded guilty to possession of narcotics last month, was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in state prison.
Sharpe, a former All-Pro who played with the Cardinals from 1982-94, was arrested in April by officers who reported seeing him buy drugs. Sharpe allegedly threw a large bag of cocaine out of his car as officers moved in.
Around the league
Drew Henson practiced as the first-team quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, although it was just as a fill-in for an ill Vinny Testaverde, not the promotion fans are eager to see. … Minnesota Vikings center Matt Birk is expected to start Sunday against the Detroit Lions despite pain in his abdomen. … The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ injury-riddled defensive line suffered another major blow. Tackle Anthony McFarland will miss the remainder of the season with a torn right triceps. … The NFL will not fine Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor after looking into allegations that a Cincinnati player was spit on during Sunday’s game. … Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme said he’s encouraged about his chances of playing against Arizona after throwing for the first time this week. Delhomme is recovering from a hairline fracture in his right thumb. … Browns tight end Chad Mustard joined Cleveland’s overflowing injured list by tearing a ligament in his left foot during Wednesday’s practice. He becomes the 11th Browns player on the injured list.