The ongoing turmoil between the Eagles and Terrell Owens is all-consuming. When the veterans report to training camp at Lehigh University on Aug. 1, it will be all Owens, all the time.
Is the dynamic wide receiver, who has asked for a new contract, at camp? If not, when, if ever, will he report?
But the fact is, the Eagles will not be alone in dealing with a major distraction once camps open. Several teams around the NFL have significant issues to deal with – potential holdouts, legal problems, injury woes and new coaches.
Green Bay wide receiver Javon Walker, New England defensive end Richard Seymour, Seattle running back Shaun Alexander, Indianapolis running back Edgerrin James, New Orleans cornerback Mike McKenzie and Arizona wide receiver Anquan Boldin are among a slew of veterans who have publicly quibbled over their contracts and could miss the start of training camp to make a point.
Several of those players, like Owens, are represented by Drew Rosenhaus. Although his client list exceeds 90 players, Rosenhaus has a track record of not holding players out of training camp.
Rosenhaus, who has represented Walker since February, last week verbally sparred with Packers quarterback Brett Favre, who has been critical of Walker since Walker missed an April minicamp. Walker has two years remaining on his contract and is scheduled to earn a base salary of $515,000 this season and $650,000 in 2006.
Last week on ESPN2's morning show "Cold Pizza," Favre said: "I'd hate to walk into the locker room every day and know I turned my back on the players. Ultimately, the player has to make a decision. The agent can make a recommendation, but you can say yeah or no."
Then there is Sean Taylor, the 22-year-old Washington Redskins safety who is accused of felony assault and misdemeanor battery after an incident in Miami on June 1. Last week, he rejected a plea deal that included a three-year prison sentence and has a Sept. 12 trial date scheduled.
Phillips recovering
Former Houston Oilers and New Orleans Saints coach Bum Phillips was released from the hospital yesterday after undergoing triple bypass heart surgery on July 8.
Phillips, 81, returned home to his ranch in Goliad, about 150 miles southwest of Houston.
