So, Dallas... How's That New Guy Working Out?

When it comes to Terrell Owens and his relationship with any organization, only two words can apply: caveat emptor.

Now on his third team in as many years, having run the gamut of coaching personalities (effusive Mariucci to stoic Reid to crotchety Parcells), the only constant is that Owens has trouble fitting in no matter where he goes. Did anyone, Jerry Jones in particular, honestly think that a change of scenery and a fat paycheck would alter the indestructable ego of the league's premier narcissist?

"Hammygate" -- as this reporter chose to call it before he was shouted down at the press club -- may have its roots in genuine physical malady, but Owens' spin on the reason for his sore hamstring made it clear that there were non-anatomical elements at work here as well. Did he mean to imply that because mean ol' Coach made him come back to practice too soon, and practice too hard, his current ailment was exacerbated? Is this really going to necessitate T.O. benching himself until the start of the regular season?

Only he himself can answer that question, but I'm pretty sure the explanation will fail to diminish Bill Parcells' increasing dissatisfaction with his newest wide receiver. To be fair, Owens has demonstrated in the past that he isn't afraid of defying the cautious wisdom of doctors and returning sooner than expected from injury. As tainted as his image may now be among Eagles faithful, T.O.'s performance in Super Bowl XXXIX is still regarded even by them as nothing less than heroic. (Had Philly won, there is no doubt in my mind that Owens would have been the MVP.)

That said, his latest refusal to return until he feels he is ready may have as much to do with taking a stand against Parcells as it does genuine concern with being 100-percent ready come September 10. The last time he played at Jacksonville was following an injury and... well, see the previous paragraph.

Both players and fans in Dallas should soon be aware that acquiring T.O. means more than just taking on his talent. God help Drew Bledsoe the first time he fails to see his star wideout open and doesn't get him the ball. As T.O. himself might be quick to point out, there is no "I" in "team," but there is an "m" and an "e."