T.O. Returns

Len Pasquarelli on T.O's return to the Eagles today:

Philadelphia brass remains hopeful that Owens, in time, will regain his passion for the game. And, sure, Sunday afternoons at 1 p.m. evoke a ton more emotion than Wednesday mornings at 9. But if his first practice back was any kind of indicator, Owens will go through the 2005 season with little rise in his pulse rate. That isn't to suggest Owens won't play hard -- or that, at some point, his well-documented personal pride won't kick into overdrive -- but rather that his pursuit of a championship is more about delivering a Super Bowl ring to his finger than securing a Vince Lombardi Trophy for the throaty fans of the city where he works.

He will try to be a productive pariah because, let's face it, that is now his lot in life.

No problem with me. If Owens shows up every week and plays without any distractions, I'll be happy to see the guy off next year for a nice draft pick or trade. $200K per game is serious scratch to lose and Owen's damn well nows it.