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T.O.'s birthday bash guest list includes NFL stars
By ROB MAADDI, AP Sports Writer
December 12, 2005
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) -- Terrell Owens doesn't need to score touchdowns to celebrate.

Exiled from the Philadelphia Eagles last month, the All-Pro wide receiver known for his flamboyant end zone theatrics hosted a birthday party Monday night at rapper Jay-Z's 40-40 club. T.O. turned 32 on Dec. 7.

The bash drew several NFL stars, some of Owens' former teammates on the Eagles and a few celebrities.

Among the celebrities on the guest list were Jamie Foxx, Will Smith, Paris Hilton, Jessica Simpson and the Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Former Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin, former Bears coach Mike Ditka, Redskins running back Clinton Portis and Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss also were invited. Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis was a surprise name on the list -- he and Owens feuded last year when Owens spurned a trade from San Francisco to Baltimore.

A day earlier, the reigning conference champion Eagles were eliminated from playoff contention with their sixth loss in seven games. Jevon Kearse and Lito Sheppard were among the 11 Eagles who had arrived at the party by 11:15.

"It's a wonderful event and I'm just showing some support," Kearse said. "He's a wonderful teammate."

Receiver Darnerien McCants was the first Eagles player to arrive. He was followed by tight ends L.J. Smith, Stephen Spach and Andy Thorn and injured linebacker Greg Richmond.

No, Donovan McNabb didn't show up in his dancing shoes, even though he also was invited. The injured quarterback and Owens have feuded since the Eagles lost to New England in the Super Bowl last February.

Scantily clad women wearing different colored No. 81 jerseys with question marks representing the team name provided some of the entertainment for the guests. Owens hadn't arrived by 10:30 p.m.

The party invitations arrived last week and were shaped like a penalty flag. They read: "There's a flag on the play? After further review, No. 81 is at it again."

"It's a party. It's a celebration of another year of life," said Kim Etheredge, Owens' publicist

Among the celebrities on the guest list were Jamie Foxx, Will Smith, Paris Hilton, Jessica Simpson and the Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Former Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin, former Bears coach Mike Ditka, Redskins running back Clinton Portis and Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss also were invited. Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis was a surprise name on the list - he and Owens feuded last year when Owens spurned a trade from San Francisco to Baltimore.

air_hog wrote:Well actually, at least he ruined the Eagles season...

but check this out, here is a list of his guests:

Receiver Darnerien McCants was the first Eagles player to arrive. He was followed by tight ends L.J. Smith, Stephen Spach and Andy Thorn and injured linebacker Greg Richmond.

Jake wrote:

air_hog wrote:Well actually, at least he ruined the Eagles season...

but check this out, here is a list of his guests:

Receiver Darnerien McCants was the first Eagles player to arrive. He was followed by tight ends L.J. Smith, Stephen Spach and Andy Thorn and injured linebacker Greg Richmond.

T.O. birthday bash a bad sign for Eagles?
Some think team split between supporters of WR, those of McNabb

PHILADELPHIA - Terrell Owens had the microphone and all the attention from a crowd filled with teammates, NFL stars and a few celebrities at his birthday bash.

Owens didn’t use the opportunity to take shots at Donovan McNabb or anyone else in the Philadelphia organization. With at least 19 Eagles in the room, why would he?

Instead, the All-Pro wideout professed his love for the city of Philadelphia and his teammates — though they’re really his ex-mates now.

“That’s the side of Terrell that unfortunately people who aren’t close to him don’t get to see,” Kim Etheredge, Owens’ publicist, said Tuesday. “That’s how he is when he’s in his element, surrounded by family and friends.”

Perhaps Owens chose his words carefully because of the grievance the NFL Players Association filed on his behalf against the Eagles last week, claiming the team breached Owens’ contract by trying to get back part of his signing bonus and by leaving him inactive for the rest of the season.

However, the party was invitation-only and reporters weren’t on the list — though one got in — so Owens could’ve said whatever he wanted without worrying much about any repercussions.

Maybe time away from football softened Owens and made him consider changing his ways. Then again, a defiant Owens vowed he’ll return, saying: “I ain’t ever going to let anyone change me.”

He won’t get an argument from any of the people who helped him celebrate his 32nd birthday Monday night at Jay-Z’s 40-40 club in Atlantic City, N.J.


“Just do what you do,” Eagles defensive end Jevon Kearse said he’d advise Owens. “Be you.”

Kearse was among at least 19 Eagles, including players on injured reserve and the practice squad, who turned out to party with Owens, one day after the reigning NFC champions were eliminated from playoff contention with their sixth loss in seven games.

Running back Brian Westbrook, cornerback Lito Sheppard and wideout Todd Pinkston — each on IR — were there. Other starters included tight end L.J. Smith, guard Shawn Andrews and defensive end Trent Cole. Veteran defensive linemen Hollis Thomas and N.D. Kalu also went.

“Personally, he never did anything to me,” Smith said. “He invited the whole team. That says a lot. He’s a great teammate.”

Added Kearse: “He’s a wonderful teammate.”

Not everyone would agree. Owens wore out his welcome in San Francisco after eight seasons and lasted just 1½ years in Philadelphia, despite his superior talent and skills.

Still, he has plenty of supporters on the Eagles and around the league. Some question whether the team is divided with one group that supports Owens and another that backs McNabb and management.

Linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, who lobbied coach Andy Reid to get Owens back on the team after the suspension, has insisted many players like both Owens and McNabb.

None of the Eagles at the party seemed concerned that management would have a problem with them going.

“Last time I checked, I’m an adult,” Kearse said.

The team had no comment Tuesday.

Owens was suspended last month for a series of infractions and critical public comments about McNabb and the organization, dating back to his offseason demands for a new contract. An arbitrator later upheld the Eagles’ decision to deactivate him for the remainder of the season.

© 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

JansenFan wrote:I'm surprised Shawn Springs wasn't invited. He is on record as supporting TO and as a guy that would be happy to be his teammate.