Post by prossman on Mar 7, 2009 4:49:40 GMT -7
DMN: Dallas Cowboys' Barber speaks out on T.O.'s release
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09:13 PM CST on Friday, March 6, 2009
By CALVIN WATKINS / The Dallas Morning News
cwatkins@dallasnews.com
The normally media shy Marion Barber had something to say Friday.
In two interviews, the Cowboys running back talked about Terrell Owens' release and the team's locker room problems.
"I don't cause controversy, I'm just straightforward," Barber told The Dallas Morning News. "[Critics] are trying to make [Owens] into something he's not. I felt the same way like everybody else, but then I met the man. Once you know who he is, he's a great guy."
Barber told ESPN he was shocked by the Cowboys' decision to cut Owens.
"I couldn't really believe it," he said. "It's part of the business and you just try to keep on moving from there. It was a shock. I'm sure a lot of people watching felt the same way I did as far as everything that went on last year. He was hoping to put things in the past."
The gag order imposed on coach Wade Phillips was lifted briefly Friday to allow him to issue a statement regarding Owens' departure.
"I think that when his playing days come to an end, he will have compiled a career that is worthy of the Hall of Fame," Phillips said.
"We're now ready to move on, and this decision will open the door for other younger players on our team to step up. That process will begin here in a few weeks [March 30] with the start of the off-season program."
The Cowboys had locker room tension for much of last season, most of it surrounding Owens' relationship with several teammates. An ESPN report said Owens was jealous of tight end Jason Witten's relationship with quarterback Tony Romo.
Barber said the drama was too much to overcome.
"I just think during that time, the other fellas have to figure out a way to come together as one and make it work as a whole," Barber told The News. "It starts in the locker room with any team. I firmly believe that and it's unfortunate that we couldn't get a hold of it."
Barber, who is good friends with Owens, and lives next door to him in a downtown Dallas high rise, said to blame the locker room problems on Owens was not fair.
"On any team, you're going to have different personalities, and you're going to have conflict," Barber said. "You have to figure out a way to make it work, regardless of the situation."
Owens, who was not available for comment, is looking to sign with another team.
Barber believes that will happen soon, but he wants to move forward with a team that finished 9-7 and missed the postseason.
Barber, in his first year as the full-time starter, rushed for 885 yards but played the last four weeks with a dislocated little toe.
Barber's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said his client should be ready for the start of off-season workouts.
When asked if the Cowboys can rebound from the 2008 season, Barber said: "If you fall, can you get up? Then you know the answer."
www.dallasnews.com/sharedcont...e.35f7f4d.html
__________________
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09:13 PM CST on Friday, March 6, 2009
By CALVIN WATKINS / The Dallas Morning News
cwatkins@dallasnews.com
The normally media shy Marion Barber had something to say Friday.
In two interviews, the Cowboys running back talked about Terrell Owens' release and the team's locker room problems.
"I don't cause controversy, I'm just straightforward," Barber told The Dallas Morning News. "[Critics] are trying to make [Owens] into something he's not. I felt the same way like everybody else, but then I met the man. Once you know who he is, he's a great guy."
Barber told ESPN he was shocked by the Cowboys' decision to cut Owens.
"I couldn't really believe it," he said. "It's part of the business and you just try to keep on moving from there. It was a shock. I'm sure a lot of people watching felt the same way I did as far as everything that went on last year. He was hoping to put things in the past."
The gag order imposed on coach Wade Phillips was lifted briefly Friday to allow him to issue a statement regarding Owens' departure.
"I think that when his playing days come to an end, he will have compiled a career that is worthy of the Hall of Fame," Phillips said.
"We're now ready to move on, and this decision will open the door for other younger players on our team to step up. That process will begin here in a few weeks [March 30] with the start of the off-season program."
The Cowboys had locker room tension for much of last season, most of it surrounding Owens' relationship with several teammates. An ESPN report said Owens was jealous of tight end Jason Witten's relationship with quarterback Tony Romo.
Barber said the drama was too much to overcome.
"I just think during that time, the other fellas have to figure out a way to come together as one and make it work as a whole," Barber told The News. "It starts in the locker room with any team. I firmly believe that and it's unfortunate that we couldn't get a hold of it."
Barber, who is good friends with Owens, and lives next door to him in a downtown Dallas high rise, said to blame the locker room problems on Owens was not fair.
"On any team, you're going to have different personalities, and you're going to have conflict," Barber said. "You have to figure out a way to make it work, regardless of the situation."
Owens, who was not available for comment, is looking to sign with another team.
Barber believes that will happen soon, but he wants to move forward with a team that finished 9-7 and missed the postseason.
Barber, in his first year as the full-time starter, rushed for 885 yards but played the last four weeks with a dislocated little toe.
Barber's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said his client should be ready for the start of off-season workouts.
When asked if the Cowboys can rebound from the 2008 season, Barber said: "If you fall, can you get up? Then you know the answer."
www.dallasnews.com/sharedcont...e.35f7f4d.html
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