And just when we thought the Dallas Cowboys might be getting better. After the 2005 season’s dynamite rookie draft, strong free-agent signings and signs of a decent run at the playoffs, America’s team was poised to once again topple the NFC East and reclaim the championships of the glory days.

And then Jerry Jones pulled the biggest pistol he could find, loaded it, cocked it and shot himself right in the foot.

Despite all the inside reports and leaked rumors that the Cowboys’ administration was considering signing superstar wide receiver Terrell Owens to a deal, those with any ounce of common sense steadfastly refused to believe it. There was no chance that a stickler like Bill Parcells would ever agree to coaching a petulant – yet remarkably talented – childlike T.O. There was even less of a chance that Dallas fans, who have developed a brooding hatred toward Owens, would ever accept the coming of a player that has so blatantly disrespected them in the past.

Or have we so quickly forgotten? Was it not six years ago that Owens – still donning the red and gold of the first team he destroyed – pranced his way to the central star of Texas Stadium to celebrate a touchdown catch?

Then did it again … in the same game.

I’m not a Cowboys fan, but if I was, I’d sooner start supporting the Redskins than accept a team that “welcomes” a spot for a guy like Owens.

A guy who throws class-acts such as Eagles quarterback and ex-teammate Donovan McNabb under the bus. An obvious egomaniac who is far more concerned with the manner of celebrating a score than achieving one. An athlete who, while impossibly dedicated to his own fitness, fails to offer the slightest bit of loyalty to his teammates.

I still remember Owens’ actions back in 2000 at Texas Stadium, when he ran to the Cowboys’ logo and stretched high and wide, apparently basking in his self-made glory. But perhaps that outward thrust of the arms and backwards tilt of the head were not as much an affirmation of his abilities, but the birth of the cancer that we now know as T.O.

Although the 49ers are worse now then they were before Owens left in 2003, it is only in the standings – no one in their locker room would ever deny that. After one glory season in Philadelphia, the T.O. affliction struck again, leaving the Eagles out of the playoffs.

Guess who his next victim will be.

Sports editor Travis Stewart is a junior broadcast journalism major from Sugar Land.