Eagles file tampering complaint against Cowboys

[Louis Cypher]

November 27, 2005


NEW YORK (AP) -- The Philadelphia Eagles have filed a tampering complaint against the Dallas Cowboys after Dallas owner Jerry Jones suggested on a radio show that his team is often interested in players such as suspended wide receiver Terrell Owens.

"In general, I am a risk-taker. We've gone down that road," Jones said when asked if the Cowboys might be interested in Owens. "I probably have a propensity to try and make things work. ... A top receiver could flourish with Drew Bledsoe. That's always appealing."'

NFL spokesman Michael Signora confirmed Sunday the Eagles filed the complaint over Jones' remark and said "the matter is under review."

Owens was suspended for four games by the Eagles on Nov. 5 for criticizing quarterback Donovan McNabb, fighting with team "ambassador" Hugh Douglas and other actions deemed detrimental to the team. Last Tuesday, the suspension was upheld by an arbitrator.

After the suspension ends, the Eagles are expected to deactivate Owens for the rest of the season. He is expected to be traded or released for next season.

NFL bylaws prohibit "any interference by a member club with the employer-employee relationship of another club or any attempt by a club to impermissibly induce a person to seek employment with that club or with the NFL."

The Eagles' complaint was first reported by Fox.