04/24/24
September 27, 2006
T.O. Reportedly Attempted Suicide: although ESPN is citing an adverse reaction to painkillers as the reason for his being hospitalized.
I heard the same report on the radio here in chicago...i wouldn't be surprised if he did attempt suicide...the guy is absolutely crazy. earlier, his publicist said it was an allergic reaction to pain killers and is nothing to worry about...liar.
posted by sigity at 08:52 AM on September 27, 2006
Crazy or not, pain in the ass or not, distraction or not -- if * the guy did try to kill himself, its very sad and I hope he gets the help he needs. * Too soon to know. Wingnut is right that it could be rumor at this early point.
posted by jerseygirl at 08:58 AM on September 27, 2006
This is the TV station that's reporting it. Has a link to the police report.
posted by SummersEve at 09:03 AM on September 27, 2006
Yeah, if he did in fact attempt to harm himself, as the police report alledges, I hope that he takes the help he needs and will be offered to him.
posted by geekyguy at 09:09 AM on September 27, 2006
... the guy is absolutely crazy. Based on what? Prior to today, he was just an egotistical showboat disrespectful to his teammates, neither of which suggests mental illness.
posted by rcade at 09:12 AM on September 27, 2006
The Smoking Gun has it too. I think I am used to seeing more official looking police reports from the Smoking Gun though.
posted by jerseygirl at 09:18 AM on September 27, 2006
Attention whore.
posted by wfrazerjr at 09:20 AM on September 27, 2006
...um, ok, fraze...
posted by lil_brown_bat at 09:25 AM on September 27, 2006
It's way, way, way too early to say what happened here yet. We have stories from two sources right now, the Dallas Police report and Owens' publicist, neither of which sound complete in the least. We'll see.
posted by chicobangs at 09:28 AM on September 27, 2006
ironic that the day Byron Nelson, one of sports greatest gentleman as well as performers, dies, the BUM TO can't get suicide right.
posted by jaygolf at 09:34 AM on September 27, 2006
Dude.
posted by jerseygirl at 09:43 AM on September 27, 2006
Sad to hear if it's true. TO obviously needs help beyond what football or fame can provide. I feel for the guy.
posted by bigmickfan at 09:45 AM on September 27, 2006
This looks like it happened, Dallas police will have a news conference in a little while....... I don't care for Owens, but I have felt for a long time that some of the things he has done are more than an attempt to keep him in the limelight. This man needs professional mental health help.
posted by directpressure at 09:48 AM on September 27, 2006
I have never been a TO fan. His antics on the field are a bit much for me to handle, however my prayers are with him. Football is entertainment for us fans ; Suicide is a game you don't play. God help him.
posted by Mustang 71 at 09:54 AM on September 27, 2006
Hey TO, Brett Favre just called...He wants to know why you wasted all of that good Vicodin?
posted by frankiem at 10:08 AM on September 27, 2006
I'm sad for Terrell Owens. I think this will ruin the fun and drama that has been provided by the wonderful villain, TO.
posted by bperk at 10:14 AM on September 27, 2006
Goodbye, schadenfreude.
posted by cl at 10:26 AM on September 27, 2006
Maybe he's changing his playbook and trying to go from being scorned to being a victim since its all everyone else's fault to begin with? I hope he gets help if he really did try to kill himself but it feels like this is another cry for attention. Which just kind of makes it all the sadder.
posted by fenriq at 10:47 AM on September 27, 2006
Most, but definately not all, suicide attempts with pills are simply a cry for attention and help. Especially when it is done with people around where the possibility of being found in time are high. Without being on scene with all of the details, it appears that TO was doing just that. Trying to get attention. Hopefully it will be the sort of attention where he gets help now.
posted by scottypup at 10:52 AM on September 27, 2006
True. Before, this was funny to everyone except Niners/Eagles/Cowboys fans, depending on the year. Right now, not so much. Again, we don't know anything about what happened, or even if the reports we've heard so far are anywhere near accurate. It's a sure thing that we'll hear the rest of the story in short order, but up till now, we have a one-line news item, a one-paragraph police report, and a publicist's soundbite. And that's it. That's nothing. Just keep that in mind while you trot out those truly hilarious one-liners.
posted by chicobangs at 10:54 AM on September 27, 2006
this is not a laughing matter. this is sad. i hope the human side of the world and this thead shows up rather than clowns who truly despise real life.
posted by byrdman822 at 10:54 AM on September 27, 2006
Wow, I glazed over when ESPN started talking about TO this morning but apparently it was a legitimate story. Shocking. This is really bizarre and I'm not sure what to think of it. I would count TO among the last possible people I would suspect a suicide attempt out of. I always hear that failed suicide attempts are pleas for attention, I don't know how true that is and I'm not sure how much more attention he could get anyway. This all adds up to one big WTF.
posted by tron7 at 10:59 AM on September 27, 2006
Goodbye, schadenfreude. Goodbye? Sounds like people are wallowing in it here.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 11:01 AM on September 27, 2006
I'm quite stunned myself about all this; although I'm keeping in mind that we don't know everything yet (or someone simply jumped the gun in reporting this here). I never liked TO but I don't want to see the guy die; nothing he's done is worth THAT.
posted by NerfballPro at 11:04 AM on September 27, 2006
you are right on chicobangs-we dont know all of the details. Its a shame how little value some put on a person's life.
posted by daddisamm at 11:08 AM on September 27, 2006
People don't think of TO as a "real" person, so it's ok to to wish death upon him. That's obviousely not cool but I think that's the reasoning.
posted by tron7 at 11:09 AM on September 27, 2006
Looks as if the police have already had a press conference.
posted by jojomfd1 at 11:12 AM on September 27, 2006
Some fans catalog AROD as a weak (of mind) person, for having admitted to attend therapy. In TO's case, we can see how troubling a top athlete's life can be. They live under constant scrutiny, and are paid to perform at the highest level at ALL TIMES, but they are humans, and as such they all bare burdens, deep in their souls that dictate some forms of behavior which aren't easily understood to the public. Anxiety, depression, addiction, etc are just some of the tip of the iceberg issues mostly perceived.
posted by zippinglou at 11:50 AM on September 27, 2006
Sounds like people are wallowing in it here. Not as much as normal for TO. Besides, I just meant for myself; the Cowboys-Eagles game is looking a lot less fun right now.
posted by cl at 11:52 AM on September 27, 2006
Just as with many other aspects of life people are so quick to come up with their own conclusions of what happened based on limited and/or incomplete information. Just as has been said above by others, let's hold judgment until the facts are straighter and fewer blanks left to be filled. For the sake of dialogue, though, IF the report is true, the fact that some people would exhibit their schadenfreude (nice word, btw) is saddening but hardly shocking.
posted by lex2000 at 11:58 AM on September 27, 2006
There's a difference between mouthing off for attention because you only got 3 passes your way and attempting suicide. Hopefully he'll get the help he needs. In TO's case, we can see how troubling a top athlete's life can be. Fixed that for ya.
posted by justgary at 12:01 PM on September 27, 2006
Thus far, it sounds like a cry for help that wasn't particularly well planned out. While I've long lost the appetite for following the back-and-forth of the whole T.O. thing, I refuse to jump on someone whose worst "crime" has been not knowing when to shut up. That being said, I'm glad another team in my fantasy league took him just before I was about to...
posted by ajaffe at 12:05 PM on September 27, 2006
I wouldn't have expected a suicide attempt, but looking back, I guess it wouldn't be all that surprising if it's true. After all, it's often said that a suicide attempt is a desperate cry for attention. The same can be said about his public life for a long time. If his need for attention actually is that great, he does need help. Maybe a good therapist can help him get onto an even keel (for probably the first time in his adult life).
posted by ctal1999 at 12:08 PM on September 27, 2006
I refuse to jump on someone whose worst "crime" has been not knowing when to shut up. Exactly.
posted by grum@work at 12:15 PM on September 27, 2006
I realize some people don't when to shut up like TO...but some of the people writing in this blog show no class, they should be ashamed of theireself Leave this man (TO) alone!!!!
posted by vanessa.babe at 12:21 PM on September 27, 2006
Goodbye, schadenfreude Yeah, apparently not. Wow. If it turns out to be the case, some of you are going to have serious and well-deserved karma issues. Weirdly enough, I saw T.O.'s house featured on 'Cribs' last night (don't ask) and he really comes off as a guy who seems misplaced. I realize that there's only so much one can glean from a 15 minute MTV-produced bit, but I couldn't help but feel that T.O. seemed very lonely. Well, it's true, despite how jackassy the above paragraph makes me sound.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 12:23 PM on September 27, 2006
In all fairness rcade, it was reported on ESPN just a few minutes ago that the due dilligence report used by Jerry Jones prior to bringing TO to the Cowboys contained reports from the 49'ers and the Eagles suggesting Owens may have Mental Health Issues that needed treatment. However, Owens rejected the the diagnosis and treatment option and he has admiited to feeling depressed prior to this incident. His upcoming news conference should be informative. Hopefully he's OK and it was just an adverse reaction to mediacation.
posted by skydivedad at 12:25 PM on September 27, 2006
This will probably turn out to be completely overblown. And I wouldn't believe that leaked police report.
posted by puke & cry at 12:38 PM on September 27, 2006
an adverse reaction to mediacation T.O. usually seems to have an adverse reaction to mediacation. Seriously though - If this is true, it's very sad.
posted by fabulon7 at 12:42 PM on September 27, 2006
I guess T.O. doesn't love himself quite as much as we all assumed. Am I suprised to learn that he has mental problems? Um....... Maybe it was just an adverse reaction to droppin like 5 passes...
posted by LaKeR4LiFe at 01:07 PM on September 27, 2006
The bitchy little snide remarks about a man, a fellow person, attempting suicide is a bit surprising, even for some of you new trolls. Cut it out, act like a human being.
posted by jerseygirl at 01:16 PM on September 27, 2006
leave the guy alone he is under enough pressure
posted by Ohiojester at 01:19 PM on September 27, 2006
First off, my thoughts and prayers are with the guy. I hope he gets the help he needs to deal with this issue (being a person who has spent a lot of time thinking about killing himself). With that said, I would hope everyone would take away from this episode is that: 1. Football is a game. 2. It's players are people, not just cardboard cutouts to cheer and jeer. 3. We never know how much pressure most of these guys (and gals, for women's sports) are under, until much later. It's very hard to judge the actions of people who all you know about them is what they choose to let you see (or let slip through, which won't be much).
posted by Bonkers at 01:37 PM on September 27, 2006
By the way, when I wrote "judgment" above, I meant about the situation/story, not the man.
posted by lex2000 at 01:41 PM on September 27, 2006
Ok. I have been a Dallas Cowboys fan for many, many years. The moment the report came that the 'Boys signed this guy, I was pissed. Don't get me wrong, Terrell Owens is a great receiver and his signing was a great pick up, it was just his attitude I disliked. Now, hearing these reports about T.O. either having an adverse reaction to his medication or commiting suicide has made me feel bad for the guy. We are all human and when something happens to a human being that's only real problem in life has been his big mouth, it's hard to think about the game. I can only hope that these reports are false and he's feeling fine. My thoughts and prayers go out to Terrell Owens and his family.
posted by BornIcon at 02:03 PM on September 27, 2006
There wasn't any hard evidence against Owens. I have been listening to the ESPN report, and the only background they have is that when the officer asked him if he tried to hurt himself, Owens said "yes". If you were potentially trying to hurt yourself, that dosent nessesarily suggest suicide. Another thing, if he was under the influence of the pain killers, pills, etc; he could have easily misinterpreted the question. Either way, good luck to T.O. (I never thought I would actually say that)
posted by Kendall at 02:17 PM on September 27, 2006
FWIW, it is entirely possible that, should this turn out to be a suicide attempt, this had nothing to do with football. We have no idea what T.O.'s life is like outside of Football beyond how his image is manipulated. I, for one, wish him the best and, should this turn out to be an actual suicide attempt, hope he seeks out the help he needs.
posted by Joey Michaels at 02:21 PM on September 27, 2006
I'll stand by my original statement until proven otherwise. Just about everything in his public life up until this point has been about self-aggrandizing attention whoring, and this looks no different to me. Am I saying I wish he'd succeeded? Of course not. I hope if he really needs treatment for some mental illness, he receives it. But swallowing some pills doesn't erase a past filled with douchebaggery. Oh, and from the article: Owens owns a 2,656-square-foot condominium in Deep Ellum valued at $405,000, according to the Dallas County Appraisal District. What the hell does that have to do with anything?
posted by wfrazerjr at 02:33 PM on September 27, 2006
What a suprise. The media lied. I'm shocked.
posted by LaKeR4LiFe at 02:47 PM on September 27, 2006
What a suprise. The media lied. I'm shocked.
posted by LaKeR4LiFe at 02:47 PM on September 27, 2006
I'll stand by my original statement until proven otherwise. Just about everything in his public life up until this point has been about self-aggrandizing attention whoring, and this looks no different to me. Am I saying I wish he'd succeeded? Of course not. I hope if he really needs treatment for some mental illness, he receives it. But swallowing some pills doesn't erase a past filled with douchebaggery. I don't think it's intended to, fraze, for him or for anyone who attempts suicide (if he did). I'm no psychologist, but I think the "cry for help/play for attention" thing is popularly misunderstood -- it's not bunk, but the truth is more complicated, and it's not "attention whoring". I dunno. The word "but" doesn't really belong here, IMO, because I don't think suicide is about balancing, or erasing your past. I'll reserve my judgment until I know more about what the deal is, and see more about how he handles the aftermath.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 02:47 PM on September 27, 2006
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 02:55 PM on September 27, 2006
Public denies T.O. human being, deserving of common respect.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 03:16 PM on September 27, 2006
A police report is a sworn statement. A sworn statement about a star of Terrell Owens' stature is a news worthy story. Everything I saw said "Dallas police report says Terrell Owens tried to kill himself." Not sure you can pin this on "the media". (Edit: Yeah, what weedy said. Some of you folks have some serious need-for-attention issues.)
posted by SummersEve at 03:20 PM on September 27, 2006
Below is part of an information page on hydrocodone. About a year ago I had a bad hand injury for which I was given hydrocodone. The doctor wouldn't continue it past about 10 days. Man, I loved that stuff, which is probably why they wouldn't let me continue taking it. Symptoms of an hydrocodone and acetaminophen overdose may include slow breathing, seizures, dizziness, weakness, loss of consciousness, coma, confusion, tiredness, cold and clammy skin, small pupils, nausea, vomiting, and sweating. TO's reaction sure sounds like an OD to me.
posted by Howard_T at 03:54 PM on September 27, 2006
The Media sure looks stupid now! I blame any "over-coverage" directly to the Media. They need to WAIT until ALL of the facts are out! We dont know exactly what happend last night and we may never know. I just chuckled when Dan Patrick realized that he wasted 3 hours on a "non-story".
posted by daddisamm at 04:03 PM on September 27, 2006
Owens was perscribed a narcotic pain killer, one of the side effects would be intense euphoria. Any chance he had an adverse reaction from taking too many because he was trying to get high? Maybe its just the addict mentality in me but that was my first thought.
posted by HATER 187 at 04:19 PM on September 27, 2006
They need to WAIT until ALL of the facts are out! Right. Next time something like 9/11 happens, we'll get back to you sometime the following year.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 04:24 PM on September 27, 2006
Who really gives a crap about this primadonna? I am so sick and tired of hearing about his antics on a daily basis. ESPN, SI, and the media in general give us a daily dose of TO and who really cares? We all know Jerry Jones brought him to Dallas to generate media attention for the woeful Cowboys. It's a shame that Parcells is the one designated to deal with it. When he broke his finger, you'd think he was on his death bed. It happened the same week David Pollack broke his neck during the Bengals-Browns game and that barely got a whisper on the news. Does anyone outside of TO's posse really care what he says or does? I think there are more deserving athletes of this media attention than him.
posted by dobu at 04:29 PM on September 27, 2006
Inside Scoop on TO's "attempt" Ex-49ers PR Kirk Reynolds is probably one of the last to talk to TO before the attempt and he tells us the truth
posted by SDM at 04:31 PM on September 27, 2006
We dont know exactly what happend last night and we may never know. I just chuckled when Dan Patrick realized that he wasted 3 hours on a "non-story". Holy contradiction, Batman.
posted by SummersEve at 04:33 PM on September 27, 2006
They need to WAIT until ALL of the facts are out! Yeah, really. They need to get real facts ike an agent who can't get her story straight! Heaven forbid they pay attention to... oh I don't know, sworn police reports that detail how the 911 caller (again TO's agent) said they had a suicide attempt. The media does not look stupid in this case. That's not to say the media hasn't looked stupid (Dan Shaughnessy is one of the stupidest looking people I've ever seen) or will not look stupid in the future (Shank will likely continue looking stupid). They had a police report, that is generally sworn information, that detailed what the caller reported in to 911 and details from the scene. All signs pointed to suicide attempt.
posted by jerseygirl at 04:34 PM on September 27, 2006
The media does not look stupid in this case. I disagree. I guess they never learned of the assume/ass relation.
posted by LaKeR4LiFe at 04:39 PM on September 27, 2006
Today's-useless-grammar-make-fun-of-the-nitpicky-ass-monkey-that-pointed-it-out-lesson-of-the-day: "Media" is the plural form of "medium". Media look stupid. Media do not look stupid. Preview: Yes, those dumb media folk assumed and cited a police report - a sworn statement (did anyone mention that yet?) Not sure what they assumed, but we won't let that get in the way of a worn out, old saying.
posted by SummersEve at 04:50 PM on September 27, 2006
8 reasons T.O. might try to kill himself If he came across spofi just once while surfing the web. Spofi is not a group of sportswriters, it's a group of regular everyday people, and it's only 1 sports blog out of a million on the Internet. T.O is the type of person that could possible take this shit to heart if he stumbled upon it (as if he has never been to yahoo.com). I can't help but wonder how many of us would have posted some type of foolish celebration post had he been successful (if it was indeed a suicide attempt). We should think twice before we come down so hard on anyone including athletes. They're only playing a game. Do we actually hate any human being on earth that much?
posted by Bishop at 04:51 PM on September 27, 2006
Again, here in Big D everything is blown out of proportion. Every time TO breaks wind its front page news.Summers Eve is on track. This is a non story.
posted by sickleguy at 04:52 PM on September 27, 2006
...with 67 comments. And counting. Funny, that.
posted by chicobangs at 05:15 PM on September 27, 2006
68
posted by wingnut4life at 05:21 PM on September 27, 2006
Summers Eve is on track. This is a non story. Better get that sarcasm detector recalibrated. 69, hyuk hyuk hyuk
posted by lil_brown_bat at 05:24 PM on September 27, 2006
I wonder if any NFL players will come out publicly in support of Terrell Owens with disclosure of anti-depressant medication use? Statistically there have to be some. Fortunately for Terrell Owens he has the talent to avoid the discarding that Barrett Robinson got. I just hope, regardless of how much he plays this down, he gets some help before he does hurt himself or anyone else. Some in this thread have suggested withholding judement until later. I would suggest that this story never need judgement applied to it.
posted by geekyguy at 05:26 PM on September 27, 2006
Lets face it folks, TO is playing his annual media trump card here and we're all falling for it. Dosen't anybody see a pattern here? Please, I can't be the only one!
posted by frankiem at 05:28 PM on September 27, 2006
You are amazingly the only one. You are a beautiful and unique snowflake. Congrats. I lost count, 72?
posted by SummersEve at 05:33 PM on September 27, 2006
Lets face it folks, TO is playing his annual media trump card here and we're all falling for it. Dosen't anybody see a pattern here? Please, I can't be the only one! He may be on to something. This could be an elaborate scheme that has been concieved by T.O. and the United States government to be used as an elaborate cover up to deflect public attention from the fact that 9/11 was indeed a public conspirisy and Osama Bin Laden is just a Saudi Arabian actor who helps support the cover up.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 05:41 PM on September 27, 2006
Posted by dobu ''Who really gives a crap about this primadonna" I couldn't agree with you more. T.O. stirs up more shit every place he plays,or perhaps every place the guy has lived. If in fact he was trying to commit suicide,then he and every else like him should seek psychiatric help. But if he's just doing it for attention, enough is enough. I'm sick and tired of him crying about not getting the ball enough,and all the other antics this over paid, self centered, selfish spoiled cry baby of an athlete that he is. He's lucky to be born with the athlectic skills that he has, and the money he has made with them. So come on T.O., time for you to grow up,get your finger out of your butt and just play football. I don't think Parcells is going to take any more of your shit. In fact, I think everyone is sick of it. So if it is true and you did actually try to commit suicide,next time try a little harder, and maybe you'll suceed.
posted by Ghastly1 at 05:46 PM on September 27, 2006
I feel badly for his family. According to his own publicist "he has twenty-five million reasons to stay alive". Its all about the money. Why were his pills in a drawer and not in the pill bottle? Hopefully, he gets help.
posted by southdakotasports at 06:02 PM on September 27, 2006
There are some pathetic people in here. I can't believe some of the stuff I am reading in here. There is a lot of weird facts in this whole story. If Owens did indeed try to commit suicide, he doesn't need to try harder to succeed next time. Hopefully, there won't be a next time. Not for him or anyone that might try to take there own life. But thats ok, everyone has their own personal opinion, and they have every right to express it. But if this was about someone you knew or were close to you wouldn't dare to think of saying some of the things that are being said about him.
posted by sgtcookzane at 06:27 PM on September 27, 2006
I'm sick and tired of him crying about not getting the ball enough I know this is the Internet and I know you are Hard, but can you seriously not see the difference between some guy complaining about getting thrown to in a game vs. some guy who tried to kill himself? I will admit to having a huge hole in my psychic armor around suicide attempts, but you're running on a pretty lean mix if you can't have sympathy for a person who tried to kill themself.
posted by yerfatma at 06:31 PM on September 27, 2006
But, yerfatma, haven't you been paying attention? It was all a play for attention! TO's annual publicity stunt! Our very own set of Sportsfilter Solons have so decreed it, and they know. couldn't possibly be talking out their collective ass, could they?
posted by lil_brown_bat at 06:52 PM on September 27, 2006
That "25-million reasons to stay alive" comment from the publicist did kind of make my skin crawl.
posted by SummersEve at 06:56 PM on September 27, 2006
Very Jerry Maguire.
posted by jerseygirl at 07:03 PM on September 27, 2006
Several former teammates from the Niners were weighing in on this story on every local Bay Area newscast this morning. T.O. had an "entourage" but no real friends, so the "25 million reasons to stay alive" comment is probably not far from the truth. Since he was already back on the practice field today, I would venture to say that it was less a suicide attempt and more a bad reaction to the drug, an empty stomach, and whatever supplements he was taking. I don;t like him either, but I would never want to see the guy end his life this way. I too hope he gets the help and attention he really needs.
posted by irunfromclones at 07:03 PM on September 27, 2006
Good luck! No matter how much he tries to explain this away the media already set everything in motinon by sensationalizing the incident. Personally I don't give a rat's ass about Terrell or the Cowboys, but this is going to be with him for the rest of his life now. The guy could win 4 Superbowl mvp's but someone will always remind him of Dallas and this incident.
posted by blackdog1968 at 07:11 PM on September 27, 2006
"25-million reasons to stay alive" Classy, very classy! She must have been an associate of Sugar's (jerry mac ref)
posted by blackdog1968 at 07:13 PM on September 27, 2006
this is going to be with him for the rest of his life now. If you attempted to commit suicide -- or had an accidental bad drug mix that led to a ride to the ER -- do you seriously think that it wouldn't be with you for the rest of your of-no-media-interest-whatsoever life?
posted by lil_brown_bat at 07:27 PM on September 27, 2006
That "25-million reasons to stay alive" comment from the publicist did kind of make my skin crawl. Her whole spiel was pretty wretched, from the money comment to the self-congratulation for calling 911 to her condemning the police for making stuff up even though she couldn't quite remember what she said. One of the local radio guys said - in regards to something else, but I think it's pertinent here - that T.O.'s most guilty of surrounding himself with bad people. She seems to exacerbate that statement. Otherwise, coming from a Cowboy and T.O. hater, I really have yet to see that there's any big deal in this. It happens to people, and it's happened to a lot of people I know, but the fact that it was T.O. doesn't mean the entire sports-world at large needs to treat it like the Columbine Massacre.
posted by Ufez Jones at 08:07 PM on September 27, 2006
I think he just needs a big hug. We should ask if he violated the leagues substance abuse policy. He should be on aspirin 3 days after a broken finger.
posted by Fillyfan711 at 09:26 PM on September 27, 2006
Well it seems TO was not trying to commit suicide: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2605082 Growing up dirt poor in Bama in a wood-frame house, raised by an alcoholic grandma who only allowed one shaded lamp to be lit in the dark and kept him locked inside, finding out at age 11 his dad was not dead but was the stranger living right across the street who had never even bothered to speak to the young TO until TO started to flirt with his (at the time unknown) half-sister, eating only three days a week in college because he had no money...if TO had ever had suicidal tendencies he wouldn't be here today because he probably would've squeezed the trigger, popped the pills, or jumped off a perfectly good building a long time ago.
posted by wikipedia at 10:52 PM on September 27, 2006
This is just the media looking for a story. I'm surprised that Terrell was as coherent as he was at the press conference (actually I thought he was pretty sharp) even on "two or three" of those generic Vicodins... No way he took all of those pills... The only thing that doesn't add up is this Etheridge chick and her conflicting statements... I definitely not a fan of T.O. or a T.O. apologist, but his past prima donna behavior probably led to the media jumping to conclusions on this one...
posted by somedude at 11:00 PM on September 27, 2006
Etheridge is a publicist by trade. She's been professionally trained to no longer know what truth is, but rather what serves her client and what doesn't. By that yardstick, she's doing fine. Next question.
posted by chicobangs at 12:03 AM on September 28, 2006
"two or three" of those generic Vicodins.... Why was a man as rich as T.O taking generic pills? Its not like he couldn't afford the regular kind. Maybe this could have something to do with it...
posted by Kendall at 04:22 AM on September 28, 2006
I hope that wasn't even a serious question.
posted by jerseygirl at 05:43 AM on September 28, 2006
Damn, this thread is bringing the numbnutsomniscient mind-readers out of the woodwork, isn't it?
posted by lil_brown_bat at 07:19 AM on September 28, 2006
I've been thinking about this. If I subtract my debt from my checkings and savings, I have negative reasons to live. Goodbye cruel world. (to any well-meaning do-gooder internet-nannies, the above is only a joke.)
posted by SummersEve at 07:24 AM on September 28, 2006
Overeager Dallas cops + overeager media + publicity hungry NFL superstar = internet shitheads publicly celebrating reports of another human being's attempt at suicide. And to all who are busy celebrating somebody else's misery, you're a sad little poser. You're just showing out, trying to impress the world as an Internet Tough Guy, but it isn't working; we all know you don't dare talk this kind of shit in the real world, or you'd have had your ass kicked up around your shoulder blades every day of your miserable life, and you know it. If we should be dissecting anybody's mental health, it should be yours.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 07:29 AM on September 28, 2006
Lbb, got a comment on the thread or are you just the walmart greeter waiting to bash everyone else's comments? BTW, throwing the 9/11 comment in there was really classy.
posted by louisville_slugger at 07:29 AM on September 28, 2006
Damn, this thread is bringing the numbnutsomniscient mind-readers out of the woodwork, isn't it? posted by lil_brown_bat at 7:19 AM CDT on September 28 Is that an introspection?
posted by zippinglou at 07:48 AM on September 28, 2006
louisville_slugger: Lbb, got a comment on the thread I just did. zippinglou: Is that an introspection? Hardly. There are a dozen of so people (and I use the term loosely) in this thread who are boasting their knowledge of Just What Happened, but I'm not one of them.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 07:59 AM on September 28, 2006
OK. Now that Terrell Owens has spoken to the media about all this drama, can we move it along? Terrell DID NOT attempt suicide, bottom line!! What bothers me the most is that not only the media over-reacted to this personal health issue and blew it out of purportion, but to stake claim that this was a case of a man trying to take his own life was absurd. The officer that made the official statement did not know who leaked that information but that it was not accurate by any means whatsoever. People are so quick to judge someone that they may not like for whatever reason. I find it troubling that Terrell's situation was made out to be something bigger than what it really was, a guy that does not drink, smoke or does any drugs and is taking a prescribed narcotic. Hydocodone is not just some pill that you can take and not feel the effects, especially when the person taking them doesn't take them on a regular. Imagine a non-drinker that takes a shot or two of Vodka, you think they're not going to feel loopy? Why is is that Terrell Owens' portrayed as the villian here when he is as human as all of us and is actually the victim? I find it to be a shame and just hope that this type of thing doesn't happen to anyone else.
posted by BornIcon at 08:11 AM on September 28, 2006
The officer that made the official statement did not know who leaked that information but that it was not accurate by any means whatsoever. Citation please.
posted by SummersEve at 08:40 AM on September 28, 2006
Why was a man as rich as T.O taking generic pills? Chances are that even TO was covered by medical insurance of some type. No way they will allow the branded drug to be used instead of a generic. The quality of the generic is equal to that of the branded drug in most cases. The 3-digit total of the comments above, including mine, tells me that TO needs a lot of help, and soon. It also tells me that all of us need a lot of help too, if TO is the main thing on our minds today.
posted by Howard_T at 08:58 AM on September 28, 2006
The 3-digit total of the comments above, including mine, tells me that we could close this thread down and not miss a thing from here on out.
posted by chicobangs at 09:00 AM on September 28, 2006
Howard, I agree wholeheartedly with the first part of your last post. Unfortunately, I think the second part was utter tripe. The number of posts here has not a thing to do with the state of Terrell Owens' mental health, unelss, as I suspect, he's actually masquerading on this site as rcade. As far as the rest of us, well, some of us do indeed need a lot of help (/glares accusingly at SummersEve), but to say that T.O. is the main thing on our minds is quite an overstatement. Most of us are enjoying a little quality diversion time, and that's why we're here in the first place.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 09:04 AM on September 28, 2006
Discussing TO, or anything, doesn't imply that people do not have more important, more pressing issues on their minds. That's silly, Howard. Just silly talk.
posted by jerseygirl at 09:08 AM on September 28, 2006
i hope t.o sued these fuckers to make up this story about suicide the media bringing out his past childhood he had vitamins mixed with pain killers given him an allergic reaction
posted by defrag3x at 09:13 AM on September 28, 2006
Hey people, T.O.'s just trying to make a run for MVP...More Vicodin Please!!!
posted by frankiem at 09:35 AM on September 28, 2006
Don't give up your day job for comedy, sir.
posted by jerseygirl at 09:38 AM on September 28, 2006
The number of posts here has not a thing to do with the state of Terrell Owens' mental health, unelss, as I suspect, he's actually masquerading on this site as rcade. Your comment wounds me. I was raised in a cage by my grandmother. Where are my pills? Does this sheer white unitard make my butt look fat?
posted by rcade at 09:48 AM on September 28, 2006
I wish this thread could have ended with defrag's comment.
posted by SummersEve at 09:49 AM on September 28, 2006
i hope t.o sued these fuckers to make up this story about suicide I sincerely doubt that happened.
posted by yerfatma at 10:19 AM on September 28, 2006
I was raised in a cage by my grandmother. Bah - you were lucky! Oh, how we DREAMED of having a cage! Me and my seventeen brothers and four hundred and thirty-eight sisters lived in shoe box in the middle of the highway. At night, our father would get home and slash us in two with a bread knife.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 10:23 AM on September 28, 2006
I wish this thread could have ended with defrag's comment. I don't know. The thought of Mr. Cade in a sheer white unitard, perhaps doing an interpretive dance, might give this thread new life. Maybe not, but maybe.
posted by chicobangs at 10:28 AM on September 28, 2006
tselson, Weedy's people couldn't afford eyes for everybody. They had to pass around one eye, a la the Stygian witches.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 11:03 AM on September 28, 2006
I wish this thread could have ended with defrag's comment. In a way, dear friend, it did...it did.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 11:03 AM on September 28, 2006
They had to pass around one eye, a la the Stygian witches. So true. My family is EXACTLY like the Stygian witches. Wow. It is eeeeerie that you know that. Freaky stuff. We also had to wake up a half hour before we went to sleep and like the highway clean with our tongues.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 11:23 AM on September 28, 2006
TBH & jerseygirl, I stand suitably chastised. The number of comments seems rather high, and gave me the impression that we might have been a bit too preoccupied with TO. You are right; this is a nice diversion. Now I'll get back to more important things - my lunch. rcade, please don't spoil it by showing up at my desk in your unitard.
posted by Howard_T at 11:34 AM on September 28, 2006
He's not making personal visits in the unitard. A saucy little photo of him, unitard clad, is the official Sportsfilter holiday card this year. Look for it in the mail about the second week of December.
posted by jerseygirl at 11:38 AM on September 28, 2006
He's not making personal visits in the unitard. A saucy little photo of him, unitard clad, is the official Sportsfilter holiday card this year. Look for it in the mail about the second week of December. And what a great inspiration to keep those holiday pounds off! "Season's Greetings from Sportsfilter! NOW GET YOUR ASS IN THE GYM!!!"
posted by lil_brown_bat at 11:42 AM on September 28, 2006
rcade's going to ban you for calling him fat.
posted by jerseygirl at 11:50 AM on September 28, 2006
you were lucky weedy. i had to get up in the morning at ten o'clock at night, half an hour before i went to bed, eat a lump of cold poison, work 29 hours a day down at the mill, and pay the mill owner for permission to come to work, and when we got home, our dad would kill us, and dance about on our graves singing "hallelujah."
posted by goddam at 12:16 PM on September 28, 2006
At least you had singing.
posted by yerfatma at 12:19 PM on September 28, 2006
you were lucky weedy. i had to get up in the morning at ten o'clock at night, half an hour before i went to bed, eat a lump of cold poison, work 29 hours a day down at the mill, and pay the mill owner for permission to come to work, and when we got home, our dad would kill us, and dance about on our graves singing "hallelujah." Yeah, and now 'ere we are, sitting and drinking Chateau de Chasilee.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 01:00 PM on September 28, 2006
Look for it in the mail about the second week of December. Howard just don't expect it to come this year. I've been promised a satin jerseygirl fan club jacket and I'm still waiting for it.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 01:56 PM on September 28, 2006
I'd rather be slapped with a fish than continue.
posted by wfrazerjr at 01:58 PM on September 28, 2006
About the generic thing, most generic drugs provide the same exact benefits, but often come with various side affects. They also often mix much differently with other medications rather than a name brand drug. By saying this, I asn't trying to act ignorant, but apparently I did according to some of the comments i've heard above. Point is, if I made 25 million dollars a year, or even a number drastically lower than that, I would try to get the best medical care possible- especially if I was an athlete. Generic drugs have been proven to have more side affects, and often act much more differently when mixed with other medication. Who knows what really happened? I was merely stating my opinion based on the facts that were available.
posted by Kendall at 02:00 PM on September 28, 2006
What’s the difference between a generic and brand-name drug? Not much, except for name and price. A generic drug is called by its chemcical name; a manufacturer assigns a brand name. The products have the same ingredients. Standard practice and most state laws require that a generic drug be generically equivalent to its brand-name counterpart. That is, it must have the same active ingredients, strength, and dosage form—pill, liquid, or injection. The generic drug also must be therapeutically equivalent—it must be the same chemically and have the same medical effect.
posted by jerseygirl at 02:20 PM on September 28, 2006
Kendall, is that speculation? If not, please provide a link. Are you actually stating that generic drugs are worse for people than name brand? To think of all that no frills cereal I ate when I was a kid, how am I still alive? If T.O grew up as poor as they say he did, he should be immune to any and all generic product side effects. I think someone who works for Merck/Physer/GlaxoSmithkline sold you some snake oil.
posted by Bishop at 02:24 PM on September 28, 2006
Well put jerseygirl, by the way, your doctor must sign the prescription to indicate whether a generic substitute is permissible. My doctor signs that part every time. I knew that bastard was trying to kill me.
posted by Bishop at 02:29 PM on September 28, 2006
Two or more products should be considered biologically equivalent only when it can demonstrated that they fulfil three conditions: that they have the same pharmaceutical properties; that they are equally effective in therapeutic use and that they are tolerated equally by patients being treated for the indicated uses.
posted by garfield at 02:44 PM on September 28, 2006
The Dallas police want an apology after TO & his publicist implied that they made stuff up.
posted by bperk at 03:14 PM on September 28, 2006
He called him a "Fancy little football person." That rocks.
posted by SummersEve at 03:58 PM on September 28, 2006
While I do lean to the side of the police on this matter, I still find it funny that he said, Senior Cpl. Glenn White said, "Give me a break. Those officers are 10 times better than this man. ... We police officers don't go out to these calls and make stuff up." They are better than him based on what measuring device? And how dare anyone on earth suggest that police would "make stuff up". I'm certainly not suggesting that they did in this case, but this guy can't be serious about police not making stuff up. I now firmly believe that all parties involved are in need of help.
posted by Bishop at 04:15 PM on September 28, 2006
eat a lump of cold poison Wow...you guys could afford poison? He's not making personal visits in the unitard. Maybe not at your house. ----- So far, and I can't believe I'm saying this with T.O. and the Dallas P.D. involved, but this Kim Etherige woman appears the biggest dingbat of the bunch. Snap judgement: she fucked up, and now she's desperate to pawn it off on somebody else before T.O. realizes she fucked up and gives her the pink slip.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 04:35 PM on September 28, 2006
I have no idea what happened, but I tend to agree with TBH. Here's my opinion from what I've read and seen in the last couple hours. Only an opinion... According to his trainer, he was having a rough week. Couldn't be with his son and his fiancee left him. Does that mean he intended to harm himself? Absolutely not, but like TBH said, it could explain why his publicist thought it might have been some sort of suicide attempt. According to WFAA, The police say they're now classifying it as an accidental overdose. Remember, Owens had an agent that missed the filing deadline for his free-agent papers, so he may not have the best HR skills. But I wouldn't blame her, I can imagine it would be quite scary to come across someone in that state. And we don't know what was said. In fact, I heard a report, but can't find it that says in the 911 tapes she never uses the words suicide or depressed. Since it isn't classified a suicide, the 911 tapes will be released.
posted by SummersEve at 05:49 PM on September 28, 2006
Good point SE, the tapes should be released tomorrow. Well put THB, it still lingers in the back of my mind (if his woman left him) that it may have been a plea for attention. The only thing I can't put my finger on is, if any human being accidentally overdosed on a strong narcotic, don't you think they would want to keep the person for observation? Why take the pills out of the bottle and put them in a draw? So someone can find the empty bottle and assume you need help? Does he keep his supplements in a draw and leave the empty supplement bottle laying around? All in all it now sounds like a passive attempt and a not so good job at covering it up. A better cover up would have been to let him spend the night in the hospital and at least act like they were concerned about accidentally overdosing and the lasting affects. Allergic reaction? This guy has had several injuries that would require strong pain medication, is this the first time his own doctors have given him hydrocodone? I don't know why he is so shook up, it's still over a week away from the Eagles game and 2 of Philly's top 3 CB's are out due to injury. Dawkins is still playing however and we all know that Dawkins is still in T.O.'s head. And he has something to think about.
posted by Bishop at 06:33 PM on September 28, 2006
don't you think they would want to keep the person for observation? Generally hospital rules, who are we kidding here... ALL rules bend for famous people.
posted by jerseygirl at 06:45 PM on September 28, 2006
Transcript of the 911 call.
posted by bperk at 07:30 PM on September 28, 2006
So far, and I can't believe I'm saying this with T.O. and the Dallas P.D. involved, but this Kim Etherige woman appears the biggest dingbat of the bunch. Sheesh. She found the guy incoherent and non-responsive with an empty pill bottle, trying to take two more pills. If it had been a stroke, like the one that befell Kirby Puckett not long ago, her fast call to 911 could have saved his life.
posted by rcade at 07:52 AM on September 29, 2006
Right, but she should have called 912, the emergency hotline for famous people.
posted by yerfatma at 09:52 AM on September 29, 2006
Snap judgement: she fucked up, and now she's desperate to pawn it off on somebody else before T.O. realizes she fucked up and gives her the pink slip. Is this pink slip to be worn over rcade's unitard?
posted by Howard_T at 12:22 PM on September 29, 2006
Oh sure, dance around in your skintight little unitard that shows off your supple, undulating thigh muscles and your globular, bouncing, jouncing haunches and buttocks, and shoot my theory full of holes. You unitard people...sheesh.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 01:48 PM on September 29, 2006
When the press release came from the Dallas PD and called TO that fancy little football person and said the officers are 10 times better than him, I couldn't believe it. You would think that a Dallas PD rep would be a little more professional than that. Completely classless statement.
posted by Desert Dog at 03:50 PM on September 29, 2006
Uh well TO by way of his reps did basically intimate that the police falsified documents and lied... first.
posted by jerseygirl at 05:06 PM on September 29, 2006
True jerseygirl, but a police department or sheriff's department should be above basically name calling. A police department, regardless of it's location or size, is a professional organization and should act in a professional manner at all times.
posted by Desert Dog at 07:26 PM on September 29, 2006
Desert Dog, No matter what career someone chooses, if they are a "Good ole' boy" by nature, there is nothing anyone can do about it and it usually never changes.
posted by Bishop at 08:04 PM on September 29, 2006
Heh. Since when did TO become a good 'ol boy?* *100% unadulterated sarcasm.
posted by mjkredliner at 09:06 AM on September 30, 2006
if they are a "Good ole' boy" by nature, there is nothing anyone can do about it and it usually never changes. Sort of like how you can take the kid out of the ghetto but you can never take the ghetto out of the kid?* *100% unadulterated sarcasm.
posted by yerfatma at 10:58 AM on September 30, 2006
Don't know nothin' about that ghetto deal, but I do know a bit about good ol' boys. Personaly, I thought this thread was mucha actividad acerca de nada. TO will be allright. I wouldn't put it past him to have a great game tomorrow, broke finger and all...
posted by mjkredliner at 04:05 PM on September 30, 2006
Sort of like how you can take the kid out of the ghetto but you can never take the ghetto out of the kid?* Damn logic.
posted by justgary at 12:17 PM on October 02, 2006
I find it hard to believe that he would attempt suicide, but you never know. I'm wondering if a reporter or a police officer was trying too hard to get publicity.