Sport-Blog.com

In a surprising action, arbitrator Richard Bloch upheld the disciplinary actions taken by the Philadelphia Eagles in dealing with their explosive wide receiver, Terrell Owens. I say surprising because of the normal decision-making process made in such situations, and not insinuating that the Eagles were dealing with the matter in an unfair and inappropriate manner.

Recapping the sorry behavior of Owens isn't necessary for those who follow pro football although the amazing list of inappropriate behaviors set forth by the Eagles was incredible when looked at in its entirety. Among the many items not known by the general public prior to the hearing were Owens failure to open his playbook during training camp sessions, his desire to utilize handicap parking spaces for his own parking, and his repeated failure to respond to Coach Andy Reid's efforts to work through the childish behaviors Owens displayed. Throw in the final, very set of public actions by T.O., and one comes to realize that Philadelphia had more than tried to placate the wide receiver.

However, the tendency in the legal arena these days, especially in mediation, is to split hairs. The NFLPA clearly thought as much when they took this case to hearing. Thoughts of a ruling that reduced the suspension in half, to just two games, were bandied about. Heck, the arbitrator could have reduced the suspension by even a single game, that clearly would have helped the NFLPA feel better. Lastly, he could have inserted a viewpoint regarding the deactivation period, another item the Players Association hoped would happen.

Instead, the arbitrator did his job as he truly should have. He listened to the evidence from both sides, evidence that clearly indicated Terrell Owens was a malcontent that was not being mistreated by his organization. He then examined the punishment and deemed that Philadelphia was not over-reacting given the litany of issues presented. Ironically, it would have been interesting to see if the arbitrator would have had the authority would he have extended the punishment.

For the NFLPA, the expectation of a some form of reduction left them with such a sour taste in their mouths that they are now considering removing Bloch from his role. Too pro-management is the cry and therefore Bloch can't be counted on to give a fair ruling in future cases.

It is constantly amazing how the judicial system is sought to resolve matters, but when it does not resolve them to one of the parties liking the cries of unfairness are extended to include the person rendering the decision. Unfortunately, it is scary to think about the amount of money the Eagles had to have spent to justify their actions, and the money the NFLPA attorneys are raking in over this matter, all the while as Union leadership thumps their chest.

My hat goes off to the Eagles for preparing themselves and showing what a malcontent Owens truly was. My hat goes off to Richard Bloch for having the courage to uphold the ruling as it was given. It had to take enormous courage for him not to tinker with the discipline to simply placate the Players Union.

And I put my hat back on and walk away from the NFLPA for it's absurd reaction to the final ruling. Such actions undermine their existence - one can't help but believe that they are truly not a representative body of the players who make up the NFL if they respond in such a manner.