NFL NOTEBOOK

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Oct 9, 2008

Owens says he isin 'good spirits'

IRVING, Texas -- Tears shed on the sideline after a touchdown catch. The vague statement after the game, and then not answering any questions.

Terrell Owens realizes those incidents have raised speculation about his "mental state of mind." The Dallas Cowboys' star receiver insists there is nothing to worry about.

"Last week I was going through a lot of stuff, and the previous week," Owens said Wednesday. "Other than that, dude, I'm in good spirits. I'm fine. ... Honestly, I am good."

After Owens caught a 57-yard TD pass in the fourth quarter Sunday against Cincinnati, he ecstatically raised his arms over his head and clapped while still grasping the ball in one hand. T.O. then went to the bench, bowed, put a towel over his head and started crying.

Owens has since said that emotion was stirred because of the death of a family member and a talk with his pastor, though he didn't mentioned either after the game.

Tom Brady, New England Patriots quarterback, underwent surgery on his left knee this week, a month after he was sidelined with the season-ending injury, The Boston Globe said.

The paper reported Wednesday that the operation was performed Monday in Los Angeles. Brady's replacement, Matt Cassel, said he tried calling him.

A 25-year-old man was indicted Wednesday on first-degree murder charges in the drive-by shooting death of Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams on New Year's Day 2007.

Willie D. Clark faces 39 counts, including murder, attempted murder, assault, crimes of violence and a weapons violation, Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey said.

Donovan McNabb decided it was time to speak up.

After a pair of disheartening losses dropped the Eagles to 2-3 and the bottom of the competitive NFC East, the veteran quarterback called a team meeting earlier this week.

"I tried to let them know that it's easy for us to sit and say we could be undefeated right now or we should be 4-1, whatever it may be, but we're not," McNabb said. "So, in order for us to correct that and put these four or five games behind us, we have to do it right now."

Marvin Harrison is being sued by a man who says he was shot in the hand and body in April by the Indianapolis Colts star.

Harrison, who was never arrested or charged, is being sued by Dwight Dixon for $100,000 in damages in a suit filed in Philadelphia on Sept. 2. Police are investigating the shooting, the District Attorney's office said Wednesday.

Dixon says he sustained "serious and permanent injuries" to his arm and body and a "severe shock" to his nervous system on April 28.

Mike Holmgren's 10th and final season as Seahawks coach isn't turning into a soft, sentimental ride.

The paternal yet often fiery Holmgren ripped into his players during what he called "a truth session" on Wednesday, three days after Seattle (1-3) was embarrassed 44-6 at the New York Giants.

It was the worst margin of defeat in Holmgren's head coaching career, which began in Green Bay in 1992. It left the four-time defending NFC West champions in what Pro Bowl linebacker Julian Peterson called "almost" panic time entering Sunday's home game against the Packers (2-3).

The NFL faces challenges in weathering the economic downturn despite the game's popularity, commissioner Roger Goodell said on Wednesday.

Responding to questions during a business leaders luncheon, Goodell said the NFL is not recession proof, citing stadium financing and struggles by the league's sponsors as specific problems.

Travis Henry, Former Denver Broncos running back, could be released from jail today after posting a $400,000 bond on federal drug charges.

Henry and another suspect were arrested Sept. 30 in Denver after federal drug agents said they met to buy cocaine from a man who was cooperating with authorities.

Carson Palmer, Bengals quarterback, will limit his throwing during practice this week to rest his sore elbow, hoping to be ready for the New York Jets on Sunday.

The New Orleans Saints placed kicker Martin Gramatica on injured reserve and re-signed sixth-round draft pick Taylor Mehlhaff.

The Associated Press