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"The main reason obviously is to help the victims of the hurricane," Owens said of the auction. "The other reason, not to spark anything, but there are a couple of players that said I didn’t help them get to the Super Bowl. One of the guys was Hugh Douglas. That really was one of the reasons. I just felt like since I didn’t want (the ring), then I could just put it to better use. What a better situation to arise than to help the hurricane victims?"
Owens didn’t play in the NFC title game due to torn ankle ligaments. In the weeks leading up to the game, quarterback Donovan McNabb and others said the Eagles would love to have a healthy Owens, but could reach the Super Bowl without him. Douglas no longer is a member of the Eagles, although he’s working for the club as a community liaison.
As far as the touchdown celebrations, or lack thereof, Owens rewound to the line he got from Eagles management -- i.e. they would not re-do, in the first year, his seven-year $49 million contract.
That’s why Owens was so vanilla on the two touchdowns he stamped on his ex-team, the San Francisco 49ers, last weekend. Owens had five catches for 143 yards, including a 68-yard reception.
"Hey, that’s how its going to be," Owens said. "If (the Eagles) are the ones that say it’s all business, that’s what it is for me -- all business. And for guys disappointed that I’m not celebrating, hey.
"Like I said in training camp, I’m going to let my play do the speaking for me. The Eagles said it’s all business, so I’m taking that approach as well."
Owens, however, was only too happy to stick it to his ex-team. Particularly linebacker Derek Smith, who called him "a bad apple" and said he was glad Owens no longer was with the team.
"Obviously he felt that way," Owens said. "And I’m pretty sure there were some other guys who obviously felt that way if he did."
Owens confirmed he asked Andy Reid to get back into the blowout.
"I did really want to rub it in at that particular point," Owens said. "I really wanted to shoot for 200 (receiving yards). They said I was a cancer. According to Derek Smith, I was a bad apple to that team."
Owens practiced Friday despite a sore abdominal strain and is probable for the Oakland Raiders, who visit Sunday. Though he and Raiders wide receiver Randy Moss won’t be on the field at the same time, he expects a competition of sorts. Moss and Owens are 1-2 in the league in receiving yardage.
"I’m pretty sure he’s going to want to come in here and show me up a little bit," Owens said. "He tried that last year. Obviously the most important thing is that the team wins. I’m going to do my thing and I’m pretty sure he’s going to do his thing."
Owens called Moss, "A gifted athlete." Owens still hasn’t forgotten what Moss said last season -- those comparisons between he and Owens were moot because he was so much better than the Eagle.
"Everybody," Owens said, "has an opinion."
Owens said he and Moss both are athletic but suggested he was the one known for going over the middle, the area of the field where the biggest hits come. Owens walked back to the huddle unfazed after a huge and legal hit last week by Niners cornerback Mike Rumph, who popped the Eagle with his shoulder.
"I had the last laugh," Owens said.
Owens also took umbrage with those who say Moss is the fastest player in the NFL, replying, "Really?
"I beg to differ," Owens said. "I think there are DB’s that are really fast out there. I wouldn’t say he’s the fastest man in the game."
Besides the defensive backs, Owens suggested there was a receiver who would beat Moss in a footrace.
"Put him on the (starting) line," Owens said. "Nobody said I was fast when I was in San Francisco. But if you watch the film, I was always getting behind DB’s and scoring touchdowns."
Finally, while Owens didn’t guarantee a victory, he’s counting on the Eagles (1-1) beating the underdog Raiders (0-2).
"I expect to win," Owens said. "Me and my other teammates. That’s the main goal. We don’t expect to come out of this game Sunday 1-2."
