Mariucci Disciplines Owens for Dallas Incident

S A N T A  C L A R A, Calif., Sept. 25, 2000 -- San Francisco receiver Terrell Owenswas suspended for one game and fined a week’s pay by coach Steve Mariucci today.

Owens conducted two outlandish touchdown celebrations at TexasStadium during the 49ers’ 41-24 victory over the Dallas Cowboys onSunday. After scoring, Owens twice sprinted to midfield andcelebrated on the Cowboys’ star logo.

Mariucci said he spoke to the league office about his decisionto suspend and fine Owens. The coach didn’t know whether the leagueplanned to issue its own fine or suspension as well.

“This decision is based on how we intend to conductourselves,” Mariucci said. “It disturbs me when the integrity ofthe game is compromised in any way, shape or form.”

Leveled at Midfield

The second time Owens celebrated, Dallas safety George Teaguefollowed him and leveled him at midfield, touching off a heatedconfrontation between the teams. Teague was ejected, while Owensreceived a penalty for taunting.

Owens is San Francisco’s leading receiver with 23 catches for328 yards and four touchdowns this season. He was fined $24,294,the team said.

He will remain on the active roster, but will not participate inpractice or team meetings this week, and will not play againstArizona.

“I can’t compromise our rules and values and the way weapproach the game,” Mariucci said.

Mariucci said Owens’ unrepentant attitude following hiscelebrations “didn’t help.” Though Owens apologized to histeammates after the game, he told reporters he didn’t regret hisactions, and would do it again.

The victory was San Francisco’s first of the season after threelosses.

Owens, who was told of Mariucci’s decision on Monday morning,apparently didn’t take Mariucci’s decision well. Team officialsindicated that he left the team’s Santa Clara headquarters inanger.

Raiders receiver Andre Rison said he had dinner with Owens at aSan Francisco restaurant Sunday night, and “we laughed about it,”Rison said.

Rison said he thought the 49ers should have rallied behindOwens.

“I think his teammates should have said, ‘OK, here comes thecavalry,’” Rison said.

Rison said Owens knew he was going to be bashed by the media —even after the first time he went to the star.

“I don’t think Terrell was wrong,” he said. “Everybody hastheir own emotions.”

The Raiders host the 49ers on Oct. 8, the next game in whichOwens will be allowed to play.