Owens won't be disciplined for autograph escapade

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) -- Terrell Owens won't be fined or disciplined by the NFL for his latest innovation in touchdown celebrations -- pulling a pen from his sock to autograph the ball.

"However, such acts will not be tolerated going forward," league spokesman Greg Aiello said Wednesday.

Owens, the San Francisco 49ers' All-Pro receiver, caused a stir Monday night in a 28-21 victory over Seattle. After beating cornerback Shawn Springs to score the winning touchdown in the fourth quarter, Owens produced a pen, signed the football and presented it to his financial adviser in the front row.

Owens and many of his teammates thought it was a unique, creative celebration, but some of the Seahawks thought it bordered on taunting. More than one Seattle player suggested retaliation might be in order when the teams play at San Francisco on Dec. 1.

Owens made television and radio appearances earlier this week to defend his actions, but he refused to talk to nearly all local reporters on Wednesday, leaving his teammates to speak for him.

"It's really getting blown out of proportion," center Jeremy Newberry said. "It's ridiculous. I don't think he offended anybody. Any time T.O. does something, the media wants to make a bigger deal about it than it deserves.

"He didn't sign the ball and give it to Shawn Springs. I don't think anybody in this locker room sees anything wrong with it."

But some members of the Seahawks were angered by Owens' celebration, with coach Mike Holmgren calling it "shameful" and "a dishonor to anyone who ever played this game."

Owens has employed a variety of odd dances and choreographed moves after scoring. He caused his biggest stir more than two years ago when he celebrated two touchdowns by running to the Dallas Cowboys' star logo at midfield in Texas Stadium.

For that, San Francisco coach Steve Mariucci suspended Owens for one game. The episode catalyzed months of bad feelings between player and coach.

Mariucci and the rest of the 49ers had no problem with Owens' latest self-expression, however. The team won't discipline the wideout, Mariucci said.

"T.O. is a unique individual," quarterback Jeff Garcia said. "He's definitely creative. I'm not going to say whether it was a knock against the other team or not. I'm sure he didn't mean it that way. ... It's behind us, as far as we're concerned. It's one play. I didn't even realize it took place at the time.

"Had we lost, I'm sure a larger debate would have been made about it, but not in this locker room. It's not anything we're worried and concerned about. It's not even anything that's brought up."