Eagles punish controversial Owens

Owens has only been with the Eagles for one season

Philadelphia have handed Terrell Owens a one-week suspension after the volatile wide receiver had an angry exchange with coach Andy Reid.

It occurred after Reid asked Owens on why he did not attend a scheduled autograph session for the second time in a week, according to reports.

After the argument, Reid banned Owens from the team's training camp at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

"It was a difference of opinion," said Owens, denying he had snubbed fans.

The 31-year-old said: "When I'm out there on the field, I'm tending to my business.

"They're telling me to go out there and perform and practice, and that's what I've been doing.

"Just because I don't talk to everybody, you know, that's up to me."

The Eagles issued a statement which said: "Terrell Owens has been sent home from training camp due to undisclosed team issues. He is expected to return to the team on Wednesday, 17 August."

Owens is one of the NFL's most gifted receivers and will be starting the second season of a seven-year, $49m contract.

He is trying to renegotiate his contract but the Eagles have refused, saying the deal is binding.

Owens had 77 catches last season for 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns, and was a key factor in the Eagles' run to the Super Bowl.

He spent the first eight years of his career at San Francisco but left for Philadelphia amid much acrimony.