Terrell Owens: Ex-Wranglers Coach Alleges Former NFL Star Was Cut for Money

The plot surrounding Terrell Owens' dismissal from the Allen Wranglers of the Indoor Football League continues to thicken.

According to TMZ, an unnamed assistant coach who was recently let go by the Wranglers alleges that Owens was cut for financial reasons, rather than any refusal to show up for road games and guest appearances at local children's hospitals.

The coach in question claims that the team decided to part ways with T.O. amidst a string of budget cuts, after owner John Frankel realized he could no longer afford to honor the substantial contract to which he signed the former NFL star. Those same financial strains also appeared to have cost the coach his job. 

And, contrary to reports from Frankel about Owens' delinquency in Allen, the former assistant says that T.O. was an important part of the team's performance, as best exemplified by his 35 catches for 450 yards and 10 touchdowns in eight games.

Wranglers general manager told the "Ben & Skin Show" on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM that he thinks Owens is still capable of playing in the NFL:

"

It's very difficult to get back into the NFL, especially at that age. To me, there's no question he could play in the NFL. When I see these receivers that are playing, there is no question Terrell could still play in the NFL. But it's not what happens between the lines with Terrell, unfortunately. It's how he handles things outside the lines.

"

The 38-year-old Owens joined the Wranglers in February after failing to attract any interest from NFL teams in the wake of an ACL injury suffered during the lockout. T.O.'s contract was to pay him a six-figure salary and grant him an ownership stake in the team.

Whatever Owens does next, his overall resume still makes him a viable candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Owens racked up 1,078 catches (sixth all-time), 15,934 yards (second) and 156 touchdowns (fourth) during a 15-year NFL career that included stints with the San Francisco 49ers, the Philadelphia Eagles, the Dallas Cowboys, the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals.

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