T.O. getting advice from GOP strategists?

Caught a SportsCenter clip this morning of Dallas Cowboys WR Terrell Owens talking about the "media conspiracy" to divide his team. 

Quoth Owens:

"I understand the political campaign is going on, (and) ESPN really hasn't had the ratings that they've had for a while.  I'm pretty sure that's why they made a big deal out of what I said...I think everybody in this locker room, from the coaches on down, know everything I said was blown out of proportion and shouldn't have been made into such a big deal."*

Mr. Owens, time for a reality check.  The reason your post-Redskins game comments, in which you complained you didn't get the ball enough, were reported at all is because your public complaints on this topic in the past have led to (or at the very least signaled) damaged relationships with previous quarterbacks and teams (Jeff Garcia - 49ers, Donovan McNabb - Eagles).  There's a pattern.  Your willingness to reengage in behavior that's been destructive to your previous teams is thus newsworthy.  

I don't always agree with SportsCenter's editorial decisions, but it seems fair to me that they'd report your comments and analyze their meaning in this case.  Calling into question the media's intentions in reporting a story is a tried and true political communication strategy for deflecting attention away from an issue.  In fact, it's been around so long that its employment is completely transparent most of the time, as it is in this case.  You said something divisive again, so I can't blame you for wanting to put the focus elsewhere, but the notion that ESPN is making a concerted effort to divide the Dallas Cowboys really doesn't make sense. 

Athletes seem to love to spout off in front of the camera and then blame the media for misinterpreting their statements.  Simple solution:  be thoughtful and don't just talk because you're in love with the sound of your own voice (T.O.) or because you're obsessed with marketing yourself (you listening Ocho Stinko?).  If you can't thoughtfully articulate an unambiguous message, shut up.  Or talk...but don't cry when the words you leave open for interpretation are interpreted by the people who interpret words and events for a living. 

*NOTE:  Text of Owens' comments referenced from here.  Couldn't find full text on espn.com.