Hall of Fame wide receiver Terrell Owens had some scathing comments for the San Francisco 49ers and former head coach Steve Mariucci.
Owens was initially speaking to TMZ Sports about feeling like he could have continued playing even after his final season in 2010. But Owens said he was “blackballed” by the NFL right before adding he experienced “systemic racism” under the guise of Mariucci in San Francisco with the 49ers.
“I could've still continued to play but because I was outspoken, because of who I was, I wasn't allowed the opportunity.”
“Because I was outspoken. Because of who I was and because of some of the coaches that said things behind closed doors and got in the ears of these owners, that's why I wasn't able to really continue on with my career.”
“To me, that was systemic racism. I experienced it when I was in San Francisco under coach Mariucci. I experienced it. Trust me, I experienced it.”
Mariucci took charge of the 49ers ahead of T.O.'s second year in the league in 1997. He would go 57-39 in six years as head coach, though he failed to win more than one playoff game in a single season.
Owens became one of the best receivers in the league in San Francisco with the 49ers. He was named first-team All-Pro in three consecutive seasons between 2000 and 2002. But he frequently feuded with Mariucci during their time together.
It is unknown whether T.O. is alluding to a specific incident or pattern of behaviors, though the latter seems more likely given he used the term “systemic racism.”
In either case, this is a serious indictment against Mariucci.
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