Are fantasy owners behind rise in media speculation?

	Did you hear the news? Terrell Owens won't be playing for the rest of the season. Simon Bruty/SI

By Bob Harris, Special to SI.com FootballDiehards.com

It comes as no surprise that most of the free world became caught up in the three-ring media circus in Philadelphia with a charismatic and entertaining cast of characters -- led by the controversial Terrell Owens, Donovan McNabb and flamboyant agent Drew Rosenhaus.

After all, we're talking about a story compelling enough to make Andy Reid, who under normal circumstances would be slightly less exciting than a small soap dish, downright scintillating.

When he announced on Monday that Owens had been suspended four games for conduct detrimental to the team -- and that the star receiver would not return even after that suspension is over -- Reid started a media firestorm that is still burning out of control.

If you're still not sure just how big the Owens story became, his Tuesday afternoon apology was carried live nationally on ESPN, ESPNews and the NFL Network.

Heck, Fox News Channel broke into their regularly scheduled program with an honest-to-gosh "Fox News Alert" when T.O. began speaking.

It was all T.O., all the time.

And it still is. Even though, for all intents and purposes, the story is over until next week when an arbitrator is scheduled to hear a grievance filed on Owens' behalf by the NFLPA.

So why is it still wall-to-wall Owens? Could it be fantasy-related?

With FOX, CBS and ESPN all asking their broadcast crews to provide fantasy-specific information during games, I don't believe it's a reach to say we're a factor.

It's no secret that fantasy owners can't get enough information. So much so that we're reluctant to let the end of a story put an end to the fun. When there is no longer factual data to move it forward, speculation and rumor will do just fine.

The media -- and I mean the full range of media, from internet rumor mills to major television networks -- have clearly picked up that fact. Hence, the countless hours of speculation bombarding us from all angles.

Will Owens play again this year? Will it be for the Eagles? If not Philadelphia, who? If not this year, will it be next year? What teams might be most likely to secure his services?

There are three television sets in my office. All three are on different channels. It's just after 11:00 pm Friday night and Owens is currently on two of them.

But the T.O. saga is only one example. Want another? Look no further than Priest Holmes.