Jerry Jones Gives Clues to His T.O. Decision

It began like any other press conference and had the sound of one that would be pretty uneventful was well, but after being peppered with roster questions that boiled down to 'what's up with T.O.', Jerry Jones gave a non-answer that may have actually said a lot.

"You and I both know that the one you're asking about all the time, if I gave you the answer that you want to hear, then you would have already had it," Jones said. "So the fact you don't have it ought to tell you something."

Presumably, the answer reporters "want to hear" is the front page worthy news that Owens will be released. So in his denial that a decision has been made, did Jones give a not so subtle indication of their plans?

To plays devils' advocate to that notion, if Owens will be here next season then why not just say it? Jones comments are hardly a ringing endorsement of the controversial receiver, but sound more like a jab at reporters looking for any morsel of Owens controversy.

Still, these latest comments are just one of a series of signs that Terrell Owens will be with the Cowboys for 2009. Jones has stated on several occasions that he has no concerns about the chemistry of the team.

"I do not buy this locker room severity," Jones said. "That goes with the territory when you don't win. You start hearing it when you start not winning."

There is also the money it would cost to cut Owens. All the money saved by not paying him a June roster bonus would be negated by the near $10 million hit to the salary cap. And of course, there is the fact that with the free agency window just a week away he is still here. Each day that passes with Owens on the roster makes the chances of his helping open the new stadium more likely.

Jones comments may have given away the answer to the biggest offseason question, but the clues have been there all along.

Wes Cox is Dallas based blogger whose thought s on the Mavs can be read daily at www.mavsmoneyball.com.