49ers Fine, Suspend Owens

Terrell Owens, San Francisco’s top receiver, was fined a week’s salary and suspended for a game by Coach Steve Mariucci on Monday for his touchdown celebrations during the 49ers’ victory at Dallas.

After both of his touchdowns in the 41-24 victory at Texas Stadium, Owens sprinted to midfield and celebrated on the Cowboys’ star logo. Some of his teammates said the displays fired them up, but others said Owens embarrassed them.

“This decision is based on how we intend to conduct ourselves,” Mariucci said. “It disturbs me when the integrity of the game is compromised in any way, shape or form.”

Owens will lose $24,294 and won’t be allowed to practice or meet with teammates this week. San Francisco (1-3) plays Arizona at home Sunday.

Mariucci said he spoke to the league office about his decision to discipline Owens, and he didn’t know whether the NFL planned to level its own fine or suspension as well.

Owens, a five-year veteran, is San Francisco’s leading receiver with 23 catches for 328 yards and four touchdowns.

On Sunday, the Cowboys’ Emmitt Smith responded to Owens’ first outburst with his own midfield celebration after a one-yard touchdown before halftime.

When Owens caught a one-yard touchdown pass with 4:05 left to make it 41-17, he again took off toward midfield. Dallas safety George Teague followed Owens and leveled him as he knelt on the logo, touching off a heated confrontation between the teams.

Teague was ejected, while Owens received a penalty for taunting but was not ejected.

Mariucci said Owens’ unrepentant attitude after the game “didn’t help.” Though Owens apologized to teammates, he told reporters he didn’t regret his actions, and would do it again.

Mariucci said he didn’t confront Owens about his first touchdown celebration because he didn’t see it. But Owens admitted the 49ers, accustomed to the dignified and restrained approach of veteran receiver Jerry Rice, have warned him about exhibiting poor sportsmanship in the past.

“They’ve told me that since I’ve been here, but . . . that’s the way I play,” Owens said. “I think everybody wants me to follow in Jerry’s footsteps, act with class. Jerry has the style of game he plays, I’ve got my style of game that I play.”

Owens, when told of Mariucci’s decision on Monday morning, apparently didn’t take it well. Team officials indicated he left the 49ers’ Santa Clara headquarters in anger.