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Owens Goes to Camp; Williams Joins Lions

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From Associated Press

Terrell Owens showed up at the Philadelphia Eagles’ training camp Monday, but he declined to talk to reporters who chronicled his every move.

The disgruntled All-Pro receiver ended speculation about his possible holdout when he arrived at the Eagles’ facility an hour before a 7 p.m. Eastern time meeting, wearing a camouflage shirt and cap.

Owens was accompanied by his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, who said he would meet today with Eagle Coach Andy Reid and President Joe Banner to discuss his client’s contract.

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“All the talk, all the rhetoric in the off-season is meaningless,” Rosenhaus said. “He’s here. He’s not happy with his contract, but he’s a professional and he’ll do his best to help the Eagles win a championship.”

Owens wants to renegotiate the seven-year, $48.97-million deal he signed after coming to Philadelphia in March 2004. The Eagles have said they have no intention of doing so. Rosenhaus wouldn’t rule out that Owens might leave camp but said he’s optimistic the two sides can avoid that scenario.

The Eagles’ All-Pro running back, Brian Westbrook, didn’t show up, even though he said this summer that he wasn’t going to hold out. Westbrook signed a one-year, $1.43-million contract in June but wants a long-term deal.

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“We’ve been very aggressive in trying to secure a long-term contract for Brian. We had thought we were making good progress in that regard. Unfortunately, Brian made a counterproductive and almost unprecedented decision to not report,” the Eagles said in a statement.

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More than 18 months after his last collegiate game, Mike Williams, the first-round pick of the Detroit Lions, signed a contract and ended a brief holdout.

“It’s a relief to be here,” said Williams, who sat out the 2004 season after unsuccessfully challenging NFL draft rules. “I’m ready to go.”

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The former USC receiver -- the No. 10 overall pick -- flew into Detroit, signed his contract and took a physical, then worked out briefly with rookie quarterback Dan Orlovsky in the afternoon.

“I hated being the last rookie into camp, especially since I was the first pick, so I have the most expectations,” Williams said. “I just want to get back to what I’ve done my whole career -- winning.”

Williams thinks his biggest challenges will come on the practice field.

“The playbook stuff will come pretty fast, but even though I’ve been working at home in Tampa, that’s nothing like doing two-a-days like these guys,” he said.

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Former Seahawk receiver Koren Robinson checked himself into a 28-day alcohol rehabilitation program in South Carolina, his Seattle-area lawyer said. Robinson pleaded guilty July 18 to a charge of driving under the influence.

He faces an additional charge because he had alcohol on his breath when he reported to serve a one-day jail term a few days later.

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Wide receiver Tim Dwight was activated from the New England Patriots’ preseason physically unable to perform list. Dwight, who underwent surgery on his right big toe in January, signed as a free agent March 13 after spending the previous four seasons with San Diego.

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San Diego outside linebacker Shawne Merriman agreed to a five-year deal that is potentially worth $15.73 million, with $9 million guaranteed. ... Baltimore rookie linebacker Dan Cody, a former Oklahoma standout, sprained a ligament in his right knee during practice. No timetable was set for his return. ... Raven running back Jamal Lewis will be released from an Atlanta halfway house today and report to camp Thursday. ... Raider receiver Jerry Porter left Oakland’s afternoon practice to have an MRI exam on his hamstring.

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