In spite of T.O's missed flight, he's still popular with Bengal fans

CINCINNATI - Even though the debut of Terrell Owens has been delayed Thursday, Cincinnati Bengals fans say it's alright, because they can wait.

T.O. was scheduled to appear at Bengals training camp in Georgetown Thursday morning, but for whatever reason, he missed his flight for his first day of work with his new team.

If fans are the team's ultimate boss, it seems many of them are not upset at T.O's tardiness. Owens number 81 jersey and Bengals merchandise is soaring in popularity.

Owens was originally supposed to be appear at a news conference in Georgetown late Thursday morning after signing his contract, but the receiver will instead meet the media after the team's evening practice.

The receiver's tardiness did not bother some shoppers at Koch's Sporting Goods Downtown.

Michael Lester of Westwood put down $150 for a Owens jersey. "As long as he shows up on the field, that's all that matters to me. Ten touchdowns, 1,000 yards, that's what we need," he said.

However, Bengals fan Tom Bruner of Deerfield Township has a different take on T.O. "I think Bengals fans ought to get used to it and the team ought to get used to it. I think that's the kind of thing that's going to happen. I hope it won't. Hopefully, he'll really add to the core because his talents are needed. But it's going to be up to Carson Palmer to make sure this thing works out," he said.

The team had issued Bengals wide receiver Antonio Bryant number 81 when he signed earlier this offseason. But, Owens reportedly paid his new teammate an undisclosed amount of money, some of which went to charity, so he could sport the number in the orange and black.

How popular is T.O. as far as sports merchandise is concerned? Just ask Eric Koch of Koch's. "The phones started ringing last night and haven't stopped since then. Everybody wants a piece of T.O., whether you like him or not, whether it's going to work or not. Everybody is excited he's coming here and it's bringing a lot of excitement that we haven't seen in years," he said.

The newest member of the Bengals is scheduled to land around 2:15 p.m. While he was on the tarmac waiting for takeoff, Owens tweeted that he was anxious to become a Cincinnati Bengal. If all goes well, Owens will address the media after practice wraps up at 9 p.m.