BROWNS Jeff Garcia finally responds: 'I' ve never looked at T.O. as being an enemy of mine'

BEREA (AP) -- Someday, Jeff Garcia and Terrell Owens may connect again.
Someday, the former teammates may be able to talk, shake hands and repair their ruptured relationship. And maybe, just maybe, they can become friends again.
Someday. Not this week.
On Sunday, when the Cleveland Browns play host to the unbeaten Philadelphia Eagles, Garcia and Owens will be as close in proximity as they've been since playing together for five stormy seasons in San Francisco.
Both players spent part of Wednesday addressing their ongoing, mostly one-sided feud, a clash of personalities fueled by Owens' repeated bashing of the Browns' new quarterback.
Garcia doesn't understand Owens' anger or the relentless criticism from one of the NFL's most opinionated players.
In his autobiography and during interviews, the brash, Owens has ripped Garcia's playing ability and leadership skills. Owens has even questioned Garcia's sexuality.
"I don't know why he can't let it go," Garcia said. "I mean, it's unfortunate because I've never looked at T.O. as being an enemy of mine. I don't know where the anger or the negativity or the criticism comes from, and why certain comments have been made."
Garcia insists he has moved on, and he just wishes Owens would do the same.
Recent verbal shots
Never one to dodge a question, Owens has dished out some damaging verbal shots at Garcia since the two parted following last season. Owens, though, maintains his comments directed at Garcia have been blown out of proportion.
"I haven't criticized him as of lately," Owens said. "I think everybody is just getting reports from the book. You're the ones that won't let it go. I've let it go since training camp."
Not quite.
In an interview last week, Owens went on the attack against Garcia again. He said the three-time Pro Bowler doesn't have a strong arm, is an inaccurate passer and if Owens had played with a better QB in San Francisco he would have better stats.
The history between the two stretches to 1999, when after playing in the Canadian Football League, Garcia replaced Steve Young as the 49ers starter.
In his first season with Garcia as his quarterback, Owens caught 60 passes. He went on have 97, 93, 100 and 80 receptions the next four seasons, twice leading the league in TD catches.
No credit
Someone had to pass him the ball, yet Owens seems unwilling to admit Garcia was the one who threw it to him.
The pair went to three Pro Bowls and made two playoff appearances as one of the league's most lethal pass-and-catch combinations. But there were problems, too.
Garcia was constantly trying to keep Owens happy. If the talented wideout wasn't complaining about getting the ball, he was at odds with the coaches.
Garcia got pulled in both directions, which is why he took exception to Owens' assertion that all the 49ers' struggles could be traced to the quarterback.
"Have somebody step into my shoes and feel what I had to deal with throughout that whole time in San Francisco," Garcia said.