TO, Ochocinco start their own cable talk show

[October 12, 2010]  CINCINNATI (AP) -- Terrell Owens isn't concerned that another television show -- this one with Bengals teammate Chad Ochocinco -- amounts to overexposure.

"With the two of us," Owens told The Associated Press, "I don't think you can really get enough of us."

Viewers of the cable sports network Versus can decide for themselves starting Tuesday when "The T.Ocho Show" debuts. The half-hour show will give the outspoken duo a chance to speak their minds on sports, entertainment and social topics each week.

Both already are mainstays in social media and cable television. They tweet regularly and have their own VH-1 reality shows. Ochocinco was a contestant on "Dancing With the Stars" last season.

They also have a history of stirring things up, which Versus is counting on to attract viewers. Moderator Kevin Frazier will raise topics and try to pin down the receivers on what they think.

In promotional spots for the show, they've already taken on the subject of fat NFL coaches and whether they'd like to see Sarah Palin in Playboy.

"I'll push them in different directions, push the pace so we can get in more topics," said Frazier, a studio host for the network's college football coverage. "I'll kind of call them on things they say. Sometimes they say something and it needs to be followed up on. You say, 'Hey, did that really come out of your mouth?'"

That could be the show's most attractive -- and most precarious -- aspect. Neither receiver is shy about speaking his mind, something that's gotten both in trouble.

Owens is known for criticizing his quarterbacks, although he's been kind to Carson Palmer in Cincinnati. Ochocinco is known for trash talking that upsets coach Marvin Lewis.

Owens acknowledged that the show will put them in a delicate situation, expressing opinions that might rankle players, coaches or even the league.

"It's one of those touchy and iffy types of situations because we are active players," Owens said. "But I think people shouldn't judge us just by the fact that they think we're two loudmouth guys and that somebody gave us our own show. We're very knowledgeable about a number of topics. I think we're well-versed in things."

As a lead-up to their show, the duo had a regular segment for the last five weeks on The Daily Line, a nightly sports highlight and interview show on Versus. In one segment, they decided which overweight NFL coaches should be on "The Biggest Loser."

Owens' choice: Jets coach Rex Ryan. When Ochocinco told Owens to be careful about what he said, Owens responded, "Be careful about what? Man, if you're overweight, you're overweight. Watch what you eat."

They also veered into politics, deciding whether they'd rather see Palin in the White House or in Playboy.

"I'd rather see her in the White House, you know?" Ochocinco said. "I don't really want to see her in Playboy."

"There's nothing about Sarah Palin that's Playboy-ish," Owens said.

"She's cute though," Ochocinco added. "With those little glasses? She looks good."

When the moderator summed up their thoughts by saying the receivers think Palin would "do more damage" in Playboy, Owens responded, "I think she probably would do more damage in the White House than she can in Playboy."

Ochocinco was fined $25,000 for tweeting shortly before and during a preseason game in August, violating the league's restrictions on social networking. Coaches and players are forbidden to use social media 90 minutes before a game, during a game or immediately after one.

Until Sunday, Ochocinco was the only NFL player to violate the league's year-old restrictions. He was joined by Owens, who tweeted an hour before a 24-21 loss to Tampa Bay on Sunday, violating the 90-minute rule. The league is looking into it and could fine Owens later in the week.

Presumably, another subject for the show.

[Associated Press; By JOE KAY]

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