Owens will not be disciplined

NEW YORK, Oct. 17 (UPI) -- Colorful but controversial wide receiver Terrell Owens of the San Francisco 49ers has avoided discipline by the front office of the National League for his antics after a touchdown catch Monday night against the Seattle Seahawks.

After a 37-yard scoring reception in the third quarter of the 49ers' 28-21 victory, Owens pulled a pen, called a Sharpie, from his sock, autographed the football, and gave it to a fan in the stands. That fan turned out to be Greg Eastman, who is the financial adviser for both Owens and Seahawks defensive back Shawn Springs, who was beaten by Owens on the play.

"I don't feel it's a slap in the face," Springs said.

Owens knows he is likely to be more of a marked man for San Francisco opponents.

"Because of the things I do on the field, everybody probably wants to take shots at me now," Owens told the San Franscisco Chronicle. "If they want to take shots at me, cool. If they've looked at the films, they know that I'm bigger, I'm faster, and I'm stronger. And my heart don't pump no Kool-Aid."

Springs was one of the players who did not feel he was shown up by Owens' actions. His low-key reaction has drawn the ire of some teammates.

"You can tell by my gesture when I did it, it wasn't anything out of spite, wasn't anything as far as taunting," Owens said. "The thing is, I play the game hard, I try to add excitement to it. Hey, it's entertainment, you know what I mean? I know those guys over there (Seattle) are all talking, saying I've got no class and all that. You're going to have bitter feelings when you're on the losing end. I'm always trying to do something creative with whatever I do."

Seahawks Coach Mike Holmgren, clearly angered, suggested Owens might want to be especially alert when the 49ers and Seahawks meet again on Dec. 1.

This Sunday, the 49ers face the rejuvenated New Orleans Saints at the Superdome.