NEW YORK, Nov. 17 (UPI) -- ABC Sports has apologized for airing a sexually suggestive intro to this week's Monday Night Football telecast, the Washington Post reported Wednesday.
The NFL and viewers complained about the opening to the Philadelphia-Dallas game showing Eagles wide receiver Terrell Owens with actress Nicollette Sheridan of ABC's series "Desperate Housewives" wearing only a towel in a locker room scene as he suited up for the game.
The Federal Communications Commission says it has received e-mail and telephone complaints and would determine whether any rules were broken.
"We have heard from many of our viewers about last night's 'Monday Night Football' opening segment and we agree that the placement was inappropriate," ABC said in a statement. "We apologize."
In the intro, Sheridan, who plays the part of multiple divorcee Edie Britt in the new hit series, tells Owens she needs a "long, hot shower" and Owens says he has to play football starting in 10 minutes. But he gives in when Sheridan says "I've got a game we can play," and drops the towel and jumps into his arms. She is viewed from the back and waist up.
Then the series stars Teri Hatcher and Felicity Huffman repeat the Monday Night Football slogan, "Are you ready for some football?"
