Publicity whore and football commentator Jesse Jackson released a statement saying that the suspension of fellow prima donna Terrell Owens by the Philadelphia Eagles was too severe.

The civil rights activist said the level of punishment could have been warranted if Owens had been caught shaving points, selling drugs, carrying a gun or fighting fans without sufficient restraint.

"This does not warrant a one-year ban from the game," Jackson said, adding that the Eagles should release Owens to the open market or free agency if they no longer want to associate with him.

Ralph Nader, a consumer activist and former presidential candidate, has already called for the suspension to be rescinded.

Neither Jackson nor Nader - who (I think) were rejected as Monday Night Football hosts - made the claim that the suspension was racially motivated. One is left to wonder why they released statements at all. Jackson apparently has no comment on the suspension of defending NASCAR champion Kurt Busch (who is white) for the remainder of the season.