The Philadelphia Eagles were justified in suspending Terrell Owens for four games by an arbitrator on Wednesday, which means his NFL season is over.

The Eagles proved that the suspension was justified, and were within their right to pay their All-Pro receiver but not allow him to return, according to arbitrator Richard Bloch from Philadelphia.

The Eagles did not immediately comment after the decision was announced.

"We are pleased that the arbitrator has upheld the right of a club to suspend a player for conduct detrimental to the club," Harold Henderson, the NFL's head of labor relations, was quoted by The Associated Press as saying.

"The ruling makes clear that Terrell Owens and his agent engaged in conduct that was disruptive to the Eagles and that coach (Andy) Reid's decision to suspend the player was appropriate."

Owens was suspended on Nov. 5 after he again criticized quarterback Donovan McNabb, called the organization "classless" and fought with former teammate Hugh Douglas, who serves as team "ambassador".

Two days later, the Eagles extended the suspension to four games and told Owens not to return. The reigning conference champions are 0-3 without Owens and 4-6 overall, last in the NFC East division.

Owens has five years remaining on a seven-year, $48.9 million contract that he signed when he came to Philadelphia in March 2004. His problems started when he demanded a new contract after an outstanding season in which he caught 77 passes for 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns, helping the Eagles reach the Super Bowl, The AP added.

Source: Xinhua