Terrell Owens says he experienced systemic racism during his time with the 49ers, specifically under head coach Steve Mariucci from 1997-2002, in an interview with TMZ on Saturday.
“I could’ve still continued to play but because I was outspoken, because of who I was, I wasn’t allowed the opportunity,” Owens said. “Because I was outspoken. Because of who I was and because of some of the coaches that said things behind closed doors and got in the ears of these owners, that’s why I wasn’t able to really continue on with my career.
“And to me, that was systemic racism. I experienced it when I was in San Francisco under coach [Steve] Mariucci. I experienced it. Trust me, I experienced it.”
Owens did not elaborate on any specific instances, but seemed to imply that Mariucci bad mouthed him to other members of the organization. Owens was inducted into the 49ers Hall of Fame last season, one year after being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Owens did not attend the ceremony in Canton, OH, but instead held his own ceremony at his alma mater, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
