Owens not feeling welcome in Buffalo

Terrell Owens' search for a place to live in the Buffalo area has hit a snag after the high-profile receiver said he was denied a chance to rent a home in Orchard Park, N.Y., because of the potential "drama" he might bring to the neighborhood.

"They didn't want me to rent this spot because of the extra or added attention that I may bring," said Owens, who was informed of the news after a real estate agent and his bodyguard viewed the property.

Referring to his real estate agent, Owens added yesterday: "In her words, she said, 'Drama.' I thought it was funny."

Perhaps, Owens added, the owners aren't Bills fans.

The place in question is a six-bedroom home at 1 Deer Run in Orchard Park that lists for $489,397. It's also available for rent, and close to Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Real estate agent Bob Wozniak disputed Owens' complaint.

"I don't know how it all got started," said Wozniak, who added that his clients are more than willing to have Owens tour the house.

Owens signed a one-year, $6.5 million contract with the Bills in March, a few days after being released by Dallas. He said he has not had a problem anywhere he's ever lived.

Of course, he added, there was the one time in 2005 when he did sit-ups and held a news conference on the front lawn of his home in Moorestown after being suspended by the Eagles.

"And even then, my neighbors, they didn't complain," he said.

Rodney Harrison retires. Two-time Pro Bowl safety Rodney Harrison announced his retirement after a 15-year career for the New England Patriots and San Diego Chargers.

The 36-year-old Harrison holds the NFL record for defensive backs with 301/2 sacks; he also has 34 interceptions, making him the only player to have at least 30 of each. He picked off Donovan McNabb in Super Bowl XXXIX.

NBC announced that Harrison will join its NFL studio show, along with former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy. They will replace Cris Collinsworth, who moved to the game booth, and Jerome Bettis, who was not retained, on Sunday Night Football.

Labor talks open. The NFL and the players' union opened talks in a bid to avoid a work stoppage in 2011, when the current labor contract expires.

Commissioner Roger Goodell and DeMaurice Smith, the new executive director of the NFL Players Association, were at the meeting.