Monday Night Football's opening teaser was roundly criticized by the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission as being inappropriate for network television.

The opening featured Nicollette Sheridan, a star of ABC's hit 'Desperate Housewives' dressed only in a towel inside what appears to be the Philadelphia Eagles locker room. Sheridan approaches Eagles wide receiver Terrell Owens and asks him to 'skip' the game for her before dropping her towel to the floor and jumping into his arms. Only a back view of Sheridan above the waist was shown on camera, but the damage was done, according to Michael Powell, chairman of the FCC.

'I wonder if Walt Disney would be proud,' Powell said. ABC is owned by the Walt Disney Company.

The FCC reportedly received numerous complaints about the opening as many children stay up to watch the beginning of Monday Night Football each week.

'It would seem to me that while we get a lot of broadcasting companies complaining about indecency enforcement, they seem to be continuing to be willing to keep the issue at the forefront, keep it hot and steamy in order to get financial gains and the free advertising it provides,' Powell told CNBC.

ABC quickly issued an apology for the broadcast, admitting it was 'inappropriate' for a sports audience.

The NFL, ever conscious of its image, issued a statement from vice president Greg Aiello saying: 'ABC's opening was inappropriate and unsuitable for out Monday Night Football audience. While ABC may have gained attention for one of its other shows, the NFL and its fans lost.'

The FCC has not decided whether to launch an investigation into the matter that could lead to fines against ABC.