In many towns, people build social ties with their star athletes.
Not in Philly. Disgruntled fans are always unsatisfied and judgmental of a star player, and as a result, they turn on any athlete.
Why must an unhappy fan base belittle and boo a megastar whenever he is unsuccessful? Why must ignorant fans boo and deride a superstar whenever he fizzles and underperforms?
Shame on them for ridiculing, mocking and demanding a trade for players who struggle to find their swagger.
In Philly, the wishy-washiness and hostility from a local fan base burns out a typical ballplayer, who shows loyalty in order to pacify an unappreciative town. No matter what, this is a town that will never be content, or pleased with championships because of its selfishness and ungratefulness.
This makes an infuriated town look bad, and inspire all people living in the city to boo their major sports franchises, a ritual that the masses in the City of Brotherly Love endorse.
It’s not often forgotten that this is the town that humiliated and booed Santa Claus during halftime in 1968. And it’s not often forgotten that this is the town that taunted Phillies third baseman, Mike Schmidt.
But to this day, I’ve never understood why the town censures Donovan McNabb on every throw, every move, and every decision. Sadly, he’s the most polarizing sports figure in Philly, lambasted and blamed any time the Philadelphia Eagles fall short. With all the latest trade rumors, there were unpleasant callers on sports-talk radio this weekend, chatting about the all familiar trade talks.
While folks continuously blast the franchise’s winningest quarterback, whose name has been mentioned in trade rumors for the past few years, McNabb’s peers have referred to him as a rare breed, a natural talent, and the best in the world.
All of a sudden, it appears the Eagles are trying to change the culture. All of a sudden, it appears half of the town is burnt out from McNabb.
Ever since owner Jeffrey Lurie purchased the franchise, the Eagles have dealt with unnecessary drama, whether it centered McNabb or Terrell Owens, who dismantled and divided a team. Over the years, the front office has chosen to practically stay under the salary cap, and avoided spending ridiculously on a star player.
For a long time, the franchise has been cautious on spending, and as a result, it has suffocated the Eagles recent success — as thoughts of making a playoff run and delivering a championship were very unlikely. The point is, McNabb isn’t a problem in the recent failures. If anything, he is a remedy and has heightened the team’s chances.
It’s almost fair to point fingers at him, but not too many are blaming it all on McNabb, after he strongly drove the Eagles to a Super Bowl before they fell to the New England Patriots. You may even wonder how he managed to steer the Eagles into the biggest game, as he withstood nagging drama from T.O.
It seems a bond has been broken, since McNabb stumbled in the Super Bowl in 2005. It wasn’t long ago, when he gaffed in the biggest game of his lifetime, as he collapsed under tremendous pressure in a crucial game. Embarrassed by it all, he conducted himself with class and blamed himself for the blunders.
Yet, the tasteless fans still ripped out the heart and soul of an inspirational leader, describing him as the scapegoat. They’ve scolded him and rebuked him.
Today, we are hearing about trade rumors. And why should anyone be shocked? Why would any athlete want to play in a city where he isn’t welcome? So today, some are curious to know where he might land, and when he will land elsewhere. With apologies later, the Eagles will regret dumping McNabb if they decide to trade their franchise player. Maybe once he’s gone, the masses in Philly will appreciate what type of superstar ran the Eagles’ prolific offense.
All fans are willing to wave farewell to McNabb. Fans refuse to defend their franchise quarterback, who is bearing adversity because of his deficiencies and uninspired ways. Perhaps fans lack a real understanding, if they’re going to allow the Eagles to trade McNabb.
This is nonsense. He doesn’t deserve foul treatment from an organization that he has given it his all.
Just to refresh everyone’s memories, he has played with the Eagles for 11 seasons, appeared in five conference championship games and had a lone Super Bowl appearance. It’s amazing how a town all of a sudden doesn’t mind giving away a star player, someone who has engineered the Eagles.
This is almost similar to handing over an iPod for a Philly cheese steak, or changing the menu at McDonald’s by discontinuing the McRib for a new and unheard-of sandwich.
Obviously, it’s clear the Eagles plan on establishing a new foundation and moving forward, trading their top player and giving the opportunity to backup quarterback Kevin Kolb.
Wait, what the hell? The guy who surrendered two interceptions? Kolb was the replacement who came off the bench when coach Andy Reid benched McNabb after a horrendous first half in the Eagles’ humiliating 36-7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. And the week before, McNabb was mocked because he was unaware that a game could end in a tie. Throughout his scrutinized career, he has been damned if he does and damned if he doesn’t.
So with all the reports circulating, maybe it is time for McNabb to part ways and end a fragile relationship with fans and Philly executives. Either way, there are other teams that probably would love to have a star player who can suit their offense.
This year, McNabb is expected to make $11 million. His contract expires next season, but why does it matter to anyone in the so-called City of Brotherly Love? Rename it the City of Brotherly Ungratefulness. If the Eagles were aiming to lock him into a long-term contract, forget about it.
With all this drama, McNabb may consider retirement or may be willing to play elsewhere. There’s one team that has expressed interest. For now, the Oakland Raiders are front-runners and already had conversations with the Eagles to presumably acquire the quarterback, in which owner Al Davis is comfortable taking risks.
By moving McNabb in the upcoming weeks ultimately will dictate the Eagles’ offseason moves, particularly if they receive a high draft pick in return, or a prospect that the organization can groom.
However, the fans and Eagles won’t appreciate McNabb until he’s gone.
