Moses forgot the 11th Commandment: A starting quarterback must talk immediately after a draft when his team drafts a quarterback.
In McCall.com Gordie Jones goes into what I believe is a bunch of nonsense about how Donovan McNabb not making a public statement since the Birds drafted Kevin Kolb in the first round is unthinkable. He goes into the same thing that all the sportswriters say which is if he says something then that will be the end of it. We all know that's not true. Why is it a must that Donovan McNabb says something when there are other big name players who are on the verge of losing their jobs, yet we haven't heard from them? Is there a rule book some where which I haven't seen? I've read in the paper that Jeremiah Trotter an All-Pro middle linebacker in 2005, must fight for his job next season, yet I haven't heard from him. Personally, I've heard his status in the organization has gotten lower and lower as the off season has gone on. In fact I've heard that they've already given him the thumbs down. At the end of the 2006 season, there was a statement by Jim Johnson that Jeremiah tired out at the end of the season and that he has to cut down on his plays. Then General Manager Tom Heckert said he was out of shape last year. Out of shape, that's an explosive charge to Trotter who is supposed to be a team leader. Surely he should react to the fact that the team's General Manager says he was out of shape at the end of the season. Those statements were made early in the off season yet we haven't heard any demand for Trotter to speak. Why not? WHERE IS TROTTER?
Andy Reid has since said that all the starting linebacker jobs are wide open and that he's not promising anybody anything. Guess who that was aimed at. Jim Johnson said last week that promising young linebacker Omar Gaither has been moved to the middle to battle with Trotter for the starting middle linebacker job. Still we haven't heard a word from Trotter. Why not?
And oh yeah by the way, this same Jeremiah Trotter was publicly saying that his defensive line was too small as teams were running through them with ease. Where is Trotter at? Are his feelings hurt by these accusations? Is he emotionally injured because they let him know that his starting job is in jeopardy?
If I don't read any articles asking any questions about Trotter making some statements and doing a press conference then why should McNabb do a press conference about the Eagles drafting a guy who doesn't have a chance at playing for two or three years. Trotter could and most likely will be on the bench this season, but could be released, yet you don't hear any questions about Trotter. Is this fair or does it seem like a double standard?
In addition, you don't hear Darren Howard or Javon Kearse making comments about the drafting of Notre Dame defensive end Victor Abiamiri. All of these guys could be giving up playing time this year and one of them is definitely no going to be an Eagle next year. The local media just focuses on McNabb because his name will sell papers and drive up ratings. There's no rule some where that says he's got to talk and answer questions within a day or so of the team drafting a quarterback to back you up and try to replace you. The local sports media has a bully-pulpit which they utilize to strong arm McNabb to say something, so it will give them something else to banter about. It's the off season and he's rehabilitating his knee. Who was it that mandated that he had to talk? How long did it take Andy Reid to talk about his sons? Why didn't he talk sooner?
If I don't ready any articles asking any questions about Trotter making some statements and doing a press conference then why should McNabb do a press conference about the Eagles drafting a guy who doesn't have a chance at playing for two or three years. Trotter could and most likely will be on the bench this season, but could be released, yet you don't hear any questions about Trotter. Is this fair or does it seem like a double standard?
In addition, you don't hear Darren Howard or Javon Kearse making comments about the drafting of Notre Dame defensive end Victor Abiamiri. All of these guys could be giving up playing time this year and one of them is definitely not going to be an Eagle next year. The local media just focuses on McNabb because his name will sell papers and drive up ratings. There's no rule some where that says he's got to talk and answer questions within a day or so of the team drafting a quarterback to back him up and ultimately try to replace him. The local sports media has a bully-pulpit which they utilize to strong arm McNabb to say something, so it will give them something else to banter about. It's the off season and he's rehabilitating his knee. Who was it that mandated that he had to talk? How long did it take Andy Reid to talk about his sons? Why didn't he talk sooner?
Why does everything here turn to such a poisonous atmosphere? If a guy walks or talks a certain way it's like he killed somebody. He's treating like the much-troubled Michael Vick even though he hasn't given the fans the finger, carried a water bottle into the airport which smells like marijuana, and been associated with a dog fighting scandal. McNabb is attacked for just breathing because as far as I know he hasn't done or said anything except workout and get ready to play.
