From Larry, Hey G!!!! Love the Website because it is always REAL! I agree with your observations about the Thick Atmosphere between the City (Fans And Press) and the Eagles QB Donovan McNabb. These The Top 6 reasons why I believe the town now hates Donovan McNabb:
#1 It's "Nega-Delphia" and we feel a need to hate and complain about something and somebody at all times. I admit it has something to do with our collective mindset. It's unfortunate and it's true. You should write a book about that, G.
#2 Allen Iverson is gone. When Allen was here, Donovan looked like a choirboy by comparison and Allen filled the role very well. Since Allen was traded, Donovan became the next high profile guy in line. Somebody's gotta fill that void.
#3 Frustration since the Eagles missed that Championship Window of Opportunity. The Eagles did not get over the hump and win the big game. Now in a decline, the fans are more frustrated and crazy than they would have been otherwise. Hopes were built up and then disappointment took place. That's only partly Donovan's fault, but the QB is always a focal point.
#4 Donovan's Big Mouth. He should never have aired personal views about racial politics on National TV. I would never do that publicly on my job, would you? When Donovan said that stuff on the HBO Real Sports interview with James Brown, he may as well have been comlpaining to the the Coach, the Owner, the NFL Commissioner, and every fan in town about the issue. It was a mistake!!
Plus Donovan is a guy that looks like he is "crying with a loaf of bread under his arm" when he talks that way. He has a great deal to be thankful for, but instead of being balanced about it, there he is focusing on the negative and complaining.
#6 Finally, Philly's African American's have trouble relating to Donovan. This is not a fault, but it's a huge factor. Donovan is mid-western, rich, well-spoken, has 2 parents that raised him, and he has a top leadership position with his employer. He's a rare Bird. He's a minority within a minority. If more of us African Americans in town supported Donovan, it would be a powerful support base that would protect him. But many of us don't, and so that leaves him very isolated and very vulnerable given all the other stuff that has gone on. Some of worst public criticism you hear about McNabb from fans comes from Black callers on WIP. When you add in the voice of the local NAACP spokesman and another local sports star such as Bernard Hopkins, it can get ugly pretty quick.
G, when you drive Donovan to the airport, let me come along and I'll carry his bags. Then I'll just have to go out and buy a Number Five Bears Jersey (or a Vikings, or a Ravens, or a Falcons jersey) when he's gone. He's a great guy and I'll root for him wherever he goes. And then I'll sit tight for 4-6 years while the Eagles try to replace his productivity on Offense, and listen to our local fans complain about the wait……. Thanks, G!
