Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid assured everyone Donovan McNabb would be his quarterback. Now McNabb finds himself on the trading blocks.
Why?
McNabb is still a very productive player. Is he still in his prime? No, but he's much closer to his prime than being washed up. Is throwing for 3553 yards, 22 touchdowns against 10 interceptions in 14 games washed up?
The disrespect of McNabb didn't just start. Ever since McNabb was drafted in 1999 he's been disrespected. On draft day he was booed before, then Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, could even get McNabb's name out.
Few will admit it but part of the reason Eagles fans weren't thrilled with drafting McNabb is some didn't feel comfortable having an African-American quarterback in the city of "brotherly love."
Despite the booing McNabb played solid his rookie year. The following season he finished second in the MVP balloting. Not bad for a quarterback some really didn't want.
In 2003 we all remember former ESPN Countdown analyst and Conservative Rush Limbaugh's statement which oozed with racial undertones about McNabb. Limbaugh stated: "Sorry to say this, I don't think he's been that good from the get-go," Limbaugh said. "I think what we've had here is a little social concern in the NFL. The media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well. There is a little hope invested in McNabb, and he got a lot of credit for the performance of this team that he didn't deserve. The defense carried this team."
How does McNabb respond?
He takes his team to the Super Bowl. Not bad for a quarterback who, according to Limbaugh was not "that good from the get-go."
After the comments ESPN Countdown analysts, including African-Americans Tom Jackson and Michael Irvin were strangely quiet. McNabb issued the following after Limbaugh resigned: "I'm not pinpointing anyone," McNabb said. "I'm a Michael Irvin fan, Steve Young fan and Tom Jackson. But somebody should have said something to the race issue."
After five NFC Championships, enduring racist remarks, being booed on draft day and taking the Eagles to a Super Bowl appearance McNabb still gets treated like this?
It's not being suggested the Eagles are a racist organization but I feel very comfortable issuing the following: If McNabb were white he wouldn't have endured the consistent lack of disrespect throughout his tenure with Eagles.
The Philadelphia Eagles are a hypocritical organization. For Andy Reid to publicly and emphatically state McNabb was his guy then to put him on the trading blocks shows no class whatsoever.
Is it McNabb's fault Reid won't get the team a running game?
Why isn't Reid's head on the chopping block?
So let's answer the question that often gets overlooked: who are the Eagles going to put under center that will give them a better chance to win on Sundays than McNabb?
Kevin Kolb?
Please.
Two consecutive 400-yard passing games does not mean they should get his bust ready for Canton.
Michael Vick?
Well, if they were getting the Michael Vick who was passing for over 3000 yards and rushing for 1000 yards I'd say that would make more sense. But Vick isn't that guy right now. He needs more time to get a feel for the game.
So why make the trade?
Why put McNabb in a situation to hear second-hand information in the media?
Why lie and disrespect the man who largely put the Eagles franchise on the map?
The "brother" some didn't want managed to help turn the franchise around. It's strange to witness how the Eagles organization has strangely failed to extend McNabb the "brotherly love" he deserves.
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