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Eagles Official Web Insider Spits on Cowboys' Star, Blames Love of Birds

There are some big rivalries in the NFL, and to Philadelphia Eagles fans, there's none bigger than a week against Dallas. So when the teams play two weeks in a row, one of those games is a blowout in the Cowboys' favor and the next is a playoff game for the Eagles in Dallas, tensions flair pretty high in Philly.

And that's where things get a little confusing. Fans have this rivalry with Dallas. Certainly the players feel the rivalry too, especially in a game like last week's with the stakes being so high. But Eagles employees, like "Insider" Dave Spadaro, should be able to separate their love for the team from being a professional in an NFL environment, right?

Sadly, no.

That video was taken from the official website of the Philadelphia Eagles and re-distributed by 1053thefan.com, the website for a Dallas-Fort Worth radio station. And yes, for those who are unable to play it, that was Spadaro – a paid employee of the Eagles media/new-media department – spitting on the Star at midfield of JerryWorld. Twice.

It would be one thing if this was a fan who made the trip down to Big D to watch this favorite team and managed, on a walk-through day, to sneak down to the field and harmlessly desecrate the Cowboys logo. This is something a college kid would do, post on YouTube and be the hero of his dorm floor at Drexel or St. Joe's. This isn't something a member of the visiting franchise, only on the field because he was credentialed to be there, should be proud of, is it?

According to the site PhillySportsCast.com, Spadaro (Spuds as he's known around these parts) told 610 WIP's Howard Eskin – also on the Eagles payroll on game day as the radio sideline guy – “I was just having fun with the rivalry. People are making a big deal of it.” Spadaro also talked with the Inquirer's Jeff McLane (link via The700Level), and said the same thing:

“I did it all in fun and I’ve done it before with other teams in the spirit of the rivalry,” Spadaro said tonight. “It’s something I’ve been asked to do by Eagles fans. If I did something to offend somebody, I regret it.”

I'm sorry if anyone was offended. The non-apology apology. And rather incongruent with the statement Spadaro and the Eagles put out late last night. In part:

As you may have seen, I went too far with my Spudcam video prior to Sunday's game against the Cowboys. Acting alone, and without permission from the Eagles organization, I walked out to the middle of the field at Cowboys Stadium and spit on the Cowboys star, and for that I deeply apologize to the outstanding Cowboys organization and the fine people there, from Jerry Jones to the rest of the team.

It was not my intention to insult the Cowboys. It was my intention to enjoy the spirit of a great sports rivalry, and I clearly went over the line and acted unprofessionally. The Cowboys have always been gracious hosts and I appreciate the relationship I have with the friends I have there.

I admit I get carried away with my love of the Philadelphia Eagles, and if this is a crime, I am clearly guilty. Game days are an incredible experience for me. The will to win is unlike anything I have ever felt. The angst and the tightly-knotted stomach and the ups and downs of 60 minutes of Eagles football leave me thoroughly drained -- win or lose -- and I enjoy having the opportunity to communicate that to the many great Eagles fans who follow this team on a (many-times) daily basis.

Let's just remind everyone that this guy isn't the starting middle linebacker. He's their website writer who handles postgame coverage online and does some cute web features. The guy used to be a journalist. But you can't blame the guy. Reading the line 'the will to win is unlike anything I have ever felt' or 'the angst and the tightly-knotted stomach ... leave me thoroughly drained' from a guy who works in the PR office – I almost did a spit take too.

Then there's the subtext of the situation. Spuds is catering to a different breed of Philly sports fan at PhiladelphiaEagles.com. Most of the media in town have little-to-no respect for Spadaro after, several years ago, he signed on to be the official Eagles spin machine. He's often maligned by local sportswriters and sports talk radio hosts. Most fans are savvy enough to, at best, take his homerism with the proper perspective or, usually, avoid it altogether.

But there are still some fans who love the team, love everything about the team, want to be as close to the team as possible and, if given the same credential, would also spit on the star and put a video online bragging about too. To them, Spadaro is a hero:

Dave u r a LEGEND ... you did what any other passionate Eagles fans would do ... the fact your getting punished just shows the spineless disenchanted nature of the organisation ... I have a new found respect for you :D (jbreitenbach 1/7/10 4:27am ET)
Spuds is just living every true Eagles fan's dream. The guys in the dorm are gonna be so stoked.

This post originally appeared on the Sporting Blog. For more, see The Sporting Blog Archives.

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Hats Off to this Eagles Fan. The Cowboys deserve NO RESPECT from the Eagles Players!!!

by phillyfan99 on Jan 7, 2010 11:55 AM EST reply actions  

Typical low life Philly fans, absolutely NO CLASS!!!!!  So no surprise

by Thack1026 on Jan 7, 2010 12:31 PM EST reply actions  

Warning – Childish Dbag above.  Get a life, the only thing worse than Philly fans are Boston fans.  Both Dbags non the less…….

by justin.westfall on Jan 7, 2010 12:32 PM EST reply actions  

Ho hum (yawn).
This is a non-story. Kinda even think it’s funny. The Eagles are a non-story too. They didn’t even record a single win against a playoff team this year. That’s right, ALL 11 wins were against teams that are sitting at home right now…AND they lost to the Raiders.
I wonder if I should get a ticket to Minneapolis or New Orleans next week?

by RoyD.Mercer on Jan 7, 2010 12:34 PM EST reply actions  

what mercer said.

by scurds on Jan 7, 2010 12:48 PM EST reply actions  

While we hate each other, a certain understanding exists between Boston, Philly and NYC fans. We can get together and act as one if we need to free slaves or kill Nazis… but the rest of the time, it’s really much better if there are 50 miles or more between us physically.

It is endemic to both rich and poor (last summer, a guy in a Yankees hat was beaten by a group of thugs with bats… on wealthy Cape Cod, maybe 5 minutes from the Kennedy Compound), black or white, and male/female.

It is openly recognized, urgently encouraged, and passed down through generations.

I was born in Rouen, France, and was brought to Massachusetts as a French-speaking import… and I hated the Yankees about one summer after I got here.

by L'etat, c'est moi on Jan 7, 2010 12:54 PM EST reply actions  

the ra-tard should be ashamed of himself to do something idiotic like that and disgraceful. No fans do that except low class philly and boston fans who put the word douche in douchebag. And to the Phillyfan99 wait and see what comes on sunday cause Philly players and idiots like these are the ones doing all the talking and gonna loose for the 3rd time this season. Oh and by the way next time you have something intelligent to say when the only wins your team has are against teams not in the playoffs we would appreciate it. Obviously you like your comment reflect intelligance similar to a box of raisins. Ill see you on these boards when Dallas destroys Philly again, later douchebag.

by cowboysfan on Jan 7, 2010 12:56 PM EST reply actions  

@Cowboys fan, i sure hope the birds don’t "loose" on sat night.  i mean to lose would really blow, but i couldn’t take it if we loose.  you ra tard.

that being said, spuds is an idiot.  as an employee of the eagles or any professional sport franchise he shouldnt be acting liek a twelve year old.  but what really upsets me is the bulletin board material he gave the cowgirls. 

E A G L E S! 

by eco147 on Jan 7, 2010 1:11 PM EST reply actions  

Ordinarily I would not even acknowledge a "story" like this. It is nothing less  than an emmbarrasment to the Eagles orginazation; the fans are sadly another matter. A fan comment in the Allentown Morning Call is the only reason to post a comment here.

"Possibly the concept of sport is different in Japan.
I was head coach of the Tokyo Cherokee football team for two years and
undefeated both seasons. Prior to going on the field players bow to
show respect for where they are about to practice or play. In the heat
of the action players lose control of their emotions and will sometimes
throw their helmets down on the ground. That action is considered gross
disrespect for the sport. I guess it could be called unsportsmanlike
conduct. I can’t imagine how shameful this would be in a place like
Japan and I hope this goes without notice because there is tremendous
respect for the sport.
On this action there is much to be ashamed of and it reaches as far away as Japan.

NICHIBEI1 (01/07/2010, 11:53 AM )"

by tigner1 on Jan 7, 2010 1:18 PM EST reply actions  

Just another reason the Cowboys are going to BEAT DOWN the Eagles for the third time this year!Have fun golfing next weekend douche!!!

by Zigzag420 on Jan 7, 2010 1:19 PM EST reply actions  

I’ll quote Tony Dungy, “Cowboys have no chance to win”. Only this time it is true. Let’s face it, all the pressure is on Dallas to win which is why the Eagles are guaranteed to win. And win big. The Eagles were caught off guard last week; however, Andy Reid will not be fooled again. Man for man, the eagles is better up and down the roster. Wade Phillips is out of his league and it will show on Sunday when you will see the discussed look on his face along with Jerry Jones.  One thing you will learn is that Philly knows how to get in the heads of Cowboy players.

 


Next stop for Philly will be at the Vikings or Saints. We are all ready buying our tickets. Have a great off season replacing Wade Phillips cowboys fans!!

by phillyfan99 on Jan 7, 2010 1:35 PM EST reply actions  

Im a giants fan but i know everyone in philly hates this guy and has for years.  I heard he’s been chased out of bars in the past.  He’s a real loser

by CharlesOakley_34 on Jan 7, 2010 1:36 PM EST reply actions  

Being the sixth seeded team, the Eagles cannot play the Vikings in the second round.

Regardless, this is a non-story.

by ShaunPhillips on Jan 7, 2010 2:04 PM EST reply actions  

Nothing beats a mindless Philly fan quoting someone who was wrong.  24-0 last Sunday….remember!!!!

by Thack1026 on Jan 7, 2010 2:42 PM EST reply actions  

I only wish the game was right now to shut all the Cowboys and their wishful thinking fans up!! You notice the Cowboy Defense is quiet this week because they received a late X-Mas gift from the Philly Offense not playing to its potential. Nevertheless, it will not happen again. The Eagles never loose twice and they will be lock and loaded. McNabb and D. Jackson will have their way with the Cowboy Defense. CB Jenkins will be breathing heavy all day as he gets burnt up and down that two bit stadium in Texas. Westbrook will be turned loose on the defense and get a 150 yards and 3 TD’s. The Cowboys can save face now and just sit back and let the Eagle Beat down of them happen.

by phillyfan99 on Jan 7, 2010 2:49 PM EST reply actions  

I only wish the game was right now to shut all the Cowboys and their wishful thinking fans up!! You notice the Cowboy Defense is quiet this week because they received a late X-Mas gift from the Philly Offense not playing to its potential. Nevertheless, it will not happen again. The Eagles never loose twice and they will be lock and loaded. McNabb and D. Jackson will have their way with the Cowboy Defense. CB Jenkins will be breathing heavy all day as he gets burnt up and down that two bit stadium in Texas. Westbrook will be turned loose on the defense and get a 150 yards and 3 TD’s. The Cowboys can save face now and just sit back and let the Eagle Beat down of them happen.

by phillyfan99 on Jan 7, 2010 2:55 PM EST reply actions  

That guy is a dork.

by zpwilson on Jan 7, 2010 3:21 PM EST reply actions  

Man is phillyfan99 going to be disappointed come Sunday!Dude….. if the Eagles had won last week they got a bye! That should be more than enough reason for them to compete last week! They sh*t the bed instead!And like Roy.D.Mercer mentioned…… the Eagles HAVEN’T BEAT A PLAYOFF TEAM YET THIS YEAR!!!!!!

by Zigzag420 on Jan 7, 2010 3:44 PM EST reply actions  

The 3 game win streak does not mean "Jack" for Tony "Choker" Romo. He is a two-bit QB from a no-name college who is playing why above his head. It all comes to an end on Saturday when he looses to McNabb. Remember, McNabb is at his best when it counts and he will take apart the Cowboy above average defense.

 

by phillyfan99 on Jan 7, 2010 3:55 PM EST reply actions  

How many times do you think that star gets spit on during the course of a game by Cowboys players or the visiting team? It’s not like he spit on Landry’s hat or a Lombardi trophy. It’s the ground, it get walked on, bled on, sweated on, and even spit on from time to time.

by Paul Brown's Ghost on Jan 7, 2010 4:28 PM EST reply actions  

He shouldve spit on the Lombardi trophy- it would be as close as any eegal would hope to it

by ngkiller on Jan 7, 2010 5:25 PM EST reply actions  

He shouldve spit on the Lombardi trophy- no eegal can win it

by ngkiller on Jan 7, 2010 5:29 PM EST reply actions  

Does this surprise anybody? Seriously, would you expect anything less from a Eagle fan? When you say the words Eagles fan, you might as well just say- Bitter douchebag!

by kpart70 on Jan 7, 2010 5:43 PM EST reply actions  

he spits like a girl.   bottom line.

by Jadyn on Jan 7, 2010 5:52 PM EST reply actions  

Alright lets all get angry and get this guy fired because he spit on our beloved Cowboys star.

Is this really that big a deal?

by astrotown on Jan 7, 2010 6:02 PM EST reply actions  

O by the way the Eagles are winning this Sunday

by astrotown on Jan 7, 2010 6:03 PM EST reply actions  

This guy is BA.

by TexNick on Jan 7, 2010 7:24 PM EST reply actions  

I think the real story here is being missed, and that is why this idiot spit.

He spit because he prefers not to swallow.

What a loser, good thing noone was looking right?

by silverstarfan on Jan 7, 2010 10:08 PM EST reply actions  

As a Virginian and a redskins fan, I hope the eagles win and Mike Vick helps them do it. Its funny how we should hate the eagles more because theyre closer, but because of the poser "americas team" jerks who populate the washington area, everybody loathes the cowboys. I hate people who are fans of teams in cities theyve never been to. I know a woman who likes the lakers, cowboys and yankees.

by fubario on Jan 7, 2010 11:26 PM EST reply actions  

Totally Classless by an idiot. His actions were uncalled for and totally disrespected the Cowboys and his own team. not to mention the NFL

by Jamesw62 on Jan 7, 2010 11:35 PM EST reply actions  

This dude did something stupid and was caught. Why is this guy even employed by the Eagles? I heard this wasn’t his first screw up, he had a prior. That said I don’t understand why people refer to Philly fans as the worse, based on the actions of some individuals in this case one person’s actions? Last time I checked Dallas has more then they’re fair share of bad fans! We all have come across whining and arrogant fans on the SN so that title is held by every team here. I had my share of mistakes  but I learned from them. I wasn’t going to be one of those to disgrace the Steelers by representing them in such a manner. Dallas and Philly fans need to relax and let their teams settle this on the field in Arlington,TX!

by Steel817 on Jan 8, 2010 1:18 AM EST reply actions  

He eagles fan 99. please tell me what D, Mcnabb HAS ever Won in his career.Before you crack on Romo mkae sure your Quaterback has at least done something. Romo been quartbacking dallas since 06 almost 4 years Mcloser has been doing it at least 10 years. Why does he get the free pass. Mcnabb isn’t even the best quarterback in his state up there. I just hope if dallas gets the chance they run the score up alot on saturday. Tony is young has alot of playoff games in his future.Phil fan that dreaded door is closing on your team. Why don’t you go get Jaws from ESPN maybe he will bring back another champoinship for the eagles.

by anotherkevin29 on Jan 8, 2010 7:59 AM EST reply actions  

My response to this non-story: Big. Fat. Hairy. Deal. What we had here was that some dork working for the Eagles spit on a patch of grass. A patch of grass. I’m sorry, but this isn’t anything to get so worked up about. How many times during the course of a game do players do the same **** thing in every stadium from coast to coast? So what’s the difference here? None. But everyone’s making it sound like Spadaro sprayed graffiti on the Wailing Wall or took a dump in the Sistine Chapel. Disrespected the NFL? Talk about laughable! Grow up already! Was that an idiotic thing for Spadaro to have done? To quote Sarah Palin, you betcha! Otherwise, this was a ridiculous non-story that wasn’t worth all the outrage, except to Dallas fans of course. Step back, take a deep breath, then go on to more important things, like Saturday night’s game between the Eagles and the Cowboys.

by Flashjeff on Jan 8, 2010 9:02 AM EST reply actions  

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