SB Nation User Blog: yophillybro

Another attack at the Philadadelphia Fan, I'm sick of it.

yophillybro — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 20:15:47 -0000

Here is another attack at our Philly fans. In a time that our team and city is in the national spotlight, garbage like this is reported. I am sick of the sterio type already.

On the Mark: Philly fans will be singing the boos
by Mark Kriegel
Mark Kriegel is the national columnist for FOXSports.com. He is the author of two New York Times best sellers, Namath: A Biography and Pistol: The Life of Pete Maravich, which Sports Illustrated called "the best sports biography of the year."

Updated: October 21, 2008, 10:59 AM EST 377 comments
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Sarah Palin, billed as "America's best known hockey mom," was roundly booed upon her introduction at the Wachovia Center, where she recently dropped the ceremonial first puck for the Philadelphia Flyers.

At long last, then: legitimate cause to believe in the media's liberal bias. The real wonder (and here goes a shout out to our boys in the Secret Service) is that she wasn't hit with a double-A battery. But booing? That's not a story. Everybody gets booed in Philadelphia. Even Santa.
Actually, Santa was more than booed. He was pelted with snowballs. You will no doubt be reminded of this fact as the World Series heads to the unsuitably monikered City of Brotherly Love.

2008 MLB playoffs
Philadelphians have been dealing with the Santa stigma for years. Glen Macnow and Anthony Gargano (a dear friend, I'm obliged to add), authors of The Great Philadelphia Fan Book argue that "no event has been used to tar-and-feather Philadelphia fans as much."
It was December 15, 1968. The Eagles, on their way to a 2-12 season, were playing the Vikings. The halftime show, advertised as a Christmas pageant, was scrapped due to inclement weather. Instead, fans got a hastily conscripted Santa. Their reaction, the authors argue, owed not to Philadelphians' odium of St. Nick, but to their frustration with Eagles management.

This argument does not constitute a denial. Fact: Santa was booed and pelted. Actually, Gargano once went so far as to tell me (scream at me, really) that "that was a raggedy Santa."

As if raggedy-ness were justification to abuse a 19-year-old kid in a red, velvet fat suit.

But that's Philly. It's not like the other cities. Philadelphians don't have a chip on their collective shoulder. It's more like a case of Schmidt's. That may not be an entirely bad thing; pelters and booers might actually provide a counterbalance in the era of luxury boxes.

But to pretend that the fans are, well, normal, is folly. It doesn't help that a city with four major sports hasn't won a championship in a quarter of a century. The Phillies aren't likely to buck the trend, either.

The fans' belligerence is documented across generations. In 1983, they set upon Chief Zee, the Washington Redskins unofficial mascot, sending him to the hospital with a broken leg. In 1997, a municipal court judge had to be assigned to Veterans Stadium for football Sundays.

I had read about this malignant phylum — the indigenous strain of Crazy White Guy — in the work of Pete Dexter, who himself was almost killed by a bat and crowbar-wielding mob in the aptly-named neighborhood of Devil's Pocket. The reader is well-advised to procure Dexter's novels of course (especially Brotherly Love), but also his collection of columns, Paper Trails. On page 56 of the hardcover you will find his famous account of Mummers Day and its aftermath. It begins with a chorus of young girls examining the fallen body of a man in a pink dress pulled up around his neck. Before losing consciousness, he had painted himself green.

"That's Mark's brother," one of the girls says nonchalantly. "I think he's dead."

I recall a comparable moment — the worst thing I've ever seen at a ballgame — right after Game 3 of the 2001 NBA Finals. I had just begun a column about the Lakers' beat-down of Allen Iverson when authentic violence broke out a few feet from the press section. It was a horrific, old-school stomping, just several rows off the floor. This poor guy kept getting kicked in the head. You didn't see this kind of carnage in the money seats at high-end events in other cities.

He fell, as I recall, near retractable aluminum steps. An actual pool of blood formed an uneven circumference around his head. He just lay there, motionless. I remember calling for a cop. And I remember the cop couldn't do anything.

I was sure the guy was dead.

Eventually, though, he got up. Under his own power, I might add. His face was a ghastly crimson mask. But he brushed himself off, and went on his way.

If I didn't see it myself, I'd sooner believe in Santa Claus.

Go Phightins

yophillybro — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 13:33:57 -0000

I just wanted to anounce to everyone my temporary change of name to

yourphilliesbro

I thought long and hard about the decision, but in leiu of the Phillies run, I have decided to take the plunge.

Also, notice my new Avitar...

I cant wait to the world series, I think we are gonna finally take it. Would you trade 10 years of Eagles stinking up he joint for 1 world series? I am desperate for a championship. I can't say I would trade it, but I sure would enjoy winning something other than the AFL championship. Go Phillies and Birds.

Tony Gonzalez to Eagles?

yophillybro — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 17:26:58 -0000

The rumors of a possible Tony Gonzalez deal have begun to swirl. This weekend, the future hall of famer has confirmed his desire to be traded

"The Chiefs have a three-year plan to make this team good," Gonzalez said late last night. "They are going young and at this point in my career, I want to play for a known contender — a team that has a chance to get to win the Super Bowl before my career ends. If it doesn't happen, of course I'll play my butt off at the same level I always have. But by the time their plan comes to fruition I'll be finishing up my career."

After the jump yophillybro has several sources discussing the subject from an Eagles perspective.

I found this on GCobb.com

Eagles Interested In TE Gonzalez

Written by Garry Cobb

Monday, 13 October 2008

The Eagles are reported to be amongst a group of teams who are interested in acquiring Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez.
The Eagles, Green Bay Packers, Buffalo Bills and the New York Giants have expressed interest in Gonzalez.

This is going to have Eagles tight end L.J. Smith, hyperventilating but the Eagles do need more production from the tight end position.

It's been reported by a number of outlets that Gonzalez has approached the Chiefs front office and requested a trade.

I don't know that anything is going to come of it but the Eagles do need some help at the tight end position. Gonzalez is 32 years old.

The New York Giants are thought to be the team most interested because they haven't been getting anything out of their tight end this season. They traded away tight end Jeremy Shockey before the season began.

The Chiefs have asked for a third round draft pick for the tight end. It's been reported that the Giants said they're willing to part with a sixth round pick in order to acquire the services of Gonzalez.

And this was also on GCobb

Reid Says They're Talking About Moves

Written by Garry Cobb

Monday, 13 October 2008

Eagles head coach Andy Reid didn't say that they were interested in aquiring Tony Gonzalez but he left the door open.
Reid just completed his news conference and said the Eagles are looking into numerous possibilities right now.

There have been reports that the Eagles are amongst a group of teams interested in acquiring the future Hall Of Famer and current Kansas City Chiefs tight end Gonzalez.

The Chiefs are reported to be asking for a third round pick. That Giants are said to have offered a sixth round pick.

The Eagles are at least 15 million under the cap so they have the money to sign Gonzalez.

This was on profootballtalk.com

CHIEFS WANT A THIRD-ROUNDER FOR GONZALEZ
Posted by Mike Florio on October 11, 2008, 10:41 p.m. EDT
We heard last night of a report out of Kansas City linking Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez to the Giants. We investigated the matter, and confirmed that, indeed, something is up.

Along with the Giants, the Bills, Eagles, and Packers are interested in the veteran Pro Bowler, who recently set the career receiving yardage record at his position.

The Chiefs reportedly want a third-round pick for Gonzalez. The Giants reportedly have offered a sixth-rounder.

Frankly, we’re shocked that King Carl has set his asking price so low. It’s a sign, in our view, of a genuine desire to get the deal done before the trading period expires at 4:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday.

The fairest approach would be to use a formula that determines the pick based on the performance of Gonzalez and/or of his new team in his new city.

Gonzalez’s base salary for 2008 is only $1 million. In 2009, it spikes to $4 million. In all, he’s signed through 2011.

It makes sense for the Chiefs to get whatever they can for Gonzalez, who at 32 likely won’t be a significant contributor to any resurgence that the Chiefs might ever enjoy. Letting him chase a Super Bowl title with a contending team would also be a nice gesture of appreciation by a franchise for whom Gonzalez has done so much over the years.

Has anyone heard Lito pop off lately?

yophillybro — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 12:24:38 -0000

I noticed that Lito has been quite lately. And yesterday, immediately after going out due to a hamstring pull I said to my self. "Thats why we signed Asante". I think its clear that both Sheldon and Asante are better than Lito. I noticed that Lito hasn't been playing as much as I expected.

What is Litos value now, I think he still only demands a 3rd rounder. Do we just redo his deal w/ incentives now. He really can't complain, I don't think anyone wants him now. I can honestly say that his stock has fallen tremendously, I wouldn't trade him, maybe he will just shut up and play. Or we redo his deal to include incentive on top of his same pay.

Eagles tried to use their speed to win.

yophillybro — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:39:18 -0000

Was it me, of did anyone notice the amount of times that the Eagles went Jacks formation against he Cowboys. It seemed like almost 1/3 of the plays were from that tight formation.

Jacks formation is very interesting, you do not line a WR out, instead you keep them compressed bunch at the line. The advantage to Jacks is that you should be able to run to the side line with this. This is because the Defense will have to compress as well, making it easy for Westbrook to hit the outside. It also sets you up for short quick out patterns to your WR, kinda like a quick WR screen.

But I didn't see the Eagles run out of Jacks! So I was confused as to why they would use that unless you were looking to exploit Dallas with speed. I didn't see them do that much.

I also noticed that at the end of the game, the Eagles were running some simple hook patterns. Whats up with that, Dallas was sitting on that. I would have like to see them hit some quick out stuff. I would have like to have seen some more 4 WR spread formation, and hit Jackson or Avant quick on a quick 10 and out. You would have had man coverage on that.

Basically, I didn't understand totally the concept of the game calling. But, whatever they were calling was effective till the end of the game. I guess they know more than me:)

I just lost a Cowboys fan Bet, this is me paying up.

yophillybro — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:56:44 -0000

Sorry Eagles fan, I have to make a totally degrade myself as an Eagles fan to pay my bet to Blogging the Boys.

Well, Well, Well, I have no fingernails left. I dont' think we lost that game on the fumble, I think that Dallas was gonna work those TEs at the end regardless. Our defense did not hold when they needed to.

I am a man of my word, I will put my money where my mouth is. I promised everyone that I will come in the next morning and say how GREAT the Cowboys are. And they are Great.

I still hate the stinking Cowboys, but I will have to RESPECT the Cowboys Authority. Here it goes: (clearing my throte)

The Cowboys are the Greatest team in the History of the NFL. The Philadelphia Eagles Suck, and should be ashamed of them selves. Dallas is a true Champion and we are just posers

OK there is goes, I hope you are happy now. I didn't mean a single word of it, but I had to pay up my end of the bet....

Its time to pay the piper!!!

yophillybro — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:45:20 -0000

Well, Well, Well, I have no fingernails left. I dont' think we lost that game on the fumble, I think that Dallas was gonna work those TEs at the end regardless.

I am a man of my word, I will put my money where my mouth is. I promised everyone that I will come in the next morning and say how GREAT the Cowboys are. And they are Great.

I still hate the stinking Cowboys, but I will have to RESPECT the Cowboys Authority. Here it goes: (clearing my throte)

"The Cowboys are the Greatest team in the History of the NFL. The Philadelphia Eagles Suck, and should be ashamed of them selves. Dallas is a true Champion and we are just posers"

OK there is goes, I hope you are happy now. I didn't mean a single word of it, but I had to pay up my end of the bet....

Hey Cowboys fans, put your money where your mouth is!

yophillybro — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:37:42 -0000

Yes, as an obnoxious Iggles fan, I will put my money where my mouth is. I will challenge any SB Bloggingtheboys member to a bet. If the Eagles Win, I will log in bloggingtheboys first thing Tuesday morning and say nothing but how wonderful your Cowboys are. Not only will I do that, I will change SB logo to a Cowboys star for the entire week. I will also go back to my own Bleeding green nation and proclaim "Cowboys" supremacy.

In return, I ask that if you take my bet you do the same. Don't welch on the bet! You must apply the Eagles logo as you SB logo and log onto Bleedinggreennation and proclaim Eagles and ""The Team to beat". And you must pull your tail between your legs and come home to bloggingtheboys and you must proclaim how "Wonder" the Eagles and ITS FANS are. Yes. You must include the fan part.

Some man up boys, if you have any rocks you will take my bet. No money needed, just dignity. So what will it be boys.

I need an honest "Cowboys" oppinion

yophillybro — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:39:58 -0000

Over the years, I have learned to develope some ill will towards the Cowboys. I must admit, I was groomed to chear "Dallas Sucks" and am guilty of chanting it from time to time. I recall an old child hood memory when I was given a really nice blue and silver jacket for school. I needed a matching hat and was given one containing those colors. Guess for what team? Yes, to my horror it was a Cowboys hat. Keep in mind, I am not a wealthy person, and couldn't afford to just throw the stinking hat out, so at the age of 12 I walked 3 miles alone just to return it to the street vendor that sold it to my mother. I wound up just trading it for a solid blue hat. The point is, I hated the Cowboys so much as a child, I refused to be seen with that hat. I would make me a traitor. I would prefer to be naked than wear anything Cowboys. This shows you the degree and how silly my hatred for those Cowboys can get.

Well thats enough about me, I am just wondering. Do you Cowboys fan have the same hatred for us as we have for you. Word out is you guys hate the Skins and the Giants more. Is this true? If you hate the birds with a passion, I am interested in hearing your stories. I think the most important part to a rivarly is to respectfully hate each other. I can't stand the Cowboys and consider most of the Cowboys fans in Philadelphia to be "Front-running Cock Roaches". But thats what you do to your rival, you hate them. I would still like to hear if you hate us as well. I think its cool. It will be like a college football atmosphere in MNF. I'm loving it baby.

Go Birds.

Donovan McCrabb?

yophillybro — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:53:34 -0000

Does anyoe out there watch America's Got Talent? They had this group call the Zooperstars. I mention this because I just checked out their website, (I guess I was really bored). And I fell up this.

Funny stuff man, Check out the Campbell soup on his hands. That is priceless. Man Donovan will always be known for those cheesy Chunky soup commercials.

via www.zooperstars.com

Height:	8 feet 5 inches
Weight:	3,556 pounds
Resides:	The depths of the Delaware River
Characteristics: He has a smile that intercepts hearts everywhere, pinchers that make completions and a spinner of a shell. This shellfish is not selfish; he loves to share the pigskin. This mollusk has a clean, crisp and sassy goatee. He sometimes carries his soup with him and always has a big bowl of fun.

(note: I think they have him a little on the light side)

As a bonus,

Here is another Philly Icon (A.I) (corn rolls and neck tatoo and all)

http://www.zooperstars.com/Characters/Stallion_Iverson.asp

Hilarious.

via www.zooperstars.com

Height:	7 feet 6 inches
Weight:	1,846 pounds
Resides:	Dribbleville
Characteristics: Corn-rowed mane that hangs down the back of his neck. Bad Boy attitude that gets him in trouble from time to time. Big baggy basketball shorts that hang down past his knees. Tattooed from head to toe.