🦅 Before he was Coach Sirianni... | Morning Newsletter
And more about Central Bucks’ contentious library policy.
The Morning Newsletter
Start your day with the Philly news you need and the stories you want all in one easy-to-read newsletter
Expect your Friday to be mostly sunny with a high of 42.
Before Nick Sirianni was just one win away from coaching the Eagles in the Super Bowl, he started out as a wide receiver in an indoor league.
It wasn’t glamorous. Players were barely paid (if the checks cleared) and there wasn’t adequate equipment.
Our lead story follows Sirianni’s introduction into professional football. 🔑
If you see this 🔑 in today’s newsletter, that means we’re highlighting our exclusive journalism. You need to be a subscriber to read these stories.
— Taylor Allen (@TayImanAllen, morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
In 2005, Nick Sirianni was a wide receiver for the Canton Legends during the inaugural season of the Atlantic Indoor Football League.
It was the only professional season of his playing career and it started with a spring football league that didn’t even have enough equipment.
The players made $300 if they won and $200 if they didn’t.
The season was a mess.
The starting quarterback quit during the fourth quarter of the season opener.
The coaches walked out after their checks bounced.
The players had to play on turf so thin that it felt like concrete and regularly had to run into brick wall sidelines.
Notable quote: “Calling it ‘professional’ is using that term very loosely,” said Dan Larlham, who became the quarterback for the Canton Legends when the starter said he had had enough.
Keep reading to get a full retelling featuring his former teammates. 🔑
The Central Bucks School District is seeking outside guidance to carry out its new policy prohibiting “sexualized content” in school libraries.
It chose the Independence Law Center, a Harrisburg group that has opposed rights to transgender students and bills itself as defending religious freedom.
Reminders: The district is facing a federal investigation into allegations it created a hostile environment for LGBTQ students. In 2021, the Independence Law Center helped craft a policy for the Hempfield School District barring transgender students from playing on sports teams in line with their gender identity.
The books Central Bucks is considering to remove include This Book is Gay; Me, Earl and the Dying Girl; Gender Queer; Lawn Boy; and Beyond Magenta.
Keep reading for more on the law center’s history related to LGBTQ students. 🔑
What you should know today
Central Bucks librarian said he was directed to remove a Holocaust survivor’s quote from a window for violating the district’s advocacy policy.
Eagles linemen share their best Jason Kelce stories, from schooling rookies to losing his trunks in Lake Lanier. 🔑
More Philly tenants who are facing eviction will be able to get free legal representation.
Two years ago, his clothing store was on fire. Now, Nick Sirianni wears his shirts. 🔑
Pa. House Republicans say they’ll appeal a Commonwealth Court ruling that described the effort to remove Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner as legally unsound.
🧠 Philly Trivia Time 🧠
Which Philly-based sports apparel company is partnering with Rihanna for a limited edition Super Bowl collection?
A) Mitchell & Ness
B) Underdog Philadelphia
C) Art History 101
D) None of the above
Find out if you know the answer.
What we’re...
📢 Trash-talking: The San Francisco 49ers, of course. Here’s your guide to perfect your insults before Sunday’s NFC Championship game.
🎧 Listening to: Dodie’s Tiny Desk Concert.
🎉 Wishing: A happy belated birthday to Sage, the oldest goat at the Philadelphia Zoo. She turned 17 yesterday.
🧩 Unscramble the Anagram 🧩
Hint: A M. Night Shyamalan thriller
ANNA BOCK THICKET
We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here. Send us your own original anagram to unscramble if you’d like. Cheers to John McGregor, who correctly guessed Thursday’s answer: Jigar Desai. Email us if you know the answer.
Photo of the Day
And that’s it from me. Enjoy the day and the rest of your weekend. Ashley has you covered on Sunday 📧.
