Negadelphia vs. the Birds

AS SURE as Cheez Whiz adorns Philly cheesesteaks, the Eagles will be blamed for everything - from global warming to the collapse of General Motors.

There isn't a day on WIP or the sports pages or letters sections when you can't hear or see a rant about how the front office and the owners are shortchanging the city, or not paying players enough.

"Cheap" and "greedy" are the monikers, and it seems like everyone is eager to jump on the bandwagon. But the criticism is often based on misinformation or downright malice. It's mindless Birds-bashing, the blood sport of Negadelphia.

I've worked with the Eagles off and on as a consultant for 15 years. I was there when the roof in the Vet leaked and the scurrying of little rodent feet could be heard in the ceiling panels, when the team went years without making the playoffs or advancing in them.

I've sat in meetings when the plans for the Linc were unveiled, with Joe Banner and Jeffrey and Christina Lurie's insistence that it be designed first and foremost for the fans to enjoy. There were discussions about training camp events, fan-friendly experiences, donations to nonprofits and players visiting children in hospitals.

How could the Eagles Youth Partnership expand, and provide even more low-income kids with free glasses and eye exams? It was important for Banner to start a Philadelphia chapter of City Year, where young people "give a year and change the world." To date, City Year Greater Philadelphia has more members serving as mentors in schools than any other in the country.

On the business side, the owners decided they'd contribute more than $350 million of their own funds toward construction of the stadium, the largest personal contribution of any pro sports team in the country. Thus the Vet, not a source of civic pride, was replaced by Lincoln Financial Field, with all the events and positives that have come with it.

Agree or not, when management makes controversial player decisions, they do so with only one overarching goal - to win the Super Bowl. Witness the recent signing of Jason Peters, the All-Pro tackle, for a whopping $60 million. Cheap? I don't think so.

So, when recent attacks blamed the owners for being "cheap" because of recent litigation with the city, it's unfair. Once again, fury fueled this uninformed charge, with people ranting around the stadium, the NovaCare Complex and in the community.

But here are the facts: The city sued the team for revenue not collected from the Street administration skybox issue. But the city owes the team money for revenue lost from a game canceled a year earlier because of problems with the turf that was the city's responsibility. There is a pending court case. When there's a ruling, I'm sure both sides will fully comply. In the meantime, why vilify them again in the court of public opinion?

The Philadelphia Business Journal found the Eagles to be the No. 1 charity-giver in its revenue category in the region. Ticket prices have gone from third-highest in the NFL to 15th under this ownership. National recognition of "Go Green," the team's groundbreaking environmental initiative, the Eagles Youth Partnership, Tackling Breast Cancer and so many other charitable programs should count for something.

THIS IS America, and we all have the right to express our opinions, and challenge our business and political leaders when we feel the need.

But, please, can't this not be be done ad hominem, and occasionally be based on the facts? I know - some fans, and the radio hosts and writers who delight in stirring them up, sometimes are simply venting their frustration.

The Eagles aren't perfect, but they take pride in the fact that they're just as much a part of Philadelphia as cheesesteaks and soft pretzels. They are our passion every autumn Sunday, and have touched us directly by reaching out to the communities where we live and work.

They are our heroes when they win. So cut them a break. *

Dava Guerin is a consultant and freelance writer who lives in Washington Crossing, Pa.