Skip to content
Eagles
Link copied to clipboard

He spread ashes, but can he pick up trash?

Fan who left mother’s remains on Eagles’ field faces community service.

This article was originally published on March 3, 2006.

The Eagles fan who honored his mother's dying wish by spreading her ashes on the 50-yard line at Lincoln Financial Field during a game in November got hit with a penalty yesterday: He will likely have to do community service in Arizona, where he lives.

Christopher Noteboom, 44, of Tempe, who was charged with misdemeanor trespass, was approved for the Philadelphia court system's Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program. If he fulfills the terms of pretrial probation, which are to be set this month, the case will be dropped, said his lawyer, Steven M. Weisbrot.

Noteboom, who grew up in Doylestown, said yesterday that he had no regrets about keeping his promise to his mom.

"I told her I was going to do it," he said. "She was thrilled."

Charlotte Noteboom, 70, a sports fanatic and lifelong Eagles fan, died of emphysema in January 2005, just days before the Eagles won the NFC championship and a trip to the Super Bowl.

"She was the kind of lady who watched SportsCenter every night and Monday Night Football every week," Noteboom said.

Even after moving to the Southwest, the family followed the Eagles.

The tribute to Mom was set for the Nov. 27 Eagles-Packers game.

Noteboom's two sisters and brother-in-law were there; his uncle was unable to make it at the last minute. By halftime, Noteboom had made his way to an end zone. Seeing a break in security, he leaped onto the field carrying a plastic bag with his mother's cremated remains.

"I twisted my ankle when I jumped," said Noteboom, a tall, rangy businessman in jeans and cowboy boots. "The first 40 yards were a blur."

Security downed him at midfield, but not before he had accomplished his goal. The Eagles went on to win, 19-14. Noteboom went with police.

"I was hoping not to get arrested," he said. "It wasn't like I was out there trying to hurt anyone."

Eagles spokeswoman Bonnie Grant said: "We maintain the position that anyone who runs onto the field will be arrested."

The team had no comment on the outcome of the case, she added.

Aside from the early media hoopla, and the expense of traveling to Philadelphia for court dates, the case hasn't had much impact on the father of two.

"I own a biker bar," he said. "My clients are there every day anyway, but it gave them something to talk about."

Noteboom said he had no ill will toward the team.

"I'll be here for the opening game," he said, "provided the Eagles let me come back."