Thursday 25 February 2010

Stephen A. Smith: Don't expect gold watch from Eagles

No matter how much things may change, leave it to the Eagles to remain the same. Produce, and they'll keep you. At least until you're 30 years old. Then a meeting with the press ensues, of course, followed by gratuitous praise for years of service. Right before Andy Reid gets back to the business of being competitive, while Joe Banner maintains salary-cap space - and both are assured that Donovan McNabb is still around to receive the brunt of the blame.
Don't you love it?
Brian Westbrook sure doesn't, and who can blame him? After eight years of relatively exemplary service, tainted by an injury-plagued 2009 season, the same running back who led the NFL in yards from scrimmage in 2007 is suddenly looking for a job. Mainly because he was due $7.25 million in a 2010 season that is expected to be uncapped.
Of course, Reid didn't hesitate to state the obvious when alluding to Westbrook's departure: "This is absolutely the worst part of the job. But if you're fortunate enough to stick around long enough, you're going to see these things happen."
Oh, I see. Westbrook, drafted 91st in 2002, who set Eagles records for touches (1,734) and yards from scrimmage (9,785), was clearly the team's best player for at least two, possibly three, seasons. But Reid was "fortunate enough" to see him lose his job? But Reid, Banner and all the others in charge who repeatedly fall short of Super Bowl glory year after every stinking year get to keep their paychecks coming, huh?
Where's Don "Only in America" King when you need him most?