Sanity Zone 11-8-2010 - Why I dislike Eagles Players and Fans

Don't mistake my next few statements as an indictment of ALL Eagles fans.

For those who did not get a chance to see the Eagles play the Colts Sunday afternoon, but did get a chance to see on endless replays the hit by Kurt Coleman on Austin Collie, what you didn't get so witness was what happened after the play.

It was clear that Collie had taken a helmet to helmet hit from his blind side by Coleman. It was also clear that Collie was knocked out before falling to the ground. The ref IMMEDIATELY threw a flag. There wasn't a hint of hesitation as the ref had a perfect view of the collision.

Lying nearly lifeless, there was a mad rush instantaneously by the medical staffs to his aid. I honestly thought Collie had suffered a catastrophic injury. Replays showed that Coleman's crown hit Collie on the side of the head before Coleman's shoulder hit any part of Collie.

Eagles fans who were cheering the apparent fumble erupted in boos so loud the TV announcers could not be heard. Eagles players didn't even bother to look at Collie, focusing on the refs and the replay scoreboard protesting the flag. When the first replay hit the big screen, Safety Quintin Mikell danced at midfield cursing the refs, punching the air and chasing after successive officials pleading for them to watch the replay.

Then, a succession of new angled replays, and each in detailed slow motion, examined the appalling collision. I couldn't tell how many replays finally hit the Stadium screens, but the boos and jeers did not stop. After it was clear how badly Collie might be hurt, there did not seem to be any concern by either the Eagles or their fans as to his condition.

10 minutes. That's how long it took to adequately prepare Collie to be removed from the field. They even strapped his arms and hands down so, even if he could, he wouldn't be able to give the "thumbs' up" that would hint at his condition. While gingerly carting him off, there wasn't much noise. The camera at the tunnel captured a few claps, but more than a few snide comments. No applause, no acknowledgment, other than for some, Collie's inconsiderate delay of their enjoyment. There were no Eagle players, certainly none of the three involved in the tackle or the criminal who assaulted him offering assistance or direct concern.

The Eagles players appeared dazed, not by what they had done to a fellow competitor, but by the sheer injustice of a 15 yard penalty for essentially ending another man's career. "What are we to do," was their plea, "if we cannot be allowed to headhunt without consequence?" "You're changing the game!" "If you want it to be safe, play flag football!"

These players and fans believe that whatever happened to another colored jersey was what that jersey deserved, and accountability should not accrue to them. Although I was surprised that no one doused Collie with beer or popcorn on his way to the emergency room. This is the same crowd that pelted a gameday Santa with snow-covered rocks from the stands for yucks. And that's the only reason why I am not lumping ALL Eagles fans in the same cesspool. Some are just lounging on the deck.

There had better be cosmic justice.