Eagles hold first post-draft minicamp
The Philadelphia Eagles held their first post-draft minicamp with several issues looming over the upcoming season. The big test, of course, is going to be how well the Eagles team chemistry holds up through all the controversy (T.O., Westbrook, Hollis Thomas, Corey Simon, etc.). Here, we’ll sum up a few of the important issues that were addressed:
McNabb was asked about the rumors that he was either tired or sick at the end of last year’s Super Bowl and he replied:
I wasn’t tired. As for the comments that have been made, I don’t know why they were directed toward me. But just to set the record straight, I was not tired.
In response to Terrell Owens’ comments from earlier in the spring, McNabb said:
Personally, I don’t care. If it was directed at me – I don’t play games in the media. I’m not going to sit here and try to have a war of words. I’m a man at what I do. If there’s a problem with anyone, and they feel the need to lash out, they know how to get in touch with me, and we can handle it like men.
In response to the effect that these controversies will have on the team’s performance going into next year, McNabb proved to be the consumate team leader:
The way I can handle it is to reach out to some of the younger guys, as well as some of the veterans, and say, ‘Even with what’s been going on right now, we need to focus on what we need to do to get to that point and understand that those guys will be here.’ And when they get here, they’ll understand what they need to do, and we’ll continue to go from where we left off.
Regarding Freddie Mitchell, Andy Reid was straight-up and honest:
I have spoken with Freddie, and I excused Freddie from these practices. I told him that I was excusing him from this practice, and I did not want him here.
Those are strong words!
The Westbrook situation looks fine: he has indicated, through his agent, that he plans to be at training camp. His reason for not coming to this first minicamp -> he’s not under contract yet and doesn’t want to get injured.
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Posted on April 30, 2005 by Administrator | Filed Under Eagles, Philadelphia
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