Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Eagles won’t win a championship unless everyone in Philly pees green
Mike Missanelli, a former Philadelphia sports writer turned radio talk show host, had his afternoon caller hooked with a futuristic 76ers basketball dream. Missanelli, hosts a 2-6 p.m. afternoon slot on the Philly Fanatic WFAN 97.5 FM. He is part performer, professional sports nudge and devil’s advocate.
Back to that caller who literally cooed as Missanelli delivered a tale of 76ers dominance for a decade with social media superstar Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, Dario Saric and players to be named later.
The 76ers fan crossed over into a Mice and Men scene as George Milton, played by Missanelli, voiced big basketball dreams for Lennie Small, played by any Philadelphia 76ers diehard.
Tell him about the rabbits, Mikey Miss.
“Awww, Mike, I can’t wait,” the fan wheezed as Missanelli touted NBA championships up the wazoo, and parades powered by Simmons, Embiid, and Saric plus a player to be named later.
Plenty has changed since Missanelli drooled a 76ers revival. Embiid suffered a season-ending knee injury as 76ers brass were less than forthcoming about the big hurt.
The front office shelved Simmons’ debut until next season as 76ers’ rebuild by losing strategy, nicknamed “The Process,” delivered a wait until next season mea culpa.
Not to worry. Philadelphia sports fans found a new dream, this one attached to NFL franchise Philadelphia Eagles as free agency brought into the fold receivers Alshon Jeffery, Torrey Smith and guard Chance Warmack.
Forget the 76ers, although Saric seems worthy of Rookie of the Year honors. Philadelphia fans boast a new energy as they dream of franchise quarterback Carson Wentz throwing touchdown passes to surehanded catchers Jeffery and Smith.
Worth mentioning for more optimism involves a No. 14 first-round pick that could attract a lockdown cornerback or quality running back.
It’s only March which means Eagles fans will dream and talk smack for six months.
Life will prove unbearable as Philadelphians spout nonsense about impending superiority, not understanding that NFC East opponents Washington, New York and Dallas remain major division opponents. It’s difficult rooting for Philadelphia, especially after Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie allowed former coach Chip Kelly free reign, a decision that lead to the release of receiver DeSean Jackson and the trade of superior running back LeSean McCoy.
The Jackson incident cemented a loathing for Philadelphia which decided to extend a contract for inadequate receiver Riley Cooper, even after he made disparaging racial remarks.
The mind boggles when one considers that Philadelphia brought back a Caucasian player recorded in public using the “Nword.”
Lurie should drown in shame about keeping Cooper. People talk frequently about hiring athletes with good character and similar criteria should be used for owners and coaches.
Lurie had the responsibility to dismiss Cooper tethered to an unwavering statement that the Eagles stand together as one team.
Instead, Cooper received a $22 million contract as Jackson headed to Washington and McCoy shuffled off to Buffalo.
In the film “Hidden Figures,” which traces the story of Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson and Dorothy Vaughan — three black women who made significant contributions to NASA — actor Kevin Costner accepts his role and responsibility to affect positive change.
Costner plays Al Harrison, immersed in moving ahead of Russia in the 1960s space race but detached from daily social issues faced by Johnson.
For instance, Harrison had no idea Johnson used much of her break time to race hundreds of yards to use a “Colored Bathroom.”
Harrison matured during his experience and eventually used a crowbar to tear down the sign and point his unit in a new direction.
“We all pee the same color,” Harrison shouts.
If the Eagles and their fans could reach a conclusion of unity, their enthusiasm might be bearable.
Lurie should apologize and admit that he sent a terrible message to NFL fans and Eagles supporters by keeping Cooper.
It’s only been one week since the hiring of Jeffrey and Smith but Eagles callers flood WFAN 97.5 with talk about Wentz’ Wagon and future Super Bowl titles.
Not happening unless everyone in Philly pees green.