Casey Matthews started a bit of a firestorm yesterday when told Tim McManus that he just doesn't understand Eagles fans.
"No. I don't think anyone will ever understand these fans. When we win they love you but when we lose it gets rough. That's just how it is here. It's like that in some other places, but not to this extent. Hey, just win and keep them happy."
So you're not exactly feeling warm and fuzzy towards Eagles nation...
"Some of them but not running off the field after a loss - not those fans. They think they know me," Matthews said tersely.
Actually Casey, I think you understand us quite well. "Hey, just win and keep them happy." Sounds about right to me.
But of course he continued and his remarks overall seemed to bother a lot of fans. I get why. Criticizing fans is never productive, useful, or generally worth doing at all. The fans aren't the reason the team stinks. So what's the point in involving them?
But I will defend him on one point after the jump.
If you buy a ticket to a game, it entitles you to boo or cheer all you like. If players don't like boos, tough. I believe that is your right. However, I really don't think you have the right to abuse guys as they run off the field. Because if they even dare to defend themselves, the NFL fines them. So it takes a real faux guy to curse at and insult players as they leave the field.
Rex Ryan was fined $75,000 for basically doing what any person would have done in the same situation.
a fan screamed at Ryan as he was
walking towards the locker room:
"Hey, Rex, Belichick is better than you."
His response was "Shut the f– up."
Good for Rex I say.
As for Casey Matthews, he did take to twitter later to clarify his comments.
"Setting the record straight, I appreciate the passion and loyalty that ALL Eagle Fans have. I'm just saying it's tough to hear boos at home. And I understand why you guys are all frustrated. We've been in a slump but we will get this thing rolling and give you something to cheer 4. But we need the support from the whole #EaglesNation and finish strong."
Sorry kid. This isn't Oregon. You give us something to cheer for and we'll cheer. And believe me, this our way of supporting you. It's tough love. Just be happy that we care at all. A lot of fanbases wouldn't if a team was this bad.