For Who, For Weaver?
Philadelphia Inquirer Sports Columnist Bob Ford writes about the Eagles, the Phillies, the Sixers and the Flyers.
For Who, For Weaver?
Bob Ford, Inquirer Sports Columnist
Some random thoughts while sitting around Boston waiting for a 10 p.m. basketball game (and some of those random thoughts involve the scheduling geniuses of the NCAA and CBS).
I don't know if Leonard's Weaver has great timing hitting the hole while carrying a football, but he does has great timing while backhanding the new city where he'll be working.
Weaver, signed to play fullback for the Eagles last weekend, didn't appear very excited about the prospect -- downright disappointed, in fact -- but his views got lscant attention during a busy time in which local interest was on the NCAA tournament and, of course, Andy Reid's "State of the Eggs" breakfast news conference from the NFL meetings in down-at-the-heels Dana Point, Calif.
The Eagles signed Weaver to a one-year, $1.75 million contract that could earn the fullback as much as $2.5 million if he meets incentive clauses. Good luck with that, Leonard, unless there is a clause for standing ready on the sideline.
All in all, of course, he'd rather still be a Seahawk.
"It's just been a hard deal knowing I want to be here, and I made that clear to the organization a number of times, and here it is we still can't get nothing done," Weaver told the Tacoma News-Tribune.
"And now it resorts to this," he added, "where I have to make a secondary choice, which I did. So, it makes it very tough."
Oh, no question. Having to accept a paltry $1.75 million is just a terrible insult, a fallback position that no one -- even someone who makes up verbs that don't agree with impersonal pronouns -- should not have to bear. Oh, the humanity. TO HAVE TO PLAY IN PHILADELPHIA FOR A TEAM THAT MADE THE CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP AND LEAVE THE STINKING SEAHAWKS. It is too much to take.
Leonard is going to be a man about it, though. He's going to show up and play and look for his deluxe payday in the sky. In Philly? Maybe, not that he really cares.
"It's a good opportunity to show what I can do, not only to Philly but to other teams out there," Weaver said. "And then if Philly offers a long-term deal, that would be great. But, if not, hey man, it was a great time and we move on."
I'd say he's all about Philadelphia and the Eagles. Not a bit of him that's all about Leonard Weaver. Welcome to town, Leonard. So far, your timing has been good.
Comments (101)
Are they all like that after coming from Seattle?? For Who, For What? Who can forget Harrisburg native Rickey Waters? Talk about a selfish player...Rickey was for sure. He never played out to star potential we thought he was going to....Can we draft our own running back in the first round this time???— #1WRneeded- bored bob?— osi is hurt boohoo
- Somewhat.— Bob Ford
- Who named you the Grammar Nazi, Bob? Your first mistake: "I don't know if Leonard's Weaver". It's "Leonard" Weaver, Bob. Mistake #2: "but he does has great timing". Wow, and you're getting PAID for this!?— morvak
- He's disappointed that the team he has played for didn't give him a good enough (in his eyes) offer and he had to leave. I don't see anything wrong or insulting with his statement. I'll bet Dawkins wanted to stay here despite what he may be saying in Denver, even before the Cutler fiasco. He appears to be a hard working, humble and honest player. How good he really is, we'll find out this year hopefully.— DMo
- Well the same can be said for all players who openly admit they would prefer to have stayed where they were. i.e. Brian Dawkins. He cried about leaving Philly, and made such a big issue out of it, made it well known he wanted to stay in Philly (althogh not badly enough to accept their offer). I wonder if anyone in Denver noticed or cared?— Gary Varsho
- Bob Ford, that is so lame... I said this before: the media in filthy fans the phan fire with dumb articles making up something negative where there is nothing there. Philly Phans should be upset at the local media because they cause the national media to give them a bad rap.— Wise_Owl
- Who cares as long as he performs. Honesty ia an admirable trait.— Reggie92
- Bob--You're an idiot. You sound like the Eagles explaining why they fired that Leonne guy. Insecure and whiny. It irritates me! The guy was happy in his home...so what? He didnt say he didnt want to play here...he said it was his second choice. Was the Daily News ur first choice? Give the guy a chance when he has the pads on b4 you judge him.
- Just to follow up, you take it out of context. AR has said about the free agents that get one year contracts that they have an opportunity to showcase their talents around the league, and if they sign long term with the eagles later thats great, or they can find a home elsewhere. What do you expect a player to say? oh I love it here and only want to be here despite the organizations position? Bob, one good thing about this economy is that local rags like this are in financial trouble. Reading your articles I can see why.— Wise_Owl
- as long as he helps us lose another nfc title game and keep our gold standard status, he's welcome here!— nittany4
- There is nothing wrong with what he said. The shock factor is that most players arent honest with this. We tear apart players thinking all about the money, now a player is honest and doesnt appear to be all after a big payday people react like this?— 93phils
- Come on, Bob. You're better than this. What was Dawkins directly, indirectly, and/or more elegantly saying about leaving the Eagles? So the guy has feelings for the team he has spent his career with. Get over it. It's nothing personal. You are known for some pretty solid writing, and a decent pulse of the city's sports teams and fans. But you missed on this one, Bob, and are simply reinforcing the notion that Philly is chock full of fans with thin skin and easily wounded egos.— EaglesWest
- Ricky came from San Fran and then went to Seattle. At least he is a real fullback vs. a converted d-lineman or tailback— bsaw
- I don't see how he insulted anybody. The guy didn't want to move across the country to a new city - who can blame him? But at least he'll be playing for a genuine contender and as he says, it's a one year deal if things don't work out. This is a non-story, and an attempt to tap into the inferiority complex that seems to exist in some Eagles fans. Chill people.— p-diddy
- Bob, the guy is disappointed that he didn’t get signed by his home team. Just like two people you might know (Dawk and Tra ring a bell). So he's whiney cause he didn't want to leave home, where he's also been successful? Honestly, Bob, does creating this kind of drama really sell newspapers (or get online readers). You also just left out a whole bunch of quotes on how he was excited to be here, and took less money than other teams to sign with us (not that I believe him, but he certainly wasn’t negative about being here). You can’t blame the guy for not wanting to leave home. I like some of your stuff, but this is a perfect example of Philadelphia sports media stirring the pot over absolute nothingness. Try reporting something news worthy and quit being such a drama queen.— kcw125
- I think the point is that many of the fans, including me, believe that all athletes should consider it an honor to perform at a professional level in Philly. Reason being - we're the most passionate fans in the U.S. (I would say world, but I've been to a Brazilian soccer match) and nobody cares as much as we do. What Weaver did with these comments is completely disregard that sentiment and demonstrated that he cares more about his contract than the team (which...at least he could fake it, like most other athletes).— Fozzie27
from what I remember Ricky Watters had a very nice run here after digging that hole with the alligator arms vs Tampa and the "for who/for what" comment afterwards.— potus- We don't sign guys who want to play in Philly, but we sign guys who don't want to be here? Hmmm.— ematusko
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- Bob Ford, welcome to the John Gonzales, Smallwood and Conlin world of say anything to stoke the fire. Typical to instigate something out of nithing.— SayHello2MyLittleFriend
- As much as i live for philly sports, i dont think i'd be that excited to come here either. Not for a 1 year deal anyway. Especially when last year we had Klecko as the FB.— ahjii
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- Kooky: When calling FakeFord an idiot, it's probably best to spell Leone's name correctly. It's also a good idea to use your big boy (big girl?) words instead of "ur" and "b4."— TheRealBobFord
- Was I offended by Weaver's comments? Uh ... no. What a stupid question. The guy wanted to stay where he was and thrive there. That is all he was saying. What is so odd about that? If he ends up leaving Philly at some point, it would be nice if he felt the same way -- and said the same things -- about staying here. Grow up, man.
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After being called cheap does this mean the Eagles overpaid for Weaver?— tpizza- Who cares and has time for this. Now let me get back to checking on my Facebook profile and watching American Idol.— Anthony77
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- There is plenty wrong with what he said.— scars73
- It's not insulting and there's nothing wrong with a little selfishness. The guy had to leave a team he's played for and known, with relationships with locals, fans, and the staff. Good for him for speaking his mind. I hope he turns out to be a valuable addition, gets his long-term payday, and grows to love wearing green. Worse things can (and have) happened. Non story.— nhphilly
- 5 hour energy bob. geeez these old people are tough to keep awake— EAglesPhilliesSixerFLyers
- SayHello: Ford doesn't poke people just to get a reaction -- unlike that no good Gonzalez (with a z, not an s). Also, while I'm serving as the typo police, I believe "nithing" should probably have an "o" in there somewhere.— TheRealBobFord
- Another overinflated ego. This guy sounds sort of like Terrell Owens. The Philly fans will handle him. We've dealt with much worse ego-centric athletes. No problem.— Stanley Levin
- 5isaking, you are a real winner I can see. Bob Ford wrote a good article and I think Weaver should have been called out! His words were just moronic!!! What he said is just pathetic, he is playing a GAME for millions of dollars, he should feel blessed and honored! Just like you thinking Brian Westbrook is soft(greatest rb in Eagles history) and Syracuse is the king of the Big East. Nothing you say will be taken seriosuly with those dumb comments.— scars73
- Oh Bill, welcome to the world of pointing things out to get a rise out of some people.— TronSector82
- morvak hit the nail right on the head.I was about to leave the same comment.Sorry Bob,those who live in glass houses.— gmyers99
- I really don't care what he said, he's gonna be one and done in Philly anyway— pfranklin
- To 5isaKing: Dude, you have serious problems. Westbrook is among the top three backs in the league -- and is universally recognized as an excellent blocker. There isn't a good blocker in the game, at any position, who is a pansy. It is tough, gritty work based as much on toughness and desire as on technique -- and Westbrook is really good at it. Let's not forget, too, that he accomplishes all of it as an undersized back. Pansy? Yeah, right. Let's see you, Mr. Tough Guy, stay in one piece for more than one series in an NFL game. (Right ... I didn't think you'd take that challenge. Here's a lollipop, candy boy. Now get out of here.)
- Ah, another Philly sportswriter willing to run down a player before he even PLAYS a game.— NC Dennis
- Hey Bob, I like how you use the "Eagles made the NFC Championship" as a good thing when you're critiquing a player but when you're at the throats of management and the coaches you say that reaching the Conference title game isn't good enough.— shmu65
- Oh and BTW everybody on here. Bob's not an idiot. He's getting paid to write about sports.— shmu65
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- As usual, Bob Ford and Phil Sheridan continue to earn the Inquirer the title of "Worst Sports Section in the Country."— Dean1
- What did he say that was so article worthy? Dawkins said a lot more at the press conference announcing his signing with the Broncos.— psv
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- maybe he wanted to stay because a family member was dying there. we dont know why he wanted to stay there. so be a journalist and call him and ask him. instead of blogging from your armchair. players are humans and have the right to want to stay in a town. at least he's honest. be a human being bob.— jb99
- I don't see anything wrong with what he said. We all want to get paid the most we can for what we do.— kingsolomonsmind
- I don't see anything wrong with what he said. We all want to get paid the most we can for what we do.— kingsolomonsmind
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- It's no wonder guys don't want to play here. You could have written the same thing about Dawkins. Where's that column?— ifb001
- Give me a break Bob...this article is stupid....everything is relative...of course you and I would be happy with 1.75 mil but we don't play in the NFL where this is pocket change....that is not the point of his comment....He was dissppointed that his former team did not pay him what he is worth and that to get to that level he had to take a step backward in pay.....that is an honest remark ...only an idiot like you can turn this into a negative...He will try hard in order to get the number up to the 225 and push his value for the following years.....and anything said to the contray is asinine...If he made any mistake it was signing with the Eagles, who don't pay for anything and constantly nickel dime their players and in thinking that they will use his running ability....Thanks for nothing Bob— nuggett
- It's no wonder guys don't want to play here. You could have written the same thing about Dawkins. Where's that column?— ifb001
- Nice grammar Bob!— K_Ball
- I'd have to agree with most posting here. What did he say that was so venomous? Lots of talk about the Philly Fans, what about this slop? "Welcome to Philly you ingrate"...... Give this guy a break Bob. Maybe if you weren't such a tool he'd feel better about coming to Philly. Hope he runs in to you in an alley on Broad St. Slow day in sports I guess.— CA Scum
- Play hard and shut up Len, we'll love ya. Short arm the ball and play like weak, adn your gonna wish you played in the CFL.— albertpa
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- Cam someone tell #1WRneeded that Ricky Watters came from San Fran?— Nico Lange
- I'm sorry, I don't see what was wrong with Weaver's statement. He didn't diss Philly and he sounds like he wanted to stay in Seattle. Sometimes its always about the team. Maybe he had some things going on in Seattle personally that he didn't want to leave. This is not news. NEXT.— eglassiter
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- Bob, half of these idiots don't realize you're one of the better sports writers and reporters this city has ever seen. Keep up the great work. I enjoy your blog.— Kenny Loggins
- He's overpaid to begin with....it's not like the birds are going to run 20+ times a game next year for him to earn his pay.— lev3472
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- So I guess in the new Amerika you shouldn't go after what you think you are worth. In the new Amerika you stand by and let everyone else decide what they think you are worth. That's swell. And if you don't get what you think you should be paid and aren't happy with management you should just shut up because there are other people (Who can't do your job) that don't have it as good as you do. Whatever. Amerika is dead.— Captainden
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- The writer owes Leonard Weaver and readers an apology. By NFL standards, the highly regarded Weaver is not overpaid. He answered questions honestly, but now has to deal with a writer who is obviously not ready for prime time.— tacklinjoe
- come on man, this is not even a story...the guy played in Seattle and was upset to leave. Dawkins was crying on comcast sportsnet interview about leaving philly, should denver fans be upset over that? Stop trying to make a story where there is none. Typical philly writer— meaned
- Growing up in Philly, yea it hurts a little. I lived in Seattle for many years, so it also hurts as a SEAHAWKS season ticket holder, that you would say the Stinkin Seahawks, when except for last year, we dominated you this decade, get your fact straight, and also, at least when we lost a super bowl, it was widely aknowledged that we got HOSED by refs. Whereas your loses were honestly EARNED!!!!!! Oh, I only changed teams in 1996 when it almost left, and I wanted to support a team in the city I moved to. A good reason to switch, so you can't call me a POSER!!— jjoeagle
- Didn't Dawkins say he wanted to stay in Philly , but was forced to look elsewhere?— Anthony77
- This is a pathetic column. Bob Ford should lose his job after writing such a mundane article. This is an atrocity to the journalism profession. Get a life!— dsh129
- This is a pathetic column. Bob Ford should lose his job after writing such a mundane article. This is an atrocity to the journalism profession. Get a life!— dsh129
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- Honesty is something this organization has lacked for years; he'll be gone in a year anyways....— craigaroo74
- i like his honesty. if he's good, fans won't care, if not...— ag
- 5isaking... Dude, what's wrong with you? First off thanks for sharing your thoughts on Westbrook and letting the rest of us know that your a moron. Secondly, that kid the Eagles fired was physically challenged not mentally(which is something I'm sure you know alot about). And finally if "Philthadelphia" is so awful LEAVE. I'll even help you pack.— greggo
- Don't like what he said but at least he spoke his mind and gave a real answer unlike Andy Reid.— davekrieg
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- This is exactly what Dawk said in his press conference in Denver and he is all your heroes. He did not say anything wrong....and as long as he plays well it's all good.— Captain
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- Hey Bob...Wasn't this story covered in the Eagletarian on Tuesday? Not only are you piling on in what is basically a nonstory, but you're attacking the guy for grammatical errors while managing to bungle the English language yourself. Imagine the fun that your peers at the Tacoma News-Tribune will have with "I don't know if >>Leonard's Weaver<< has great timing hitting the hole while carrying a football, >>>but he does has great timing<<<< while backhanding the new city where he'll be working. That's ok though...make him think Philly is real tough! And not to be too nickpicky but shouldn't it be "State of the Eags" instead of Eggs? Unless you're giving a backhanded reference to the state of AR's brunch choices. Please pardon the hostile tone in my comments. It's just that Bird fans have had to endure converted, DTs, LBs and HBs at the FB position in recent years. There's finally a guy with the pedigree to man the position and here you are pounding him for a little apprehension in leaving his former team. Imagine that, the guy wanted to stay with his former employer. Perhaps, if Philly welcomes him with some degree of civility he'll want to remain a productive member of this team and community. He did take less to come to this team and system...and he also spoke glowingly of DMac and Bwest. But you'd have to read the original story to catch those little tidbits.— hope55
- In all honesty, can you blame him for not wanting to live in Philadelphia. The crime, conrupt officials, poor roads, bad schools, etc. I'm a Philadlephia sports fan, but don't live in Philadelphia (thank God).— MasterOFunk
- Hey bob- here's a "random thought"- write an article worthy of an adult's time- what a waste of space- geez- better yet, here's a thought- You should move to another city, across the country, like weaver did- stay there for a year- while you're at it, take that fat idiot bill with you!— justatc1
- Give me a break. We're going to criticize the guy for preferring to stay with his team? Before he even puts on a Eagles uniform, he's supposed to have undying loyalty already? Please, if he had gone from Philly to Seattle, we'd want him to say the same thing about the Eagles. Stop trying to stir up the pot...— Joyner80
- You're crazy if you don't appreciate what Watters brought to the table while he was here. He ran the ball hard. I always thought the staff underutilized him in the passing game. And he left Philly to go to Seattle so comparing him to Weaver makes absolutely zero sense. So at least you've been consistent.— PhlyPhn
- Overreact much, Bob? He said the same thing as hundreds of other players that got low-balled by the team they came up with before leaving for a better deal elsewhere. His comments were to the Seattle media and I don't have any problem with him expressing to Seattle fans that he didn't want to leave. Obviously you haven't watched the interview Weaver on the Eagles website, the guy seems like a hard-working, dedicated, high character guy and I didn't sense the slightest bit of selfishness or big ego in him. I didn't know a lot about him before, but after reading up on him, watching his video highlights and seeing that interview, I'm pretty stoked to have this guy on the Eagles. I think he's going to be a great fit for the offense and a great fit in the lockerman.— JimG
- ford's articles are often fluff. reaching to far for a story here. ford: your author notes say it all;here since '81 still trying to figure it out. weaver's been here what? a week, and this c-grade journalist is already giving him sh**. ridiculous. find areal story you hack!— 82tank
- bob ford, stick to basketball, please.— JACK V
- I'm with you nittany4,I smell another up and down season full of should'ves and could'ves and the end result being Warluface Reid dropping to 1-5 in NFC title games.— P.H.I
- All I hear is a guy saying he is auditioning for a big paycheck next season. Dude has got to perform to get that. Works for me. BOB, how can you be bored in Boston?...it's 2.5 acres of Appalachia at sea level— Joe Funk
Weaver... if your mind is wondering, you will get injured. Weaver hasn't played yet. He will be swept up by the lovely Philly fans.— road515- WHO CARES!!! As long as he opens holes, gets first downs and protects during the blitz, he can feel whatever he wants!— Sheed
- This is typical Philly trash. This is why we are considered a second class city because we have no pride in ourself. Everything is an affront to our weak sensibilities The guy wanted to be a Sea-Hawk. The Eagles were his second choice. Big deal. The interview was meant for consumption in Seattle. I second the chill out.— brannigan73
- It would seem that this attitude is complementary to the Eagle's front office - albeit a little more up-front. I'd rather have him care about playing for this team, but if he can tear up some holes in some lines, that's OK too.— rustywheel
- Ricky came from San Fran and then went to Seattle. At least he is a real fullback vs. a converted d-lineman or tailback Actually he is a converted tight end.— MikeS789
- This is one article you will certainly regret posting... Weaver will bring to the Eagles what theyve been looking for year in and year out. Westbrook will thrive off running behing weaver, not to mention you have 2 very good recieving threats out of the backfield. Weaver makes plays, every game. Ask any Seahawk fan and they will tell you they were pulling to have Weaver back, its rather unfortunate to see him go. I think this is a move Seattle will regret and potentially the Eagles as well if they dont lock him up. By week 3 you will be done ripping on Leonard Weaver, instead wearing his jersey. Go Hawks!!!— Seahawks23
- Really what a bunch of nothin. 93Phils you're right on, if players are honest they get reamed and then the reporters wonder they just get mumbo jumbo jock speak. Guy hoped he could stay put with his current job, house etc instead of taking a new job in a city 3000 miles away, so? The new job turned out to be a better offer and he took it, so? Just tell me if he's a good fullback instead of creating some phony issue like this.— brs50
- This is why Philly is everybody's second choice. Let's face it. Nobody comes to Philly by choice. Unless you are born here or forced to move by your employment, what is the appeal? We're not Detroit, but that's hardly an advertising slogan!— jimmyj
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About this blog
Bob Ford has been writing about Philadelphia sports since 1981, and is still trying to figure it all out. A former beat writer covering the Phillies and the 76ers, Ford became a general sports columnist for the Inquirer in 2003, following in and occasionally falling in the deep footsteps of Bill Lyon, Frank Dolson and many distinguished others. He comes to the Philly.com blogosphere after award-winning success as designer/editor of the fabulous Pen & Pencil Club softball blog. Likes: Palestra, inside-the-park home runs, sunny days. Dislikes: phony people, cloudy days, rewrites.
Reach Bob at bford@phillynews.com.
Bob Ford
Inquirer Sports Columnist
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