IS STOCKPILING DEFENSEMEN
The Eagles' biggest celebrity just checked in for the start of training camp.
No, not quarterback Donovan McNabb or running Brian Westbrook. They were here Sunday.
Not Asante Samuel either, although the cornerback has arrived.
We're talking about wide receiver Hank Baskett, the husband of Kendra Wilkinson, former Playboy Playmate and current star of the reality TV show Kendra. Baskett has had his share of appearances on the show.
Baskett, who arrived here four years ago as an undrafted free agent, still doesn't like the notion of being called a celebrity, but he does like the idea of being known as a husband and father-to-be.
"I'm not celebrity," Baskett said. "That's how it has been from the get-go. That's one thing we got out there from the start. She's the celebrity. I'm a football player ... I did it to support her. It took her a while to talk me into doing it."
Baskett and Wilkinson were married last month in Los Angeles and now they are expecting their first child at Christmas time.
"We're going to find out the sex of the baby the last day of training camp," Baskett said.
Baskett, in his fourth season, could be hard-pressed to make the final roster. He is one of 11 receivers in camp. DeSean Jackson, Kevin Curtis, Jeremy Maclin and Jason Avant appear to be locks to make the team, leaving Baskett to battle for the final two spots with veteran Reggie Brown and rookie Brandon Gibson.
"As a rookie, you're really fighting to make the team," Baskett said. "But from your rookie year on, once that's over, you're just fighting for a spot. Just because you came in fighting for a spot, now you have guys coming in and trying to get your spot. If I slack off just one bit, they brought in Jeremy and Brandon."
MACLIN UPDATE
Negotiations between the Eagles and Maclin's agent Jim Steiner continued today, but as of right now it seems unlikely that the first-round draft pick will be on hand for coach Andy Reid's 7 p.m. meeting.
