Snider on Sixers: 'I love them and support them as much as the Flyers'

The moment of levity at Sixers practice yesterday came when the media were allowed into the gym and spotted team chairman Ed Snider talking to coach Doug Collins while decked out in full Sixers warmup gear.

A number of media, including yours truly, took out camera phones and snapped pictures.

Fair or not - and, truthfully much of it has been unfair - Snider has been viewed as considering the Sixers as second class, compared with his beloved Flyers.

So, it was almost impossible not to discuss his presence at Sixers practice, only hours before the Flyers played Game 4 of their Stanley Cup playoff series in Buffalo.

"Why wouldn't I be here?" said Snider, who later did take an afternoon flight to Buffalo. "The players and management of the Sixers know that I love them and support them as much as the Flyers.

"My guys know that."

While Snider might not be like Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, who attends nearly every game, home and away, it is a Philadelphia urban legend that Snider does not attend Sixers games. During the course of the 41-game home schedule, he is in his courtside seat for a solid number of games.

"I love basketball," Snider said. "I played basketball. I can't change the misconception, but I know why it's there.

"I started the Flyers, and they are my baby. We bought the Sixers, and that's a little bit of a different thing.

"I know what the perception is, but I don't feel a need to try to change that. I'm just me.

"I should be here, because it's my team. If I wasn't here, then it's sad on me." *