We’ve noted a few times that boxer Bernard Hopkins loves nothing more than to bash Donovan McNabb. In 2008, Hopkins (who’s from Philadelphia and is a big Eagles fan) said McNabb doesn’t have the stomach to compete at the highest levels. In 2009, Hopkins called McNabb a “lapdog” and a “frontrunner” and later got cozy with Michael Vick.
Now that McNabb appears to be on the way out of Philadelphia, Hopkins is stepping up his criticism.
On Wednesday Hopkins promoted this weekend’s fight with Roy Jones Jr. by participating in a live chat with FanHouse readers (moderated by me), and he made it clear that he has even more disdain for McNabb than he does for Jones.
“After my victory Saturday night I’m going to have a big party where we celebrate sending McNabb where ever he goes,” Hopkins said. “The Eagles have a chance to get to a Super Bowl and a change is well overdue.”
Hopkins believes that McNabb has spent the last few years trying to prove he can be a pocket passer and neglecting his gifts as a runner, and as a result can never lead the Eagles to a championship.
“McNabb was a running quarterback early in his career with the Eagles but he changed,” Hopkins said. “Somebody suggested that he should stay in the pocket. And I’m like, McNabb, don’t be an idiot. God gave you the ability -- take advantage of that.”
Hopkins said he likes Vick and would love to see him start, but he’d also prefer Kevin Kolb to McNabb.
“I think the starter should be Michael Vick and the backup should be Kevin Kolb but I think both guys should get a chance and Vick might still need some time to get comfortable,” Hopkins said. “I’d actually like to see them mix both guys up. I think either one, both having different styles, can be successful.”
Hopkins will be happy with just about anyone other than McNabb under center for the Eagles.