Eagles defensive end Jason Babin was angered by some of the things he heard the Philly fans saying during last week’s loss to the Falcons. One of Babin’s former teammates is angered that Babin is worrying about what’s being said in the stands when he should be focusing on what’s happening on the field.
Former Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter said on 97.5 The Fanatic that Babin needs to stop getting upset about the fans ripping the team and channel his energy toward playing in a way that will make the fans cheer.
“Dude, get a grip, this is football,” Trotter said, via Phillymag.com. “You’re a man. Why are you worried about what people say anyway? I understand that players have feelings, but you’re a man. You’re playing a gladiator sport, and you’re running around worried about what fans are talking about? Even if I did feel a certain way you would never hear me say it because number one, you are showing your weakness right there. You’re playing a gladiator sport, dude. Go play ball.”
Trotter pointed out that complaining about the fans isn’t going to change the way the fans act, but turning it into an issue might serve as a distraction to the team.
“When I hear some of this talk man it really, really pisses me off,” Trotter said, “because you’re focused on the wrong thing. You should be focusing this week on the Saints, not focusing on what the fans are saying, or putting things on Twitter saying this or that. Come on, dude. Go out and win some games. Let the fans do what they’re gonna do. Fans are still going to be fans, and they have every right to boo you if you don’t go out and put a good product on the field.”
Babin may be right that some of the fans crossed the line by saying vile things about players and coaches. But Trotter is also right that if the players are worried about what the fans are saying, then they’re worried about the wrong things.