Parents just don't understand

Even though he hasn't taken a snap since November, Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb finds himself back in the news again.

Now, before I get myself all riled up, there are a couple things I need to say. For starters, McNabb, by all accounts seems like a good guy. He's a gifted quarterback who is a leader in the truest sense, and I've always thought of him as a stand-up guy who isn't afraid to be held accountable if/when his team comes up short. That being said, I'm really starting to grow tired of McNabb and everyone around him.

McNabb is already universally viewed as the NFL's premiere mama's boy because his mother, Wilma, whores out for soup in TV commercials and plays the part of Donovan's superfan blogger online.

You may remember that back in December, Wilma caused some heartache in Philly when she posted a message on her son's official website entitled "Bittersweet," where she said she was concerned with how Donovan would be treated if the Eagles advanced to the Super Bowl with back-up QB Jeff Garcia at the helm, instead of her injured son. So chalk her up as the only person in Philadelphia who was happy to see a team other than the Eagles win this year.

If that wasn't reason enough to ban anyone named McNabb from speaking to the media, we now are privileged enough to hear from Donovan's father. Now remember, the last time anyone heard from Sam McNabb, he was informing the world that Terrell Owens' shenanigans involving his son were, in his mind, a black-on-black crime. So Eagles fans should cringe when they hear word that a tape recorder or microphone is in front of this guy. The sky is definitely the limit when it comes to what Sam is capable of saying about his son, who happens to be the face of the Eagles franchise.

After the Eagles used a second-round pick in the 2007 NFL Draft on Houston QB Kevin Kolb this past weekend, Sam was asked by the Philadelphia Daily News for his thoughts. Instead of doing the classy thing and saying, "We trust that this first-class organization knows what it's doing" or simply declining to comment, he fired a heat-seeking missile at the front office.

"I'm not concerned about it," Sam said. "My son works for the Philadelphia Eagles right now and when he doesn't any longer, there are 31 other NFL teams he can play for."

Um … wow. I hope head coach Andy Reid wasn't eating a cheesesteak when he heard that one. If that's the case he may not be with us anymore. No seriously, when he gets back from bailing his kids out of jail again he's gonna be pissed off about this petty drama from the family of his team's highest paid player.

I remember not too terribly long ago when Donovan McNabb was known for his solid play on the field (this would undoubtedly be prior to his puking in the huddle during the Super Bowl). Now, he's an injury-prone 30-year-old quarterback with two overbearing parents who aren't capable of keeping their mouths shut.

I think that when Donovan made it to the NFL he had the best of intentions with his parents. I'm sure he'd be the first to tell you that he wouldn't be where he is today if not for them. But there has to be a point where common sense tells him to look his parents in the eye and say, "Okay, that's enough. Please sit down and shut up."

I mean, look at his mother for example. Not only does she do the Campbell's Chunky Soup commercials and post blogs on his official website, but Wilma is also a vice president of the NFL Mother's Association, the executive director of the Donovan McNabb Foundation and runs McNabb Unlimited, which oversees Donovan's endorsements. Can he do anything without this lady around? I'm really starting to think that Redskins RB Clinton Portis' mom, Rhonnel Hearn, hit the wrong Eagles fan the last time she visited Philly.

But seriously folks, can it be coincidence time and time again that drama just always seems to find McNabb? Sure, he might not be on the level of Michael Vick, with his magic water bottles and ultimate fighting dogs, but McNabb's health and family have got to be a cause of concern to Reid and the rest of the Eagles management.

Since when is it a crime to strive for depth at the most vital position on a football team? If the team thought Kolb is the real deal and a solid insurance plan for the next time McNabb gets hurt, then who are you to question the move?

The Eagles might not have been thinking of life without Donovan when they drafted Kolb, but maybe, just maybe, the never-ending drama with the McNabbs is enough to start the conversation.

Brian Murphy is the 2005 Defense Department's sportswriter of the year. And he still doesn't know what the hell he's talking about. Contact him at murf@the5holes.com.