The Other Side of Fame

Aug. 14
For many years Britt Reid undoubtedly has learned there were many advantages to his status in life. Monday he learned there was a flip side. In many instances, a case like that involving the 22-year-old Reid would pass with little notice. That’s because they would involve just another citizen.

Britt Reid is not just another citizen. Like it or not, he is the son of Andy Reid. He just happens to be the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. That makes Britt’s story a big deal.

That’s something Britt Reid hopefully has thought about every day since Jan. 30. That’s when he got involved in an argument with another motorist in West Conshohocken. In the process police say Britt brandished a gun. As it turns out, the man he is charged with threatening is from Delaware County.

Larry Johnson is a carpenter from Springfield. He is expected to speak at Reid’s sentencing and tell of basically having his life flash in front of his eyes in his confrontation with Reid.Britt was expected to go to trial in connection with the incident yesterday. Instead he entered a guilty plea.Britt of course was not the first of Coach Andy’s kids to run afoul of the law. On the very same day, Britt’s older brother Garrett was involved in a crash in which he was charged with DUI. He has admitted to being under the influence of heroin at the time. Garrett also has pleaded guilty.

Garrett Reid is likely to get probation, but Britt could wind up in the slammer. The prosecution has indicated they will seek jail time; the defense will ask for probation. It will be up to a Montgomery County judge to decide.

Yesterday was not a banner day for the Reid clan. In addition to the concerns over his son, dad Andy does have that other matter to deal with. The Eagles opened their exhibition season last night.Let’s just say they did not play spectacularly. Actually, they got spanked, 29-3, by the Ravens. They did not look even a little bit good in the process.Of course, Donovan McNabb did not play. Maybe the thing that last night will most be remembered for is that Ryan Moats likely is lost for the season with a broken ankle.Before you panic over the Birds’ effort, ask yourself this question:Tell me one thing you remember from last year’s pre-season games? Thought so.

Things will get decidedly more interesting Friday night, when McNabb –and his reconstructed knee – is expected to be in the starting lineup against the Panthers at Lincoln Financial Field.I wonder how much the situation with his kids has affected the coach. It clearly cannot be a pleasant experience to have the travails of your family, the most private of details, making national news.As Britt, Garrett and Andy have no doubt learned, being the coach of the Philadelphia Eagles has its perks. It also has its downside. There’s no separating the two.

*Moving Beyond 10,000 Losses: An occasional look at why it’s so difficult to be a Phillies – hell for that matter a Philadelphia –sports fan. Geez, you’d think the Eagles just lost the Super Bowl.Take a deep breath, folks. Or turn off the radio. I barely paid any attention to last night’s game. I’m just glad I’m no longer among those suckers who are forced to pay top dollar for these glorified practices.And more importantly, let’s not forget there’s still a pennant to bedecided. The Phils are in D.C. tonight for three games against the Nats.*

The Daily Numbers: 6 to 14 months in jail, the sentence Britt Reid could be looking at in connection with his gun incident. I wouldn’t bet on it.

11 out of 20 for rookie Eagles QB Kevin Kolb. The kid looked composed for his pro debut.

2 punt returns for 29 yards for Jeremy Bloom, one of the bright spots for the Birds last night. Hey, gotta stick up for those University of Colorado folks. And yes, the ski team is probably a bigger deal at CU than our less then illustrious football squad.

37, age of tourist from Wales who was stabbed to death while on vacation in Margate. Lavern Ritch was once named to Britain’s list of most eligible bachelors. Police believe he may have been trying to breakup a fight.

400,000 Philadelphia residents who will be getting some unpleasant news in the mail. Their homes are being reassessed. In most instances they will be looking at higher tax bills.

2 dead in Bethlehem after a man killed his wife and then took his own life after they got home from the local Musikfest late Saturday night.

27, age of pregnant woman run down in a road-rage incident in New Jersey. She died. The man who struck her now is facing charges.

1 dead and 1 hurt in a nasty accident yesterday in Lower Pottsgrove Township. The car went off the road, down an embankment and into a creek.

25 new jobs when the company that runs the Saxby’s coffee chain moves their HQ into Philadelphia. They have 27 locations, including a store in Malvern. They bill themselves as the anti-Starbucks.

3 cent drop in the price of gasoline. Average price in the Phillyarea is now $2.80.

2.69, price for regular this morning at the Wawa on Baltimore Pike in Clifton Heights.

1.5 million toys about to be recalled by Mattel for problems withlead-based paint. It’s the second huge recall in a couple of weeks for the toy giant.

6.36, the ERA of Phils starter Adam Eaton, who is in danger oflosing his spot in the rotation. That makes him dead last among National League starters.

43 yards, length of field goal missed last night by David Akers.He later made one from 23, the only points the Birds scored on thenight.

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I Don’t Get It (with apologies to Jack McCaffery): I’m notexactly sure why the Eagles would risk playing Donovan McNabb in anyexhibition games, but they apparently are going to do just that onFriday night. I don’t get it.

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Today’s Upper: Now the football season can begin. No, not becausethe Eagles started their exhibition schedule. Because ‘Madden NFL ’08’went on sale last night.

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Quote Box: “Chase is one of the strongest people you will evermeet and he’s the only person in this type of situation who I absolutelyknow will get through everything.”
-- Tyler Sewell, on his best friend Chase Frost, one of the Parksidefirefighters critically injured in a blaze Saturday morning.

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