Yes, that was a smiling Mayor Michael Nutter standing in front of the microphones, pronouncing victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in their protracted battle stemming from revenue from skyboxes at Veterans Stadium.
It’s a heavyweight turf fight over a place that isn’t even there anymore.
Trying to figure out just who won is almost as difficult.
A judge yesterday ruled the Eagles must pay the city $8 million owed from skyboxes at the dearly departed Veterans Stadium. You might call that Round 1.
Of course Mayor Nutter rushed to the closest available microphone.
“I’m so pleased that today’s favorable court ruling has resolved a key part of this long-standing lawsuit between the city and the Eagles, and I appreciate the hard work on all sides,” the mayor pronounced, presumably all on one breath.
Of course he then added this small note: “I am also hopeful that the judge will rule shortly in the last final phase of the case so that this entire matter can reach a final conclusion.”
Translation? Don’t spend that money just yet, Mr. Mayor.
You see, a judge is likely to rule next week that the city also owes the team several million dollars stemming from an exhibition game at the Vet against the Baltimore Ravens that had to be canceled.
The whole thing could work out to be a wash.
Next week it likely will be Jeff Lurie and Joe Banner heading in front of the microphones saying how glad they are this whole thing has been settled in their favor.
Which leaves me with only one question. Why would the Eagles insist on this public spectacle, which simply reinforces fans’ image of them as penny-pinching bean counters?
Don’t expect to hear anyone stride to a microphone to answer that one anytime soon.
It’s a heavyweight turf fight over a place that isn’t even there anymore.
Trying to figure out just who won is almost as difficult.
A judge yesterday ruled the Eagles must pay the city $8 million owed from skyboxes at the dearly departed Veterans Stadium. You might call that Round 1.
Of course Mayor Nutter rushed to the closest available microphone.
“I’m so pleased that today’s favorable court ruling has resolved a key part of this long-standing lawsuit between the city and the Eagles, and I appreciate the hard work on all sides,” the mayor pronounced, presumably all on one breath.
Of course he then added this small note: “I am also hopeful that the judge will rule shortly in the last final phase of the case so that this entire matter can reach a final conclusion.”
Translation? Don’t spend that money just yet, Mr. Mayor.
You see, a judge is likely to rule next week that the city also owes the team several million dollars stemming from an exhibition game at the Vet against the Baltimore Ravens that had to be canceled.
The whole thing could work out to be a wash.
Next week it likely will be Jeff Lurie and Joe Banner heading in front of the microphones saying how glad they are this whole thing has been settled in their favor.
Which leaves me with only one question. Why would the Eagles insist on this public spectacle, which simply reinforces fans’ image of them as penny-pinching bean counters?
Don’t expect to hear anyone stride to a microphone to answer that one anytime soon.
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