Welcome to SportsRadio94WIP's page for Judgment Week, where we will find out who we were wrong about and ultimately revisit five topics in Philadelphia sports with the benefit of hindsight.
From Wednesday, July 8th to Wednesday, July 15th we asked you to submit someone or something that we were wrong about.
From Monday, July 20th to Friday, July 24th we will spend each day judging, discussing, and debating one of the five most submitted topics that we were wrong about.
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We're kicking off Judgment Week by taking a look in the mirror and asking, do Philadelphia sports fans do more harm than good?
Do Philadelphia fans do more harm than good? #JudgmentWeek
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP)
July 20, 2020 Passion is a funny thing. When directly incorrectly, it could be dangerous, but when harnessed it becomes extremely powerful. Philadelphia is certainly a blue-collar town and Philadelphia sports fans are built from tradition, learning how to be a fan from their parents and grandparents. Sports in Philadelphia isn't a game, it's part of the culture.
So, yes, we're hard on our sports figures. The greatest third baseman of all-time and the
No. 2 athlete on our G.O.A.T. of Broad Street list, Mike Schmidt, didn't have a great relationship with the fans while he was playing. Actually, Allen Iverson, who was
named the G.O.A.T. of Broad Street of the last 50 years was a polarizing figure during his playing tenure. Donovan McNabb, the greatest quarterback in Eagles history, was booed on draft day and still to this day has never won over Philly. Andy Reid, the greatest coach in Eagles history,
does not get the appreciation he deserves.
Arguably the most talented Flyer ever Eric Lindros has a tumultuous relationship with the fans and media during his playing days, ultimately falling short of winning a title. Even legendary Phillies slugger Ryan Howard was booed toward the end of his career, when he was ailing and struggling.
The most frustrating thing is when we see athletes struggle earlier in their careers in Philly, but then flourish else where.
Make no mistake about it, Philadelphia is a tough sports town and it isn't for everyone. Athletes themselves will admit that. But the question is, do we do more harm than good? Do we put too much pressure on certain players or coaches? Do we make it too difficult for young players to thrive?
Philadelphia is certainly known as a tough sports town and the fans have owned that label. So when Ben Simmons refuses to take a jump shoot, Joel Embiid isn't in shape, Bryce Harper strikes out a few times in his first season, or Alshon Jeffery drops a key pass, they're going to hear it. It doesn't matter how good they are.
Take it or leave it, that's Philadelphia.
