Eagles beat writer ejected from press box for violating 'fan code of conduct'
There may have been more going on in the Philadelphia Eagles press box than on the field Sunday.
While the Dallas Cowboys' backups battled the Eagles, a disagreement broke out between the Philadelphia public relations staff and media that resulted in the ejection of Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane.
Eagles beat writer @Jeff_McLane being ejected from the press box for discussing press box etiquette w pr staff. pic.twitter.com/5IUdTdFEof
— Marcus Hayes (@inkstainedretch) January 1, 2017
According to in-box play-by-play from Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News, McLane was ejected after media members were accused of making noise while trying to figure out a penalty called. Despite being a member of the media, team staff told Bowen that McLane was ejected for "violating the fan code of conduct."
Eagles are attempting to eject @Jeff_McLane from the press box because he objected to being yelled at by an Eagles media relations staffer
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) January 1, 2017
Other reporters are being told they will be ejected as well if they interfere with Jeff being ejected from the press box
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) January 1, 2017
This is a ridiculous situation, a minor disagreement that the Eagles are making into a huge incident
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) January 1, 2017
The Eagles have not clarified what policy Jeff is alleged to have violated.
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) January 1, 2017
During confusion over a penalty a while ago, we were all trying to figure out the call. An Eagles staffer yelled for us to be quiet. (1)
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) January 1, 2017
(2) Many of us took exception, Jeff most vocally. He then went to the staffer and calmly discussed why the admonishment was inappropriate.
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) January 1, 2017
(3) A while, later, security guard comes and tells Jeff he is being ejected "for violating the fan code of conduct."
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) January 1, 2017
This is the most vengeful, petty Eagles regime I've dealt with since I started covering the team in 2002. #Ejectthat
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) January 1, 2017
Again, @Jeff_McLane has been ejected from the stadium. This is an irrational and unprofessional act by the Eagles.
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) January 1, 2017
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