As what appears to be the zenith of his frustration, New York Giant right tackle Evan Neal has taken to disparaging the fan base as the team has started the season with a 1-3 record.
Responding to a chorus of fans commenting upon his less than stellar play this season, Evan retorted: “Why would a lion concern himself with the opinion of a sheep? The person that is commenting on my performance, what does he do? Flip hot dogs and hamburgers somewhere?” said Neal.
Evan Neal
Ouch. If you flip hot dogs and hamburgers and it pays the bills that care, welcome to America. For all that is ugly out there today, there is also much to be celebrated in our great country. There is a need for you and you are appreciated. And yes, Evan Neal, it is Everyfan who fills MetLife Stadium. Fans watches the televised game. And buys the team merchandise. Fan stay with the team through good times and tough times. And thereby contributes to the coffers of the owners that allows them the ability to offer you a contract.
Neal attended the University of Alabama, a bastion of college football, on a full scholarship. If you told me that Neal has been pampered and sheltered his entire young life, I would agree with you.
Reminiscing Joe DiMaggo
Joe DiMaggio, an icon and perhaps baseball’s most enduring symbol of greatness come to mind. Even before coming to New York to play for the Yankees in 1936, DiMaggio was celebrated, as he hit safely in 61 games for the San Franscico Seals in 1933. As the Yankees had already moved on from Babe Ruth, and as Lou Gehrig’s career wound down, the 1936 Yankees, led by the rookie phenom, would go on to have a spectacular season and be considered one of the greatest baseball teams ever.
DiMaggio would be celebrated, chauffeured, and fawned over. Not just for that special season. DiMaggio never learned to drive. There was no need to learn; there was always someone there to pamper him for the rest of his life.
There is a famous interaction: Marilyn Monroe, upon returning back to Tokyo on her honeymoon, described to her new husband, Joe DiMaggio, the feeling of performing before a large audience, “It was wonderful Joe,” she said. “You never heard such cheering.”
“Yes, I have,” he said.
As sheltered as he was, Joe DiMaggio appreciated the fans. Whether Evan Neal can work his way beyond his comments and redeem himself with Everyfan only time will tell.
Barry Schustermann
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