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
