In what appears to be a bizarre series of events on New Year's Day, the Eagles ejected longtime Eagles beat reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer, Jeff McLane, from the press box while the Birds were beating the Cowboys late in the game.
McLane's former foe and now co-worker Les Bowen explained the situation pretty well in a series of tweets.
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
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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 ought to be good for Jeff's talk radio appearances this week. — Les Bowen (@LesBowen) January 1, 2017
Bowen used the opportunity to let out some steam on the current Eagles regime.
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
Excellent question. It's their press box, but unless someone is cheering or cursing or doing something really disruptive they shouldn't care https://t.co/Cu4mSiKy21 — Les Bowen (@LesBowen) January 1, 2017
I predict a lot of TV time for Jeff this week as well. How the Eagles want to start the new year? Eagles senior VP Anne Gordon must think so — Les Bowen (@LesBowen) January 1, 2017
Other co-workers weighed in on the situation.
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
Also: Ejection occurred 10-15 minutes after initial PR-instigated, PR-escalated confrontation had totally dissipated @gregaiello @nflcommish https://t.co/mUpVspcZPN — Marcus Hayes (@inkstainedretch) January 1, 2017