The Daily Philadelphian

By FRANK WARD
DailyPhiladelphian.com Editor

Bernard Hopkins’ public dislike of Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb started a few years ago when McNabb was in too much of a hurry to get to the practice field and didn’t spend enough time talking the former boxing champs’ ear off, according to two former team publicists.

Rich Burg who now is McNabb’s personal public relations man recalled the 2004 season when Hopkins visited the NovaCare Center one day. McNabb didn’t know Hopkins was around and was in a hurry to get to the practice field. Hopkins took McNabb’s rushed greeting personally and has held it against the Pro Bowl signal caller ever since. The encounter was confirmed by Bobe Lange, a former eagles employee who now works for the 49ers. Details are on Philly.com.

Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins envisions Eagles QB Donovan McNabb when knocking people to the ground in the boxing ring.

Hopkins is so anti-McNabb that he brought the subject up himself on Radio Row at the Super Bowl this week. Hopkins was in town to promote his upcoming fight with Roy Jones Jr.

He said he doesn’t like how McNabb smiles after a bad play or game and never displays his emotion. Hopkins fails to realize everyone handles things differently. I’ve been known to hit the pole at basketball courts, kick fences and slap the ground in disgust when I make a bad play or take a bad shot. However, not everyone plays sports that way. That doesn’t mean you don’t care.

Your DailyPhiladelphian is a huge Hopkins fan and respects everything he’s done in the boxing ring. We also are thrilled a champ from Philly bleeds green. However, it’s time to stop going out of his way to blast McNabb.

B-Hop, just let it go, man. Blasting another pro athlete, the best chance to get us back to another Super Bowl, is unbecoming of a champion.

However, if he really wants to end the feud once and for all, let’s do it for charity. Both athletes have been known to hit a bowling alley. So, Hopkins-McNabb. Pinsetter’s in Pennsauken. Proceeds go to winner’s charity.

B-Hop, DMac — what do you guys say? Contact us and we’ll put it together.