Ray's Replies: Should Andy have said goodbye?

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Q. I was disappointed that Andy Reid did not speak to the media after his dismissal. I think he should have used the occasion to say goodbye to the fans. Im an Andy supporter, but I have to admit that disappointed me.

-Jake G.Jenkintown, Pa.

A. I agree, Jake. I think Andy should have done something. Fourteen years is a long time. I dont think you just walk away without saying goodbye. It makes it look like you really dont care. That may be unfair but that is how it looks.

He could have done a final press conference and said his goodbyes there. If he had been as open and genuine as he was when he met with the Eagles staff in the cafeteriaIm sure you saw the videoit would have been very well-received.

He didnt have to do a long Q&A with the reporters. There really wasnt much to discuss at that point anyway. He could have just answered a few questions and focused mostly on his memories of his time in Philadelphia, the fans, the successes, etc. It would have been a graceful exit.

On the rare occasions when Reid takes off his coachs hat and opens up a bit, you see a different guy. We saw it when he rejoined the team after the death of his son and spoke of being humbled by the outpouring of support from the community. People responded in a very positive way. But that was the exception. Most of the time, he shared very little with the media and fans.

But lets say Reid did not want to meet with reporters one last time. Maybe he was tired of the same faces asking the same questions. He still could have issued a brief statement through the PR office. He could have thanked the fans for their support and talked about what it meant to be part of Philadelphia for 14 years. He could have stated the obviousthat is, he is sorry he never brought home the Lombardi Trophyand, in parting, wished the fans and franchise well.

When David Akers left Philadelphia, he rented a billboard along I-95 near the stadium to say thank you to the fans. Other athletes have taken out newspaper ads to do the same thing. Those are nice gestures. A one paragraph statement issued through the PR office isnt exactly personal, but at least it is something.

But to walk away without saying anything?

I think it is the wrong way to go out.

E-mail Ray Didinger at viewfromthehall@comcastsportsnet.com

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