Former Syracuse star QB Donovan McNabb is taking huge issue with his Alma Mater making the decision to un-retire the number 44, worn by Cuse’ greats like Jim Brown, Ernie Davis, and Floyd Little.
The number, which was reserved for the team’s standout player for some 40 years; was voted to be reinstated reportedly in-part for incoming 4-star recruit RB Robert Washington.
Here is what McNabb thought of the decision, via his Twitter account:
It bothers me to see the decision being made by my alma mater to u retire the legendary 44. The great RBs who wore the number put SU on the
— Donovan McNabb (@donovanjmcnabb) May 20, 2015
Map. What message are we sending across college football and to the football world that it’s ok to un retire such history that was so strong
— Donovan McNabb (@donovanjmcnabb) May 20, 2015
That a movie was made about one of our great RBs in Ernie Davis. No one should be rewarded in wearing that number. Do u see other schools
— Donovan McNabb (@donovanjmcnabb) May 20, 2015
Taking numbers down from the raffters for any reason at all. I think it is totally disrespectful to those who have worn it and for those who
— Donovan McNabb (@donovanjmcnabb) May 20, 2015
Who wore the mighty Blue and Orange. It was retired in 05 for a reason. Which it should have been done along time before then.
— Donovan McNabb (@donovanjmcnabb) May 20, 2015
It’s fair to say the subject is touchy with McNabb, who himself had his number 5 jersey retired in 2013. However, I disagree with him. The one thing Syracuse football needs not to do, is do things to further separate themselves from the modern day college football landscape . They have been almost completely irrelevant for as long as I can remember, and if opening up legendary, retired numbers is a selling point to talented recruits; then by-God vacate the numbers.
It’s not disrespectful to the all-time greats to bestow the number on a player thought to be one of the stars. If anything, it’s a nod of admiration.
Relax, Donovan.
[h/t CBSSports.com]