The intersection of politics and sports can be tumultuous.
New Jersey politician George Norcross III alleges that he was forcibly ejected from the Eagles-Cowboys game on Sunday, and video footage appears to support his claim.
Norcross stated that he had displayed a U.S.-Israel flag outside the suite he occupied at Lincoln Financial Field during the game. He further claimed that he was removed against his will and subjected to physical aggression because he refused to take down the American and Israeli flags.
Videos circulating on social media captured the tense encounter between Norcross and stadium security personnel during the game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Congressman Donald Norcross, who happens to be Norcross’ sibling, posted an image of the flag on his social media platform.
In response to this incident, Norcross expressed his intention to explore legal recourse via CBS News:
“Yesterday, I was forcibly removed and assaulted by the non-police security staff of Lincoln Financial Field and the Eagles/NFL for refusing to remove a 3? x5? American and Israeli flag I’d hung off the box I was sitting in. As a longtime passionate fan and season ticket holder, I have watched the Eagles/NFL make clear and strong statements on numerous important civil justice issues and ethnic and world conflicts, including supporting the people of Ukraine, so as a strong supporter of Israel — a country which was viciously attacked by the terrorist group Hamas less than a month ago — I thought it was an important statement to make.
It remains unclear why the Eagles/NFL believe that the US-Israeli flag should be deemed “obscene or indecent” or otherwise inappropriate — which is what I was cited for — and should therefore be ripped down despite both issuing public statements strongly supporting Israel following the October 7th attacks. But as I consider whether to file suit against the Philadelphia Eagles, the NFL, and the security company which yanked me out of the box and paraded me in front of thousands of fans, I urge other supporters of Israel to make their feelings known to the team and the NFL just as they have to universities like Penn and Harvard.
There is no dispute: On October 7th, Hamas murdered innocent Israeli civilians, raped women, and butchered children, and continues to hold hostages. I believe Israel has the right to defend itself, just as the United States did following the September 11th attacks and I will remain a proud and vocal defender of its right to do so. Americans have the right to peacefully protest, but that does not include the right to threaten people with bodily harm or even death.”
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The Philadelphia Eagles have issued a response, citing their stadium policy, which explicitly prohibits the display of signs with any form of “non-game messaging” on stadium suites.
“The Philadelphia Eagles reaffirm our stance again condemning the horrific and brutal Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel on October 7th.
“The tragic loss of innocent lives in Israel is both shocking and heartbreaking. We condemn the abhorrent acts of terrorism, and we grieve for all the victims and their families. We pray for peace to be brought to the people of the region.” – Philadelphia Eagles, October 9, 2023.
We feel it necessary to articulate the facts of the matter involving Mr. Norcross at the stadium on Sunday. Mr. Norcross’ removal from the stadium had nothing to do with the content of his sign.
Our stadium policies expressly prohibit signage containing any kind of non-game messaging to be hung from a stadium suite. Stadium staff repeatedly asked Mr. Norcross to remove the sign he hung outside of the suite. Instead of complying with the request, Mr. Norcross became physically and verbally abusive. Mr. Norcross was ejected from the stadium only after his abuse toward numerous stadium staff members continued. He was escorted from the suite level to the stadium’s ejection point, just as anyone else would be after engaging in abusive behavior in violation of stadium policy.”
Norcross can be observed being escorted out of the stadium, and his flag, which was draped over the suite wall, was removed.
Regarding the game, he missed an exciting conclusion.
An exhilarating finish at Lincoln Financial Field witnessed the Philadelphia Eagles holding on to defeat the Dallas Cowboys and seizing control of the NFC East. The showdown came down to the final play, with the Eagles’ defense doing everything possible to lose the game in the last minute but ultimately emerging victorious.
Dak Prescott racked up 374 yards and three touchdowns in the losing effort. Jalen Hurts, despite an injury late in the first half, managed to throw two touchdown passes in the second half.
Hurts displayed efficiency, completing 17 of 23 passes for 207 yards, and even added a one-yard rushing touchdown using the “tush push” technique.
Many argue that an NFL game is not the appropriate platform for making political statements, as it detracts from the enjoyment of sports, which some view as an escape from such matters.
