Saquon Barkley questions Jared Verse and calls out Eagles fans

PHILADELPHIA — Running back Saquon Barkley doesn’t believe Los Angeles Rams edge rusher Jared Verse did himself any favors by declaring he “hates Eagles fans” ahead of Sunday’s divisional-round playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field.

“It’s probably not the smartest thing to say when you come to Philadelphia,” Barkley said. “I’ve been on the other side (as a member of the New York Giants) and even if I felt one way or another, I probably wouldn’t give them any extra fuel. I’m pretty sure Philly fans have seen that comment. It should already be loud and rocking, so this will just add to it.”

Verse caught the city’s attention with his comments in the Los Angeles Times, calling Eagles fans “annoying” and saying he has a physical reaction just seeing the team’s colors.

“When I see the green and white, I hate it,” he said. “I’m actually getting upset. Like I’m actually getting really hot.”

Verse went to high school in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, about 100 miles northwest of Philadelphia, but that did nothing to spark any Eagles fandom. The Philly faithful further cemented his position in November by yelling obscenities at him during the Eagles-Rams game at SoFi Stadium in Week 12, by his account.

The forecast in Philadelphia is calling for 3-5 inches of snow Sunday, which could make things even more interesting for Verse and the Rams come game day.

“He’s not the first person to hate Eagles fans. There’s a lot of people who don’t like Eagles fans. There’s some people who played for the Eagles who don’t like Eagles fans,” the Eagles cornerback said Darius Slay. “It just comes with the sport.

“I think Eagles fans are fired up regardless. They (don’t) have to say another word. And if there’s snow out there, I wouldn’t be surprised if snowballs get thrown on the sidelines.”

Eagles join wildfire relief efforts

The Eagles announced Friday that they are contributing $500,000 to the California Community Foundation to help with the relief efforts from the Southern California wildfires. The Eagles said in a statement that the donation is “one way to help provide essential resources to those affected by the wildfires.”

“Our hearts go out to everyone who has suffered from the devastation caused by the wildfires in the Greater Los Angeles area,” said Eagles CEO Jeffrey Lurie. “We are grateful for the heroic efforts of the first responders who have bravely stepped up to protect those affected. Their courage and sacrifice during this critical time of need is inspiring.”