Eagles Notebook: Andy Reid distances himself from Second Mile

The Eagles have a few ties to Penn State and Andy Reid addressed them Friday, speaking for the first time since the sordid child abuse sex scandal rocked the State College campus.

Jon Sandusky, the son of disgraced defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky, had served as a scout for the Eagles a few years back and Reid participated in a couple charity events for Second Mile, the organization founded by the elder Sandusky to help young children. Reid had been listed as an honorary board member, but had no knowledge that his name was being used until an Eagles spokesman informed him about it. Reid’s name has since been removed.

“I think that is how those things work, when you do charity things is that they’ll use your name. I think that’s a common thing,” Reid said Friday. “They took everybody’s name off, so everybody’s name had been removed.”

Reid noted that Jerry Sandusky had been inside the NovaCare Complex on occasion while his son was working for the Eagles. But Reid said Sandusky never brought any children with him.

“No. He was Jon’s dad, that’s what I remember him as,” Reid said.

Meanwhile, Eagles secondary/safeties coach Michael Zordich actually played under Jerry Sandusky at Penn State. His son, Michael, is a fullback for the Nittany Lions this season. Since the Eagles don’t allow assistant coaches to speak with the media, he hasn’t been able to comment on the situation. However, Reid touched on it briefly during his press conference.

“He seems to be doing well,” Reid said. “I can’t tell you that he hasn’t thought about it himself because he has a son that plays there and he played there. Penn State is pretty close to his heart.”

As for his own feelings on the unfortunate situation, Reid preferred not to comment, adding that he hasn’t really been following it that closely.

MATHIS, ALLEN OFFICIALLY OUT. As expected, left guard Evan Mathis (turf toe) and safety Nate Allen (concussion) won’t play this week against Arizona. King Dunlap and Jaiquawn Jarrett will take their spots, respectively. The game will mark Dunlap’s first at left guard in the NFL, while Jarrett will be starting for the first time as a pro. Defensive end Juqua Parker (ankle) is listed as questionable, but he did participate in Friday’s practice.

SAMUEL SPEAKS. Cornerback Asante Samuel was a full participant in Friday’s practice after a limited session Thursday. Samuel, who left last week’s game briefly with a “groin laceration,” said he caught a cleat in his midsection, but the injury didn’t require stitches. Samuel was beaten on the eventual, game-winning touchdown throw to Bears receiver Earl Bennett.

KOLB LIKELY OUT. It won’t be much of a homecoming for Kevin Kolb. The former Eagles quarterback — and current Cardinals starter — is nursing a turf toe injury and hasn’t practiced this week. ESPN’s Adam Schefter cited sources saying that Kolb won’t play, but Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt maintained it could be a game-time decision. If Kolb can’t go, John Skelton gets the nod.

VEGAS LOVES THE BIRDS. Take it for what it’s worth, but the Eagles will likely be a two touchdown favorite (yes, a whole 14 points) Sunday against Arizona. (Likely, because the line is off right now due to Kolb’s status). The Cardinals are pretty bad … then again, you never know which Eagles team is going to show up. Pony up to the parlay table, bettors.