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Eagles Address Fake Political Ads Claiming Support for Kamala Harris

Philadelphia Eagles logo at midfield during an NFL game between the Oakland Raiders and the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Eagles are taking action to eliminate a series of fake political advertisements that have appeared throughout Philadelphia. These ads falsely claim to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign.

In a statement released on their social media channels, the team confirmed, “We are aware counterfeit political ads are being circulated and are working with our advertising partner to have them removed.”

Harris, the Democratic nominee for the upcoming November 5 general election, is competing against the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump.

Images circulating on social media show at least one of these counterfeit ads, which was spotted at a bus stop in the city. The ad features a caricature of Harris in profile wearing an Eagles football helmet and holding a football. Prominently displayed above the caricature is the Eagles logo, along with the bold text “Kamala” in white letters. The ad falsely declares her as the “Official candidate of the Philadelphia Eagles.”

At the bottom of the advertisement, there is a link that directs viewers to the official Philadelphia Eagles website, specifically leading to a section that promotes voter registration: PhiladelphiaEagles.com/vote. However, this website does not mention any specific candidate, political party, or agenda. Instead, it provides resources for Pennsylvania residents, guiding them on how to find polling stations, request ballots, register to vote, and engage in the electoral process.

One specific location of these misleading ads has been identified in West Philadelphia, particularly at the intersection of Walnut and 34th Streets, a prominent area near the University of Pennsylvania.

This incident comes amidst an ongoing effort by the NFL and the NFL Players Association, which launched the NFL Votes initiative in 2020. This program serves as a non-partisan initiative aimed at promoting civic engagement among NFL players, alumni, club and league personnel, as well as fans.

The Philadelphia Eagles are committed to ensuring that their brand is not misused for political purposes. They are actively working to address the issue of these advertisements and uphold the integrity of their organization.

As the election date draws near, the misinformation surrounding the Eagles’ endorsement highlights the importance of verifying the authenticity of political messages. The unauthorized use of a prominent sports franchise’s identity can easily mislead voters, creating confusion about the Eagles’ actual political stance.

In light of this situation, it is essential for fans and citizens alike to be vigilant when encountering political advertisements, especially those that appear to come from organizations or groups that have not officially endorsed a candidate. This incident serves as a reminder of the potential for misinformation in the digital and physical realms as a significant election approaches.

The Eagles’ initiative to counteract these counterfeit ads underscores their commitment to transparency and engagement in the civic process. Fans are encouraged to rely on official channels for accurate information regarding voter registration and participation in the electoral process.

As the political landscape continues to evolve leading up to the election, the Philadelphia Eagles’ prompt action in addressing these misleading advertisements reflects a broader need among organizations to protect their brand identity and ensure voters receive truthful information.

With the election just around the corner, it is crucial for all stakeholders involved in the political process to maintain integrity, providing clear and honest messages to the public.

Source: USA TODAY