Apparently, Bernard Hopkins felt that Donovan McNabb dissed him several years ago during a visit with the Philadelphia Eagles.

And the boxing star hasn’t forgotten about.

The 46-year-old Hopkins, who will fight Jean Pascal in Montreal on May 21 for a light heavyweight title belt, invited media to watch him train Tuesday in Philadelphia. And then he unloaded on the ex-Eagles quarterback, questioning his race and his ability to lead a football team.

According to Marcus Hayes of the Philadelphia Daily News, Hopkins pointed at his own skin color and said, “(McNabb) has got a suntan. That’s all.”

And it was off to the races for Hopkins from there.

Why did McNabb feel betrayed by the Eagles organization a year ago when he was traded to the Washington Redskins?

“Because McNabb is the guy in the house, while everybody else is on the field. He's the one who got the extra coat. The extra servings. ‘You're our boy,’” Hopkins said.

Without prodding, he went after McNabb, referencing an interview with Bryant Gumbel four years ago. McNabb talked about what black quarterbacks face in the interview.

“He goes on HBO and talks about (being) black. He was right, but it was the wrong messenger. He was right, but (he doesn't) represent that," Hopkins said. "The only reason he spoke was because he felt betrayed: 'I thought I was one of y'all's guys. I thought I was the good one. Y'all told me this.'

“And they did what they always do, kicked his ass right (out of) there.

“McNabb? Great. Skills? Throw the ball? Great. But there was something missing. (Michael) Vick? He understands. And T.O. - same cloth.”

McNabb’s publicist told Hayes the quarterback would not comment.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune