Our country is a very forgiving one. We tend to afford people second chances even after they’ve committed heinous and despicable crimes. We also sometimes reward bonehead behavior. Michael Vick picked Philadelphia for his second chance. The Eagles landed the NFL’s biggest distraction when head coach, Andy Reid, showed enough compassion to sign Vick to a one year, $1.6 million deal. Vick has a team option for a second year worth $5.2 million. Let the trash talk begin.
The superstar, three time Pro Bowl quarterback served 18 months in prison for operating and running a dogfighting ring. The federal sentence and year and a half away from football appears to have changed Vick. He has been making a conscious effort with the community and Human Society to make up for his cruel, illegal behavior. No matter what Vick does or says off the turf this Fall, he still has to perform on the field to re-establish himself as a player. Vick has been out of action since 2006. Although he was one of the most talented and slickest running quarterbacks in the NFL, Vick has to have lost some of his endurance and strength while behind bars. The Eagles’ frightening decision to take a chance on Vick is an interesting one. Philadelphia quarterback, Donovan McNabb, was a proponent and influence in the signing of the chastised former Atlanta Falcon. McNabb apparently lobbied for the team to go after Vick, stating he has known Michael since high school and been his mentor for several years. Vick has also had well-respected former head coach, Tony Dungy, on his side. Dungy was present at Friday’s news conference to introduce Vick to Philadelphia.
The Eagles have a great support system and terrific upper management. They also have one of the most passionate fan bases in the NFL. Vick joins an NFC East team that made a surprise run into the playoffs and endured an impressive post-season last year. His career statistics against NFC East teams is off the chart terrific. Vick cited yesterday he wants to be a part of Philadelphia’s winning organization. (When was the last time the team won a Superbowl, by the way?) He was appreciative of Reid and the Eagles willingness to step up and give him a second chance in the NFL. Dungy will be at Vick’s assistance whenever he needs a hand. The stable and well-structured team might be the best place for Vick at this time. The Eagles insurance policy at quarterback is Kevin Kolb. Vick brings an immediate tempting option for Reid should McNabb struggle and find himself on the bench again this season. The addition of Vick hardly makes McNabb a better player though, and I fail to see how Michael makes the Eagles a more daunting team. There can only be one quarterback on an NFL team. Time and time again teams have tried the two-quarterback approach and proven both do not co-exist. It seems like a happy marriage between McNabb and Vick, but it can only work if they both have defined roles.
It won’t be smooth-sailing for Vick, whether he starts for the Eagles or not. He is sure to hear jeers from every opposing fan base the Eagles play in 2009. Vick may have the support of his teammates and the hometown fan but the rest of America is still disgusted with his actions. Vick showed remorse for being a part of a culture that didn’t care for animals. It still won’t be enough for some animal lovers to accept his apology. I think Vick’s punishment more than fit the crime. He lost all his money and served an equitable jail sentence for what he did. However, I am just as appalled as anyone about his actions, and am unwilling to give the man another chance at playing football. Some argue he shouldn’t be able to do what he loves most now. I agree, but there are comparable situations where professional players have done far worse than run dogfigthing rings. All these players did not exhibit high standards to morality, and were still rewarded by being accepted back into the league. Why should Vick have have more job security than a law-abiding citizen? His behavior does not merit a million dollar deal. It’s not up to the fans to determine whether a player should be able to return to the game but we can still hold our opinions. What Michael Vick did was wrong. No one will argue that. He should be given a second chance but it shouldn’t be in the NFL.
Parting Points: Did the Yankees forget how to lose or something?
Song of the day- “Bad Moon Rising” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
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Couldn't agree more. It disgusts me that he is given a second chance to make millions of dollars while 1. law abiding citizens aren't afforded these luxuries and 2. any other criminal who has been released from prison may struggle for the rest of their life to gain employment because of their record. I agree - he deserves a second chance, but not in the NFL.
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