Vick is here: The scene
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
Vick is here: The scene
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
Normally, it takes about, oh, ten seconds to pull into the NovaCare Center and pass through security. Today, not surprisingly, it took about ten minutes. And no, it wasn't because there were protestors lined up outside the Eagles' practice facility railing against the team's signing of convicted dog killer Michael Vick. The back up was caused by the mass of news vans, reporters, photographers and media types awaiting a 9:30 a.m. entry.
The Eagles and their decision to bring the ex-Atlanta Falcons quarterback to Philadelphia is at the center of the city's consciousness, and Philadelphia is at the epicenter of the nation's sporting world. So naturally, the complex here in South Philly is currently being overwhelmed by the media.
Surprisingly, there wasn't one protestor outside the entrance of the NovaCare when I arrived at 9:15 and drove into the lot somtime around 9:40. I'll go down and check in a bit to see if a group of animal-rights protestors have arrived.
Vick, meanwhile, has arrived at the complex, as well as Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb. The Eagles have scheduled a 11 a.m. press conference. It'll be interesting to see if any other teammates arrive in support of Vick. He will be made available to the media. Apparently, former Colts coach and Vick advisor Tony Dungy will also be on hand, including someone from the Humane Society.
Check back for more updates.
UPDATE: McNabb was not at the NovaCare complex, at least he wasn't in the auditorium for Vick's introduction. There weren't any players in the auditorium, although several were seen walking in and out of the complex. There wasn't a representative from the Humane Society on the podium to answer questions, either.
Ray Emery, Michael Vick. Philly has become the half-way city for bad boys. Don't be surprised if the Phillies sign Barry Bonds before the season is over.— RAS
Philly fans, take it from a 12-year Falcon season ticket holder, you are about to see excitement like you've never seen before. Assuming he can get in decent shape quickly, he can be used as a multi-purpose player for an already talented team. Embrace this move, you're very fortunate. Philly has just become my 2nd favorite team. Michael Vick will be the feel good story of 2009 if he gets to play.— mofeaux- Grow up, RAS.— Registered Independent
- I will never stop being an Eagles fan, no matter how many stupid moves they make. And I've been a fan since before the Snead/Jurgeson debacle (please excuse the poor spelling) but I will never buy or wear Eagles gear outside of the city, it would be too humiliating!— douglyest
- Welcome Vick! You served your time and now you deserve a shot. I still can't figure out what the Eagles will do with him, but if he plays well we can keep him or trade him. Either way, it is a win win.— Bigbadrookie
- Will the Eagles’ Front Office rehire the fella they let go for posting an emotional status update after they let Dawk go? If Vick deserves a second chance, so does this former employee, no?— Lunchboy
Comment removed.- Is it even appropriate to have Eagles pep rallies in the public schools anymore? Do they realize how much damage they've done?— phasor
- I second everything Lunchboy said!— phasor
- How does less than 2 yrs in jail become "serving one's time" for killing many living beings? If he had tortured and killed people, he would not be extended the same kind of forgiveness. Before people start clamoring that animal welfare activists care more about the dogs than people, let me tell you: to me, people and animals occupy the same status. All deserve to be free from cruelty and abuse. It is those people who are willing to look the other, who say that 1.5 years served for killing many dogs is sufficient, who elevate the status of one group of living beings over another.— GZ
- phasor, I do believe he has paid for his crimes. he has lost it all, everything from the loot to the homes, to the cars. he lost everyone's respect, too. soon, he will burn in Hates, but while he is here, I can afford him the chance to do good for animals, starting with the Birds (weak, i know). we all should be able to count on this: Vick will be the most well-behaved athlete in sports through the remainder of his career. if not, throw him to the wolves (yea, there is another).— Lunchboy
- Douglyest: your spelling of "debacle" is spot on. Not like our IT manager's version "tabocel". Thanks for bringing back a humorous memory. Now to go torture him about it once again...— Bazalite
- GZ - the US Judicial System decided 1.5 years was enough. Become a judge or prosecuting attorney/DA if that is not enough for you.— Lunchboy
- Anyone here have a hamburger or turkey sandwich recently? What makes a dog anymore special than a cow? Check your hypocrisy at the door, people.— Bazalite
- By signing Vick the Eagles are saying two things. They still feel they need to put a fire under McNabb and that they have given up on Kolb.— jpthebigbopper
