Instant reaction, random thoughts on Vick
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Instant reaction, random thoughts on Vick
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
I wish I were a good enough writer to cobble together some coherent thoughts after the stunning news that broke this evening about the Eagles signing Michael Vick.
What you're going to get instead is pretty much a bunch of random thoughts going through my head...
** Let's start with the obvious. How will the fans react to the news? At 9: 03, I got the following text from my sister in Portland: Say it ain't so -- Michael Vick an Eagle? I have a feeling several thousand of you have the same feeling at this time. I've already received multiple angry e-mails from readers. It's tough to remember an athlete who was universally despised as much as Vick following the dogfighting scandal. Do others agree with Andy Reid and Tony Dungy that Vick has served his debt to society and deserves a second chance? This isn't exactly a forgiving fan base. But then again, if he does all the right things, plays well and helps the Eagles win, will it change peoples' opinions?
** On the field is interesting. Does this mean Kevin Kolb's injury is more serious than we were led to believe? Is Vick coming on board as a backup quarterback? Or is it the whole He's a football player. We'll find a way to use him mentality? We saw the Eagles use DeSean Jackson in the Wildcat during training camp and last year. Will Vick be used in that role?
** How does Donovan McNabb feel about the news? You have to think he OK'd the move. McNabb said during camp that he believed Vick deserved a second chance and shouldn't have to face any further punishment from the league. Let's be clear. Vick hasn't been on the field since the end of the 2006 season. There's no way he's anywhere near the quarterback McNabb is right now. But if No. 5 has a couple bad games in a row, don't think that some fans won't be calling for Vick to come in.
** The last game Vick played, ironically, was in Philadelphia at the end of the 2006 season. The Eagles won, 24-17. That was the Jeff Garcia year. The starters didn't play because they had already clinched a playoff berth. Vick split time with Matt Schaub and went 8-for-14 for 81 yards and a touchdown. He also carried three times for 17 yards. I remember being in my buddy Lemur's house as we watched that game on New Year's Eve.
** Let it never again be said that this organization does not take risks. T.O. a few years ago and now Vick. Two of the most controversial football players of this era. For two totally different reasons. And both will have put on the Eagles' uniform when all is said and done.
** I remember at training camp asking Les Bowen if this was the craziest training camp/preseason he'd ever seen. He told me the T.O. doing sit-ups year was a little crazier, but I have to think he might have a different answer tonight.
** My buddy C-Nast e-mailed last week and said if the Eagles signed Vick, he'd be one of the best-selling jerseys in the NFL. I disagreed. I guess this goes back to the first question, but just wondering if you'd ever think about wearing his name on your back.
** Shocked. Absolutely shocked. We were doing our live chat when someone sent a link from Bleacher Report. I thought nothing of it. Then friend and loyal MTC reader Bener texted me asking if I heard the rumors. He said he just read it on a message board, and I thought nothing of it. But as soon as it was reported on ESPN, the chatters started buzzing. Got the link to the online article. The DN confirmed it from Joe Banner. And people started going crazy on Twitter. I feel like I'll never go more than 10 seconds again without knowing when major sports news breaks.
** Below are some video highlights of Vick if you've forgotten what he was like as a player. Keep in mind, this was awhile ago. Vick turned 29 last month.
Madnvocal how can you NOT be against this??? Yes he served his sentance but that does not mean we should just put him right back in the world of "untouchable football God" who thinks he can do whatever he wants to anyone or anything. Oh wait but he cried at night...now he is a millionaire again..no more crying!— Yankinoz13- It seems like a lot of these post are by the same person. I see just about the same post but words changed in it. Vick was wrong for what he did!!! He went to prison for it and according to our laws he served his time.— slade1955
- Vick's an Eagle, Hide your Beagles!!!!— stich#64
- Before I depart...there is one group of people in this organization who I AM proud of...those Eagles fans who do not accept this. Thank YOU for not accepting this travesty! Lurie fiddles while the eagles burn!— Old Dolt
- none of us would be in our comfy homes, eating our tasty herding animals, or have the current lifestyle we have without the canine. We formed a special relationship since the dawn of man. they protected us, helped us catch food, helped us domesticate livestock. we would not be as advanced a society if it were not for the dog. some of us appreciate and understand the special relationship. now dogs are our companion animals, they are eyes to our blind, alert on medical conditions, and many other benefits. the fact that people can be so blinded by a sociopath astounds me. this is a step back for mankind and if your an eagles fan this is nothing to be proud of.— jeffcap
So called law enforcement Kenneth Boss, Sean Carroll, Edward McMellon and Richard Murphy murdered an unarmed Amadou Diallo and were acquitted of all charges. Officers Michael Oliver, Gescard Isnora, and Marc Cooper murdered Sean Bell on his wedding day and got off but people are in an uproar over Michael Vick getting his occupation back after serving his time in jail?? Makes me wonder if the life of a canine is more important than the life of a human being. I'm not excusing what Vick did but where was all the indignation and remorse and apology-demanding for these goons in police uniforms when they murdered innocent people?? ... People need to get a grip on reality!!!- WAH WAH WAH! All I can say is thank God! We are less about 50,000 moron "Eagles fans" tonight. It's subtraction by addition! Seriously, are you people that misguided that your favorite football team is the one that best reflects your morals? IT'S FOOTBALL! Have any of you watched Mike Vick play FOOTBALL?!? If not I can assure you of one thing: he's a helluva backup QB!— sla6yer
- I don't see where he fits on the Eagles. Is he going to be the 4th string QB? I don't see him getting Kolb's #2 spot. Maybe he'll take AJ's #3 spot. Is he worth the money and roster spot just to occaisonally play the wildcat QB role? Everyone seems to forget just how poor a passer he was in Atlanta. Just because he's a fast runner doesn't make him an effective running back or receiver. He hasn't played a down in two years and he's not eligible to play until Goodell fully reinstates him. Don't be surprised if he barely plays at all this year.— Wifiguy
- HEY: You Eagle haters. Please send me your Eagle tickets. NO? I didn't think so.— mungman
- hey slade.... so what your saying is if someone serves time all is forgiven? what world do you live in? because if any of the professional people in my life did something like that... they are not getting their job back when they get out of jail. with your logic if a teacher rapes a student, serves time, they should be a school teacher again? YOU ARE A IDIOT and if there were justice in this world you would be impotent so you could not breed.— jeffcap
- Seriously...you people need to get out more, and stop spreading peanut butter on your balls, or whatever it that you do with your dogs that makes you feel like this. Michael Vick went to prison...for dogs. Are you going to stop being fans because Parker and Herremans were drunk driving? Trent Cole hunts for fun....gasp...animals! If your d@mn dogs are that important, than just break out the Skippy on Sundays this fall. And sell some more deserving fans your tickets if you got them.— Joyner80
- The Eagles are now lower than the Cowboys. At least the Cowboys have won a Super Bowl and a championship in the last 50 years. This city has plenty of hard working people who have never been in prison and can't find jobs. I am glad Lurie decided to give walking pile of scum a chance and a million dollars.— AreaMan
Comment removed.- GREAT MOVE! THE EAGLES are a world class organization run by world class people! Bravo! As for VICK the person, we, society, gave him his sentence. He paid. It's over! As we all know, everyone make mistakes. But we're all god's children! Thank god for the gift of redemption. Praise Jesus, Bless Michael Vick, and let's pray for all of us as we seek to embrace our ability to forgive in the pursuit of our salvation. Now, if only my Broncos can do something with their mess! Go Eagles!— johnnypunish
- I FEEL SO DIRTY AND PROBABLY WILL NOT ROOT FOR THE EAGLES THIS SEASON. ALL THE PUBLICITY MAKES ME WANT TO TAKE A SHOWER.— rogersma
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