Vick says the right things -- is it enough?
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Vick says the right things -- is it enough?
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
Michael Vick came off very well and said all the right things during today's introductory press conference at the NovaCare Complex.
That doesn't mean everyone is going to forgive him. It doesn't mean everyone will believe that he's sorry and wants to do the right things. Or that everyone is going to support the Eagles for adding him to their roster.
The truth is we won't know just how sorry he really is until one, two, five or even 10 years down the road when we see the steps he's taken to right the wrongs of the past. As is usually the case, this is less about what he says and more about what he does. Vick said as much today.
But this was the first step. Vick did not dodge any questions. He answered slowly and thoughtfully. He made no excuses.
He either has given this a lot of thought or has been advised very well by Tony Dungy and company.
Some things that stood out:
** Let's start with Dungy. Rarely is a coach, or a person for that matter, so universally liked and respected. He retired from the game to help people, which got me thinking -- what's really in this for him? If he didn't feel Vick was sorry, that Vick deserved a second chance, he would have no reason to get on board. His imprint is all over this thing. If Vick goes down the wrong path, fairly or unfairly, Dungy will likely take it as hard as anyone. If you're going to take a risk like this, it's good to have someone like Dungy overseeing it.
** When the Vick scandal first surfaced, I think most of us thought -- why would someone engage in something like this when he has it all? Money, fame, etc. Looking back, Vick now asks himself the same question:
"I was wrong for what I did," he said. "Everything that happened at that point of time in my life was wrong and was unnecessary. And to this day, I can't understand why I was involved in such pointless activity. And why did I risk so much at the pinnacle of my career. And I was naive to a lot of things, but I figure if I can help more animals than I hurt, then I'm contributing, I'm doing my part."
** Earlier I said he made no excuses. Here's what I meant:
"We all use the excuse it was part of our culture and I don't think that's an excuse," he said. "I was kind of abiding by that rule at the time. As I grew older and as things started to transpire, and then when I went to prison, I had plenty of time to think about what I did. And I've seen people's reactions. And up until that point I never really cared. I won't say I didn't care, but I never thought about it. Now I understand that people care about their animals, they care about the health, the welfare, the protection of animals, and now I do. So that's why I say if I can help more than I hurt, then I'm contributing. I'm doing what I need to do."
** My primary question from a football aspect has been about Vick's ability. I feel like everyone's forgetting that he hasn't been on the field since the end of 2006, nearly three years ago. Are we sure he's the same athlete he once was? Has he lost a step? Will his body be able to endure the blows and contact associated with playing in the NFL? Here's what Vick said:
"I'm ready to go. I've stayed in shape. I did all the things to keep up my physical physique and it was harder when I was away, but over the last two months I've been able to manage and do things necessary to maintain my weight and my build, and hopefully my speed. And I think I've tested myself, tested the waters and I feel great."
** And finally, kudos to whoever it was that asked Vick how he comes to terms with the fact that some people will never forgive him. Because there are a lot of those people out there. Some have commented or e-mailed me in fact. Vick's response:
"I understand," he said. "... I can't explain how deeply hurt and how sorry I was once everything went down and I had to explain to my three kids what had happened, what had transpired to me, and it was because of daddy's faults and those were the toughest things, so I asked them for a second chance, to be a better father, to do the right things and to show them the way and how things are supposed to be done."
Feel free to chime in. Maybe I'm naive and/or gullible, but I wll admit to feeling better about this thing now than I did 12 hours ago.
People are forgetting that with Vick being out of the game for almost 3 years he hasn't taking the physical abuse of being a NFL QB. Yes he has to get back into shape but he's more fresh. He will have fresh legs, fresh arm and etc.— pdditty- I am a big Eagles Fan. I will no longer attend or watch any Eagles games. What these people were thinking, I have no idea.— neddyflanders
- As long as he keeps his nose clean and does volunteer his time with the Humane Society, I'll be okay with this signing.— palmyra21
- Neddy, if that is your reponse to the signing of Vick then you are not a big Eagles fan. Period. Nor are you a very forgiving person either, which is a shame. Our legal system is built on the principle that people who commit crimes can serve their time and be given a chance at redemption, too bad you don't get that.— MileHiEagle
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- Talk is cheap .— Joe R.
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- He served his time and he is free (or at least 3 more years of probation), but forgiving is in the eye of the beholder. I think Neddy is the majority. Some things you can't forgive.— eres
- I don't think this is a debate between casual fans and die hard fans, it is more about whether or not you feel someone having served his time in prison is deserving of a second chance. What is the point of prison if not attonement? Vengeance? Vick served his time, he has the backing of people like Dungy, and is showing the proper respect for his mistakes. If that is not enough to warrant a second chance then we are saying once a criminal always a criminal. I just can't understand or agree to that sentiment, nor would I ever send that message to my kids.— MileHiEagle
- Kudos to the Eagles for having the guts to step up and give the guy a chance to turn his career around. It's simple for all of the self righteous to cast stones, but it takes a lot of character to extend a hand to someone who is down thereby putting one's own self in harms way.— sla6yer
- These arguments about eating meat are ridiculous. It's about torture and watching an animal suffer for one's own gratification, which some Eagles fans actually find repulsive. Did he eat the dog meat? No. Did he make these dogs suffer long and painful deaths for sport? Yes. If you want to value winning over character, that is your choice. I do not. He can go rot somewhere.— BudSelig_isthenext_MrBurns
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