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.
Comment removed.- Comment removed.
I hope that something happens to all the people here against giving this kid a second chance whereby THEY need the opportunity for a second chance and someone spits on THEIR face. Kharma's a bits.— Clearly Ambiguous
I wonder how much ANIMAL MEAT is consumed at every Eagles game in the parking lot and concession stands. Do you think all those cows and chickens and pigs are humanely killed? They're SLAUGHTERED for tailgate parties. And yet all you good kind animal-eating people judge Vick for killing animals. It's insane.— Leegles- Comment removed.
- He didn't understand that people care for and love their animals? What, he thought electrocuting animals was ok? For me, he has not changed. I don't care what he says. The man wants to play football and he wants to get paid - period. Ask anyone in the field of psycho-therapy - abusing animals is not something you just do then stop. It is a sign of a definite personality disorder - it is like being a pedophile - no time in jail changes it.I think the Eagles made a mistake. When fans boo Vick over and over, his true self with appear once again.— lulu
- Can someone help me with this one ? If you deserve a second chance after serving time and admitting remorse, why do we have Megan's Law ? How does Vick's case differ ?— Joe R.
- Comment removed.
- And Leegles - you're the biggest moron on here. Eating meat is not the same as torturing animals for personal gratification. So is having consensual sex the same as rape? Just take your two brain cells and go do something else.— lulu
- "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." When he went to VA Tech, they must not have taught him proper English. Let's hope one of the Giants' defenders horse-collars him, and he breaks his leg.— Phils2Repeat
- So if your a handicapped day worker for the Eagles and you write something negative on Facebook you get fired but if you are a felon convicted in a dog fighting conspiracy you get multi-million dollar contract. Don't kid yourselves Vick is sorry for only one thing - he got caught. Remember Vick's quote when he was arrested: "I'm never at the house...I left the house with my family members and my cousin...They just haven't been doing the right thing... It's unfortunate I have to take the heat behind it. If I'm not there, I don't know whats going on...It's a call for me to really tighten down on who I'm trying to take care of.... Lesson learned for me." Vick is a liar and will say anything.— Talking Point Stooge
- I didn't think that anything could break my love for the Philadelphia Eagles. I was wrong. As of today, I'm now a Pittsburgh Steelers fan.— JMBrowning
- Vick didn't just make a one time bad decision or mistake. He routinely tortured and murdered defenseless animals for fun and profit for years. He lied and denied everything until he got caught. Now he says he can't understand why he was involved in such "pointless" activity. Hmm - he can't even say he was wrong and inhumane. It isn't enough and I agree with all the "go rot", "never go to another game" and total lack of human decency comments. Think I will go donate the money I would have spent on tickets to PETA -while they may take some things too far, they are 100% correct on Michael Vick!!— jmcphil
If Vick can make a difference in how dog fighting is viewed then his signing is a good thing.— Richard Saunders- I saw the press conference. The eyes don't lie. The only thing he is sorry for is getting caught.— ragaje
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