Sparks flew on WHYY's Radio Times's discussion of the Michael Vick signing yesterday: There was Jeff Lurie's recent donation to a local animal rescue group, Gov. Rendell's comment about Vick serving his sentence with "grace and dignity" and his suggestion Vick and animal welfare crusader and Phillies star Chase Utley appear in a public service announcement together.

Here's what the Inquirer reported about that debate in today's paper:

Bill Smith, the cofounder of Main Line Animal Rescue, said yesterday on WHYY radio that Eagles owner Jeff Lurie made a $1,500 donation to the local animal welfare organization before the team announced that convicted dogfighter Michael Vick had joined the squad.

Vick spent 18 months in prison on dogfighting charges. Some of the debate about the decision to sign the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback involves the idea of rehabilitation and second chances.

"It's a football decision," Smith said on WHYY. "Pure and simple. We received a check from Jeff Lurie a week before this happened for $1,500. It was the first time he ever sent anything to Main Line Rescue. We don't even know if we're able to keep that money. Jeff Lurie doesn't care anything about rehabilitating Michael Vick. It's all about football."

Lurie was not available to comment, according to a team spokesperson. Team president Joe Banner said in a written statement that Lurie's contribution to Main Line Animal Rescue was unrelated to the signing of Vick and done in honor of longtime 6ABC sports anchor Gary Papa, who died in June.

"Gary requested that friends and family donate to the shelter," Banner said.

As for Smith's general criticism, Banner said: "Since the signing of Michael Vick, we have heard a variety of opinions expressed by animal right leaders on whether Michael Vick should return to football and the role he should or should not play as an advocate for the protection of animals and against animal cruelty. Bill Smith's remarks find support among some, as do the words of Wayne Pacelle from the Humane Society, who is working with Michael and believes that he can be 'part of the solution, rather than a part of the problem.' In the end, it's all up to Michael Vick - what he does in the community and on the football field."

Smith disputed the Eagles' contention that all local animal welfare organization supported the decision. He also suggested the Lurie could do more.

"Jeff Lurie, with his vast resources, could easily help hire five or six more cruelty agents," Smith said.

Gov. Rendell appeared before Smith on the radio program and spoke of his efforts to help animals, but also mentioned that it was important to send a message to those serving time in state prison that a second chance is possible.

Smith, who said he had previously praised Rendell's efforts on the issue, criticized the governor for suggesting that it would be great if Phillies second baseman Chase Utley - who, with his wife, Jennifer, has raised money for animal-welfare causes - would appear with Vick in a public service announcement, and for focusing on Vick's grace and dignity in his public apologies.

"He's not Nelson Mandela," Smith said. "He's Michael Vick."