No NAACP pro-Vick rally?
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No NAACP pro-Vick rally?
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
Well, the Eagles had to know days like this would come when they signed Michael Vick.
This is what I was talking about when I questioned weeks ago whether the distractions were worth the on-field value of bringing in the quarterback.
Earlier today we cited a report saying the NAACP planned on holding pro-Vick rallies at the Linc tomorrow evening.
But it now appears that most likely won't take place.
J. Whyatt Mondesire, president of the Philadelphia chapter of the NAACP, joined ESPN 950's Mike Missanelli this afternoon and said there is only about a three-in-10 chance that they and other civil rights groups will publicly support Vick tomorrow before the matchup against the Jaguars.
Mondesire reasoned that animal rights groups are probably not going to be protesting against Vick so there's no need for the NAACP to rally for him.
"The demonstration may in fact not take place," he said. "Within the last hour we were informed that the animal rights groups that had expressed an interest in demonstrating have taken a different tact and they're meeting with the Eagles and in communication with them. When I say the Eagles, the Eagles management. And we've been in contact by Eagles management and some of the people who are part of the demonstration with us, making a decision now whether or not it's even necessary to have a march if the animal rights people don't come out and condemn Michael Vick.
"The overall thrust was we were not gonna let Michael Vick dress up in his first Eagles uniform and go out there and be accosted in the spiritual sense of that word and the public not know that he had defenders as well."
Mondesire said later that he has talked to members of Eagles management twice today.
So on the day before the third preseason game, this is what some members of the Eagles' staff were left to deal with. With questions about the offensive line, Brian Westbrook's health, middle linebacker, the overall defense and special teams, this is what the focus is 24 hours before kickoff.
It's not unexpected by any stretch, but I'm still trying to wrap my head around the whole decision. Maybe I'll have an easier time tomorrow once I see how Andy Reid is going to use Vick.
When asked if he had met with Vick, Mondesire responded, "That's being set up."
Earlier we referenced how Mondesire is the same guy who ripped Donovan McNabb back in 2005. He described that incident as being "blown out of proportion" and explained that he was writing as a fan and not as the leader of a civil rights organization. Mondesire did not back down from his original stance, saying if the Eagles wanted to win a Super Bowl, it would take a lot more "gutsy" playing by the No. 1 quarterback.
I know many of you are sick of the Vick stuff. Earlier I wrote about the middle linebacker situation.
And Thursday I'll roll out the "why we care" post. There are actually quite a few legitimate reasons this week.
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Mondesire is something else. I understand his view as a fan, but as the leader of the NAACP his attack on McNabb was unwarranted, especially with the issues he cited. I know the guy's son, doesn't surprise me.— desdimone- Stop it. I wait 3 seasons for football to come back and now is the time to see what we have for this season. I want to watch football. I do not get a say in what players are on my team because I do not own the team. If I do not like the team, I will find a new team. I an an Eagles fan, period. I want to see football now. I could care less about everyone and their "special" interests. Animal rights people want to protest. NAACP wants to protest. Reid and McNabb haters have been protesting for years. Stop it and lets play ball. I want to hear about our line and what we are going to do about that. Can the animal right people and Mondesire throw rallies to help Shawn Andrews get back his drive to play football or fill in on a defense that looks like Swiss Cheese and a lack of leaders???? NO!? Than shut up and let them play football.— SlinkTMP
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- ...and for what it is worth. Please stop it with the 12th coming of Christ, I mean Favre. ESPN should commit one of their channels to Vick and Favre with all of their coverage. Lets go EAGLES.— SlinkTMP
- Slink well said on both accounts there...the NAACP sticks their nose in everything and its so old and annoying..i can see the animal rights view very little..i mean the guy did his time w/e...neither one can fill the void at middle linebacker or the gaping holes on the o-line...btw shawn andrews just retire already since your not motivated enough to get out there and help the team...all these groups need to shut up and let the eagles play football— PhillySports23
- Bill, who are you fooling other than yourself? LOL...internet tough guy! LOL— mlr710
I agree with Slink - let's go Eagles!- Comment removed.
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If the NAACP wants to help Vick they might be wise to be silent on this issue.— ocjones
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