Michael Vick – An Eagles Fan’s Reponse
Saturday, August 15, 2009 21:52
Mea culpa, I’ve been an Eagles fan my entire life. My family has had season tickets since before I was born. And though I am used to failure and embarrassment, nothing in the team’s history has struck me quite as hard as this signing did. Even when McNabb barfed away a Super Bowl, I never found myself questioning my very fan hood like I am today.
Let me preface by saying, I’ve never liked Michael Vick. Even before his reprehensible actions were brought to light, I disliked him for some very petty reasons. You see, as he dazzled at Virginia Tech, one of the teams frequently shown on the opposite end of the highlight reels were my beloved West Virginia Mountaineers. When I found out about the dog fighting ring, it only compounded a hatred that was already brewing within me.
Now Michael Vick is a Philadelphia Eagle. It’s surreal. It seems like only yesterday the Eagles defense completely shut him down in the NFC Championship game.
I was just getting used to LeShon McCoy being an Eagle because he played for much-despised rival, Pitt, and now this?
I’m going to try to avoid the more obvious reasons why I hate this move. Anyone who knows me knows that I love dogs and could never abide by someone who deliberately hurts one. Instead, I’m going to try to focus on the football and business sides of the arguments why I think this is a terrible move.
First of all, it would seem to me that unless Kevin Kolb’s MCL sprain is far worse than we’ve been told, this spells the end of A.J. Feeley’s days as an Eagle. They’re certainly not going to carry four QB’s on the active roster. I don’t have too much sympathy for him because he gets to go home to Heather Mitts, but it still sucks to see someone lose his job so unexpectedly.
Secondly, for a team that was bitten so hard by the Terrell Owens media circus, how can this possibly seem like a good idea? This will be a distraction of epic proportions. I had a nightmare last night of Vick conducting dogfights shirtless in his driveway surrounded by helicopters and TV crews.
However, I can see the flip side to this argument, and that is that Vick now becomes the focal point for the media and the fans while the Eagles quietly conduct their normal slow-start to the season in the background. And don’t think it won’t happen. Andy Reid’s teams generally take about three lackluster games to start the year before they start to play like the records count. The Vick frenzy may also divert some of the attention away from McNabb, who doesn’t always seem to respond well to adversity. See, all but one NFC Championship Games he’s played in for proof of this.
From a business standpoint, I just don’t get it. Actually, on second thought, I do. The Eagles got a former Pro-Bowl QB for pennies on the dollar. And he might even have something left in the tank, to boot. That’s absolutely their model. Save money and to hell with how many fans it may alienate–they’ll still line up buy tickets when the playoffs start. The NFL is a business, and the Eagles understand that better than most teams. They manage their salary cap like Mussolini managed train schedules.
That said, I still think if Vick doesn’t make the team after week six, the PR hit isn’t worth his bargain price tag. There’s going to be protesters at every game, we lose credibility with fans from other teams around the league (not that there was much to lose, but for those of us living in “enemy territory” it’s a concern), and Andy Reid can no longer claim that this team focuses on signing so-called “character” guys.
Now, as a side-note, no one outside of the organization knows what toll the struggles of Andy Reid’s sons over the past few seasons have affected him and his role with the team. As he said in the press conference, perhaps Reid did see parallels between his children and Vick. Though given his sons’ levels of recidivism, I don’t think that bodes well for Vick. In fact, if the Reid boys are any indication, Vick’s probably got two fighting Chihuahuas hidden in his ass right now.
On the field, the Vick signing brings up all kinds of questions, most of which focus on Vick’s readiness to play after a two-year hiatus. He was beginning to show signs of slipping athletically before the charges caught up with him.
It seems like a no-brainer that Vick will be used in some sort of hybrid formation that mimics the NFL’s offensive gimmick Du Jour, the so-called “Wild Cat.” But how well-suited his diminished skills will work in that regard and how much McNabb will resent the focus being pulled away from him remains to be seen.
One of the most common complaints about this Eagles regime is that they’ve been content to merely be competitive and afraid to make big splashes (the TO and Kearse signings notwithstanding) and risk long-term competitiveness over short-term success. That’s their business acumen. Some people are categorizing this as being out-of-character for them. I disagree. On the football side, this is a low-risk, high-reward, type of signing and is absolutely the kind of signing I expect them to make, arrogance and all. In hindsight, I can’t believe I didn’t see it coming.
In the end, all the flailing and complaining isn’t going to do a bit of good. The Eagles got a bargain if Vick’s able to bring even a fraction of his former electrifying self to the field during a game that counts. When the sun comes up, I’m still going to root for my team, even if it makes me a little sick to my stomach. I mean, if your President appoints someone morally reprehensible to his cabinet (cough, cough, Karl Rove, cough, cough) you don’t stop being American, do you?
What this robs me of is the right to feel pride in my team. When an opposing fan starts in on the Vick jokes, I’m going to nod my head and agree. Maybe he deserved a second chance, maybe he didn’t. I just didn’t wish it had to be in Midnight Green.
24 Responses to “Michael Vick – An Eagles Fan’s Reponse”
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Chargers | Hotel Aphrodite says:
August 16th, 2009 at 7:50 am
[...] NFL Football Philadelphia Articles Sign Michael Vick | Deep Into … [...]
Ron
says:
August 16th, 2009 at 5:32 pm
I believe that despite the fact that Michael Vick did pay his debt to society, he also should have served a longer NFL suspension. Roger Goodell was very quick to lift the ban, and I suspect that the prospect of Vick bringing attention and revenue to the upstart UFL had something to do with Goodell's decision. For the NFL, Vick is a risk and potentially a liability, but for the UFL the buzz and revenue that Vick would have brought to the league likely would have far outweighed the negative PR. The NFL didn't need Michael Vick, and Goodell's exceptionally timely lift on Vick's ban was interesting to say the least.
I am impressed by your opposition to the Eagles signing Vick. When the Eagles signed Vick, it actually was not as big of a surprise to me because the Eagles franchise strikes me as one that would be least impacted by negative PR and fan outrage. Why? Because Philadelphia fans are probably among those sports fans with the absolute lowest character standards. The bounty bowl? The bounty bowl II? Terrell Owens? Michael Vick is just one of a long line of "bad seeds."
But, at the same time, I see Andy Reid as being a really good coach and a stand up kind of guy. I wonder how much he really supported the decision. I think the Eagles front office saw Vick was a calculated risk that could pan out well for them.
PK_Brooks
says:
August 17th, 2009 at 11:51 am
There are plenty of franchises with much worse track records as far as character and personnel go. I'm also not sure how those on-the-field incidents and media grandstanding by a single player somehow equate with criminality off the field. There are actual murderers on other teams.
This league is stocked with bad guys, the Eagles are hardly the rogues' gallery you paint them to be. Up until now, they've actually been one of the better franchises in that regard.
If you're going to use that argument, why isn't Vick on the Rams? They not only used a draft pick on all-around bad guy Lawrence Phillips, they also paid Leonard Little a ton of money and he actually killed a person? Sounds like you're just as blinded by your preconceptions about the Eagles as I am about Vick.
Anyway, I was giving this some more thought and this is a golden opportunity for Vick and the Eagles PR staff to make a huge difference in an area that they can do the most good. Pennsylvania is one of the worst states for the puppy mill trade. It's a huge problem and is pervasive thoughout the Amish culture. Not that I think the Amish people watch football (hah!) but this could be a good opportunity to get Vick to bring this problem to light to the potential customers of this horrific practice. Let Vick finish what Oprah started and put these assholes out of business. Their abuse is far more systemic and far-reaching than Vick's was.
Get on this Derek Boyko.
Nate Barlow
says:
August 17th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
Yeah, there's no shortage of bad guys around the league. Pacman Jones, anyone?
The aura of the Raiders is pretty bad, though honestly I couldn't tell you how much of that has to do with their team as opposed to their fans!
Nate Barlow
says:
August 17th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
I should state that I was vehemently opposed to Michael Vick being allowed back into the NFL at all. That having been said, he did seem honestly contrite at the press conference (or he was asking well). If he does do what he says he's going to do for the Humane Society, then maybe some good can come of out this scenario and he will earn his right to play again.
The Eagles have always been among my favorite NFC teams since the Randall Cunningham days), second only to the Packers in that conference. It will be tough for me to root for them this year. (For those reading this who are unaware, I am a Patriots fan first and foremost, and not a bandwagonner–I grew up in Connecticut).
Betting FBCC: Philadelphia Eagles » All About Convict Michael Vick and the NFL says:
August 17th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
[...] Michael Vick – An Eagles Fan’s Reponse A Philadelphia Eagles fan responds to the Michael Vick signing. [...]
Gairzo
says:
August 17th, 2009 at 11:53 pm
Geez PK,
I thought I liked you–being from PA and all–but West Virginia!!!!!!!!!!
McCoy is the real deal. When the Men of Midnight Green are throttling the Cry-Boys this year and McCoy breaks one against the G-Men. I don't want to hear anything negative about my Panthers.
Onto Vick….
What a punk-ass. But, he did his time in jail, so let's see if he learned anything. Last night, he confirmed what I had always thought about him–and other athletes like Lemieux, Nicklaus–he was lazy when it came to honing his skills, didn't work out, practiced lazy. Guess he thought his physical skills would get him through.
Now he has something to prove. I'm betting he will be phenomenal.
The Wildcat? Overrated rip-off of the option. Defenses ha've been working on the formation for a year now. When we see some running back get smashed by a linebacker who stays in his lane and a fumble gets returned for a TD, the Wildcat will disappear faster than Mike Vick's membership to Pit Bull Illustrated.
And give Andy Reid a break. Poor guy's been through hell. Right or wrong, when kid's fail, parents blame themselves.
Nate Barlow
says:
August 18th, 2009 at 12:17 am
I feel sorry for Andy Reid. I like the guy; it's been a rough time for him.
The fad of the Wilcat will burn off, although some teams will keep it as an occasional wrinkle–those teams with a Vick or Kordell Stewart-type. Obviously that player needs to be someone who will have enough touches so that the play can still be a surprise. The play will drop to the level of the flea-flicker.
Didn't think about it before, but PK and I have near background flips. He went PA to CT, I went CT to PA. And I'm with him on West Virgina vs. Pitt, since my Dad grew up there. Although TCU and BC are my first choice college football teams–at least one of them is expected to have a good year.
And, Ron, since you're in on this discussion, what are your NFL/NCAA teams? Let's see where everybody stands.
Ron
says:
August 18th, 2009 at 1:12 am
You're right to point out that killing a human being is far worse than killing an animal, but there is also a distinction to be made between intentionally murdering a person and manslaughter. Leonard Little was found guilty of manslaughter. I still agree that he is no role model.
I also agree that there are plenty of bad guys in the league. The Raiders' and the Cowboys' ownerships tend to gravitate towards them. The distinction I was making was strictly fan reaction. Eagles fans seem to have a pretty good tolerance for it.
I agree that the Eagles will benefit from having Vick on the team. I still think signing him was a bit early for the NFL.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/img/0...
Ron
says:
August 18th, 2009 at 1:21 am
Washington Redskins (Yes, I was opposed to the deal we gave Haynesworth)
Maryland Terrapins and Southern Illinois University Salukis
C - Lo
says:
August 18th, 2009 at 3:27 am
Look like another case of white men jug a black to harsh, all of you talk about dogs being killed, why don't you punks get off your butts and start protesting all the humans being killed, you ever heard of forgivenes
Ron
says:
August 18th, 2009 at 4:03 am
So, you believe if he were white we would be easier on him? I think Vick is getting favoritism with his suspension being lifted so soon.
Nate Barlow
says:
August 18th, 2009 at 4:20 am
And for the record, I believe in slamming the book on every human killer, too.
Nate Barlow
says:
August 18th, 2009 at 4:29 am
For the record, I'm not some PETA blowhard.
I don't necessarily agree that killing a human is worse than killing an animal. Just as manslaughter is different than murder, the brutal way that Vick killed those dogs to me is worse than manslaughter. Malicious intent and torture lower his acts below something without intent.
What makes humans so great anyway? We're destroying our planet and we're one of the few species that kill its own kind. We're violent, torturous and cruel to each other and everything. Why do we think we're so much better? At least those animals are innocent.
Gairzo
says:
August 18th, 2009 at 4:38 am
C-LO, Dude,
Gimme some love, I forgive the man. That still doesn't mitigate the fact he is a dog killin' bitch. But, if he beats the Cowboys that's all I care about.
But, isn't it funny how you brought up race as if that was where it all went wrong for poor Michael Vick. How cold does a human heart have to be to hold a puppy underwater until it's dead? Yeah, it was the white man who made Mikey zap, with electrodes, dogs hung by their neck.
I'm so sick of racists who think they are victims.
Nate Barlow
says:
August 18th, 2009 at 4:26 am
The only racist on here is you, C-Lo.
You assume that the only reason that we want to stick to Vick is because we are white. That is a racist assumption, that we make decisions because of our skin color.
I would not care if Vick was white, Asian, black or whatever. His acts were disgusting and I would despise him regardless of his race, religion, or sexual preference.
Take a look at yourself, C-Lo. You're projecting your racist feelings on us. Truth hurts, doesn't it?
Ron
says:
August 19th, 2009 at 2:49 am
One thing is for certain. Torturing and killing human beings is worse than torturing and killing animals.
There are lots of species kill their own kind for various reasons (including cannibalism). That is just not true that we are the only species that kill our own kind.
I find it hard to believe when people devalue humanity in that way. You have to have some appreciation for the intricacies and development of the human brain and what humanity has accomplished. We're the most interesting life form on the planet.
Nate Barlow
says:
August 19th, 2009 at 5:16 am
You might want to reread my post, Ron. I said that we were "one of the few species", not the "only". Before calling my statement "just not true", at least quote it correctly!
But perhaps I should rephrase: how many other species kill their own kind for sport, pleasure, hate (whether that be for beliefs or skin, fur or exoskeleton color), or pure unbridled cruelty?
I don't devalue humanity. Humanity devalues itself with its own inhumanity. I agree that the human brain is incredibly fascinating. Our accomplishments are what make us great, but our hubris about them and ourselves is what makes us terrible. That ego is humanity's Achilles heel.
Ron
says:
August 19th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
Sorry for the misquote. My understanding is that there are quite a few animals that kill their own kind.
What constitutes "cruelty," Nate? Chimpanzees in the wild kill each other all the time over females, territory, food, etc. They are often pretty brutal and consistently do stuff like tear off limbs (among other things) and leave the victim for dead. They will do it to humans if they get the chance too. Chimpanzees are fairly intelligent animals, they definitely comprehend what they do, and I imagine that they probably feel a great many of the things that we feel. Other animals probably experience similar things to varying degrees.
Regardless, as far as I am concerned, those things that make us so much more complex than other animals do make us more significant.
Nate Barlow
says:
August 20th, 2009 at 1:25 am
You're right, there are quite a few, but compared to the vast number of species on the planet, the number is miniscule.
Definitions differ, of course, but for me in this case, cruel is causing pain simply to cause another creature pain. Not a battle over the female of the species, not a fight over food, but torturing or maiming for the sake of torturing or maiming, for one's own pleasure or for unjustifiable hate.
There are very, very few species that do this. Of course, chimps kill each other over food, territory, etc., but do they for the hell of it? I don't know. They are closer to us genetically than anything else, so those same traits that cause such in us may very well be in them.
The point is, just because there are any others doesn't discredit the fact that most species don't act this way. You'd think our so-called higher capabilities would advance us past those, but it doesn't. But then the fact that we are closely related to chimps is genetic proof that we are not on such a higher plain as we'd like to believe.
Are we more complex? Yes, I agree with you there. But I don't think that makes us more important than animals. Do you really believe in "genetic superiority"? That's a dangerous road.
All it does is make us more complex. I don't read anything into it beyond that.
Ron
says:
August 20th, 2009 at 3:57 am
Chimps do some randomly violent things. They are very aggressive in the wild, and they can bench press like 500 pounds.
Don't give me that "genetic superiority is a dangerous road" crap. I just pointed out above a way in which Chimps are superior to humans. It is not relevant to my point.
Which interests you more? The pyramids of Egypt or the Buddist statues of Bamyan? You may have found value in the Buddist statues of Bamyan, but if you are not more awestruck by the pyramids in Eygpt, you just don't comprehend what they represent. In the animal Kingdom, we are the pyramids of Egypt. We are naturally more complex and more of a mystery in regards to how we reached our current state of development.
This conversation has become way too in depth and off-topic. I value human life over the lives of animals, and I don't particularly care what PETA believes that makes me.
Nate Barlow
says:
August 20th, 2009 at 4:08 am
For the record, the pyramids interest me more. But a generalizing blanket statement like "if you are not more awestruck by the pyramids in Eygpt, you just don't comprehend what they represent" is a load of crap, along with being completely egotistical that your opinion is better than anybody else's. Wow. Who do you think you are?
I don't support PETA at all. I am a confirmed carnivore. Circle of life–animals would eat me, and I'll eat them.
Ron
says:
August 20th, 2009 at 10:49 pm
Anyone who is not a Buddist (or an ancient Egyptian pagan) and can look at the different structures objectively can piece together that the feat of building those pyramids is really in class all by itself. That is all I was pointing out.
I enjoyed the discussion and agree that PETA sucks.
Betting FBCC: Philadelphia Eagles » Home Page – Philadelphia Eagles says:
August 23rd, 2009 at 2:19 pm
[...] Michael Vick – An Eagles Fan’s Reponse A Philadelphia Eagles fan responds to the Michael Vick signing. [...]