michael vick creates jobs

So the news today is Michael Vick became the only player in NFL history to sign a second $100 million contract when he did so with the Eagles. Under the terms of the deal, Vick will receive $40 million guaranteed as part of the six-year contract.

I've always been a fan of Vick. He has made some horrible mistakes but he has also paid dearly for those mistakes. America loves a good redemption story and fell further and faster nor rose higher as quickly as Michael Vick has over the past few years. The Michael Vick experience has truly been a roller coaster ride just as his famous commercial for Nike years ago oddly prophesied.

But I, for one, am glad to see him make good on his massive amounts of talent and realize the potential that an athlete and a quarterback can have for an NFL franchise. I'll be rooting for him to play well this year and lead the Eagles deep into the playoffs. And the only people happier than those named Vick and me are his creditors. It's payday, baby! If there's anything we know about Michael Vick and money, it's that he likes to spend it. He's a job creating machine! Michael Vick for President, anyone?



Check out Dan Graziano's post for ESPN on the marriage between Vick and Eagles for more insight.

my vick in a box

I thoroughly underestimated just how people are all about these dogs.

People just refuse to get over what Michael Vick did. No where is this more in evidence than in Philly where the headlines read "HIDE YOUR DOGS." No, for real. Check it out.

Look. What Vick did was despicable, deplorable, detestable, but it is not unforgivable. The man did two years in prison for his crimes. If we have any faith in our judicial system at all, we have to give this a guy a second chance. Let this man get a job and do his work.

Besides, does anyone out there think that Michael Vick will be fighting dogs again? Hell no. Now does he love dogs like PETA love dogs? No and he never will. But he doesn't want to do two more years in prison so he will not be repeating his mistakes.

And, Philly fan. Get over yourself. Philly fan cheered as Michael Irvin lie motionless on the ground after a very dangerous hit. Philly fan threw snowballs at Santa Claus. If anyone does not deserve a second chance, it's Philly fan.

Luckily, Michael Vick has some good people around him now. Tony Dungy is the best guy in the NFL ever. Without a doubt. No one is more respected or a better influence on players than Dungy. As long as Vick listens to his advice, he'll be fine. Andy Reid is a guy who understands the value of second chance with his sons getting themselves in trouble very publicly and needed second and third chances themselves.

Do I think Vick is the same guy he was before he went away? No. But MV7 will always be an electric presence on the football field because of his skill set and what he can bring to quarterback position. I just hope he draws a few less headlines off the field throughout the rest of his career.

panthers back on the vick train?

The neverending saga of the potential Michael Vick signing continues to spin on this week making a stop in Charlotte as a Charlotte Observer blog reports that Panthers coach John Fox said:

"As I said before, you always keep all options open. I wouldn't say that's something we're heavily involved with. I hate ruling out anything. It's all a possibility.

"I don't think much about it. We're ever changing. I don't think it's high on the radar, but I don't like to eliminate anything.

"I haven't seen Michael Vick since the '05 Pro Bowl. I don't know what kind of condition he's in. You'll have to ask the people who worked him out."

This is not a good call for the Panthers. Yes, Michael Vick is a weapon unlike any other if he can get back to previous form. Yes, he has consistently shredded the Panthers during his career.

However, after giving Delhomme crazy amounts of jack this offseason, the last thing you need is a backup QB who the fans come calling for when the next 6 INT meltdown happens. The only thing screaming louder than PETA after the Vick signing would be the fans calling for Delhomme's job after the next time he goes with his best Brett Favre impression.

suspension for vick would be double jeopardy

As you guys know, I am a Michael Vick fan. Always have been. Always will be. Did he do something criminal and heinous? Yes. Did he deserve punishment? Of course. But he didn't kill a person. (cough, cough Donte Stallworth) He has paid a huge price for his actions - his money, his reputation, his freedom, his "next big thing" status - a price I believe to be too high already. It is time to let him back into society and into the NFL.

In his column for the Kansas City Star, Jason Whitlock argues that suspending Vick feels like double jeopardy. I agree.

Goodell shouldn't punish Vick
By Jason Whitlock
Kansas City Star

It feels like double jeopardy.

Michael Vick spent more than a year in prison for financing an illegal dog-fighting operation. He lost a fortune, a career as a franchise quarterback and his reputation.

Now that he’s paid a rather sizeable debt to society, why impose a suspension upon his return to the NFL?

I don’t get it. It seems unfair that commissioner Roger Goodell is ready to suspend Vick for two to six games (according to ESPN) at the beginning of the 2009 season. Let the man rejoin society.

I’m not a Michael Vick fan or supporter. I don’t see him as some sort of tragic victim of a racist criminal justice system. Arrogance and ignorance placed Vick behind bars. He underachieved as an NFL quarterback primarily because he wasn’t mature enough to prepare and carry himself like a pro.

And, quite honestly, I won’t be surprised if Vick once again spectacularly collides with public stupidity. My belief is there are too many people ready to tell him he did nothing wrong.

But it’s still America, and Vick deserves an unimpeded second chance. He’s been punished more than enough. Additional punishment isn’t going to make Vick anymore logical or mature.

At this moment, forgiveness and acceptance would help Vick more than Goodell playing the role of irate parent.

We make re-entry into the mainstream too difficult for ex-cons. We act like incarceration isn’t enough. It is, especially in the case of Michael Vick. ...

Click here for the full article from the Kansas City Star...