I just heard this news on TV and couldn't believe he landed in Philly. I'm sure there will be some unhappy fans.

Vick Signs

I love it! I can't think of a better match for someone like Vick.

You beat me to it phillyrunner.

...Uh-Oh! Joe start the disloyalty now.

Unbelievable? Hardly IMO.

Great pick-up! For a million bucks the Eagles have a proven QB who should be in the prime of his playing years (with a little conditioning). Solid insurance in the event that McNabb goes down - which has been the case in the past, as we know.

With regard to the criminal stuff - he "paid his dues to society", didn't he? Not sure of the stats, but my guess is that he spent more time in prison (or confined) for what was essentially a gambling operation than most people convicted of DUI vehicular manslaughter.

Good pts mdphl!

My initial reaction: What?

Back in 2006 he was a quarterback who could run and throw but wasn't really a great quarterback. He hasn't played since, and the Eagles' version of the West Coast offense is more complicated than anything he ever had in Atlanta. Between the rust and the system, the one thing he CAN'T do right now is play quarterback for the Eagles.

And you were WAY MORE CERTAIN that Charlie Manuel needed to be fired (I think that it was your screen name for a LONG time). Opinions are like as*holes - they are a dime a dozen.

"Lawd! Pleez don't let this thread become a 'personal-attack-fest'...I'm soooooo over it!"

CO SIGN!!!

The unbelievable part is that he landed in Philly. No one saw that coming, I bet not even you. I don't think he was signed as an insurance policy for McNabb, but rather, as a part of a wildcard offense Reid wants to try in what I believe is a last attempt for him and McNabb to win this year.

Actually, the cynic in me says that Jeff Lurie and Joe Banner are not happy with the Phillies taking so much attention away from their team. They needed something to put the focus back on the Eagles, and signing Vick did that whether good or bad.

I had a different response to this, but it's not worth it, so...

Whatever.

I doubt that the signing of Vick had anything more to do than the fact that the Eagles were able to sign a quality QB for almost "chicken feed". To suggest that the Eagles are looking for publicity or attention because the Phils are doing well is just crazy. The Phillies could win 5 straight titles...but Philly is and will always be a football town. Moreover, the Eagles don't need any gimmicks to pack the stands and/or increase TV ratings.

As to you JIP, well, your pontificating was finally silenced. You would be hard pressed to ever defend your vicious attacks on Charlie Manuel (you did, after all - change your screen name to "FIRE CHARLIE MANUEL NOW!") - the only coach/manager to lead a Philly team to a title in almost 20 years. Quiet now, please.[s]

I guess I've never heard of the gambling operation where when you lose you have your neck snapped, or get electocuted or suffer some other horrible death?
I think I could forgive and be able to accept Vick having a second chance if he had just been a third party or it had been an isolated case. But he admitted to personally killing and fighting dogs for years.
He's sorry he got caught that's it. Impossible to believe a person who could witness or participate in such disgusting cruelty would ever be sorry or change.

And no i don't think anyone that has killed another human being should be playing either. 2 wrongs do not make a right.

Okay, I guess I'll play after all.

I can very easily defend my opinion on Charlie Manuel. I didn't think he was a good manager. But he got the team to win, finally, so I respect the job he's done. Now all he has to do is win again at some point to prove it wasn't a fluke.



Well, if having someone disagree is a little too hurtful for you I guess you shouldn't expose yours.

Once the dust settles, it will be interesting to see what role Vick plays in the Eagles offense and how creative Reid will be in getting him involved on a weekly basis.

ESPN said this morning that he might be eligible to play in the 3rd game of the regular season. He woldn't be ready before then in any event.

Just . . . ugh. Although I believe that everyone deserves a second chance, I still don't think given what he did, he should EVER be allowed to play in the NFL again.

And it's not just because he did it to dogs, I personally feel that anyone who does anything of such a violent nature, should be banned from the league. Regardless of whether or not they are "sorry" or whatever.

Anyway, the Eagles obviously aren't afraid of the fan backlash, so, more power to them. But still, just ugh.

Still, not as disgusted as I was seeing all those "support Vick" T-shirts at that Falcons/Saints game that time. Yeesh.

Mdphl is right. The Eagles got a good deal out of this.

Mike Vick served his time and paid his debt. He deserves a second chance!
Vick on his second chance

Anyone think Tony Dungy would be "mentoring" Vick if he was still a head coach. Great publicity for his public speaking engagements and book sales.

Anyone else think we'd ever hear of Vick again if he was white?

Yes. But for entirely different reasons, I honestly think this whole thing would have gone down differently if he was white. I'm not sure whether or not he'd have ever played football again if he was, but we'd definitely have just as mich Vick thrown in our face simply for no other reason than that people love dogs.

You can beat your kids, your wife, some hooker down the road, or have that guy with those photos of you rubbed out discreetly, but you do NOT mess with dogs. It's a ridiculous line of thinking, but true nonetheless, people in this country will let you get away with ANYTHING, as long as it doesn't involved hurting dogs.


Black or White, Michael Vick would still be a go-to example for animal cruelty.

Curious what different reasons you think Tony Dungy would have if he was still head coach? So sick of the Dungy worship that goes on. Just watched sportscenter and they have Herm Edwards saying "If Tony approves etc etc. Also curious that they have 2 black commentators approving of Vick. I think it's a huge cultural thing. Dogfighting is accepted much more.

So tired of the argument about dogs vs humans. Give me an example of someone who did the kinds of things to humans that Vick did to dogs and isn't in jail for life or on death row. Claiming that human life is more precious then animals doesn't change how disgusting what Vick did. Can't think of anyone that killed multiple people in such ways as Vick personally killed dogs. Shot them, electrocuted them, drownings, he grabbed one dog by the leg and beat it's head into the ground. He did this for years!


If Vick was white, I say he never plays in NFL again. No "mentoring" by Tony Dungy. No Donovan McNabb coming to his side, etc

You're sounding like Rush Limbaugh to me. Come on. Vick was the highest paid player in the league before his fall. Of course there is all this media hoopla. Why do you haave to racialize it?

I do agree that this whole "Tony Dungy mentoring him" is just pure crap. Tony Dungy gets no love from me.

Never thought that I'd see TO pushed to the back pages....how about that.

Once Vick was reinstated, it was only a matter of time before someone took a flyer on him. There are 32 NFL teams and all it would take is one to say yes to a talented All-Pro NFL QB still in his 20's. I'm just somewhat surprised that it was Philadelphia that took him.....

While I believe that what he did was truly heinous, he did serve his time...for all those who feel he didn't serve enough time, stop whining and get the laws changed. In the meantime, the man has a right to earn a living. And frankly I'd rather see a guy with his record gainfully employed and under pretty strict supervision than roaming around unemployed and unsupervised.

And i agree with blueraider...really surprised it was the Eagles that took him...I figured they'd had enough of a high profile guy after TO.

Agreed George. As much as I'm an animal lover he served time according to our laws. I do have to say, however, that I'd love for Michael to commit some of his free time down the road to speak out against dog fighting. In fact, I'd go as far as to say that he should contribute part of his salary to such cause. Then I would really respect him. Actions would certainly speak louder than words.

Oh, & btw, I don't think his conviction was racially motivated. I could be wrong, but I certainly hope not!

Well I saw a neighbor taking pictures of her dog before walking it this morning..

I'm just saying...

Oh great! Just what we need. A kidnapping dog fightin promoter.

...Btw sil, was the dog a Pit Bull?

Warning! Warning!



Speaking of second chances...how about this guy?

Phillies' Chase Utley and his wife Jennifer are animal lovers, Jennifer does a lot of work with the SPCA here. Interestingly, the SPCA, according to Mrs. Utley, was NOT contacted by the Eagles prior to the Vick signing.

Oh boy! I think you're right Joe. The "circus" is about to break loose in Philly!

...Vick has LOTS of redemption to make up for, Oyyyyy! I'm willing to forgive [if it's genuine], but the public...

Warning! Warning!
Omigod...I knew it...you're the phanatic! Guess it's not easy being green! With envy or otherwise!!!

On a more serious note, why should the SPCA have been contacted? Vick served the sentence he was handed. There are no dogs on the field for him to harm. And he's a moron, if he does that again off the field!

Oh BBC! I am sooo disappointed in you! Why does anyone think a little prison time is going to totally change someone so lacking in any moral fiber.

I was slightly concerned when lowly Oakland didn't take him. They usually take the lowest of the outcasts. But, Vick is talented nonetheless and once again...football is a business. Again, I have no issue with it because as another poster said...he will be supervised greatly. Better to deal with the devil you know than the devil you don't in some circumstances. Can he rebuild his image? Sure. There will be some who never forgive him. I can forgive him but I can't forget. It takes a certain kind of person to do what he did to dogs. Thats how serial killers start their training and its also been known to occur with those who were physically or sexually abused as children. Whatever the case, I'm interested in seeing how it all unfolds. Many Philly fans are pissed, but jesus we are so fickle its like STFU!!! We are the most bipolar fans in the country.

It would've been smart public relations to contact local chapters of groups such as the SPCA. An organization at the national level isn't going to have the same knowledge of what's going on in a particular location. Also, regarding the SPCA specifically, why not try and get on the good side of Jennifer and Chase Utley? He's more popular in this city than Michael Vick will EVER be even if Vick scores a hundred touchdowns, and he and his wife both are advocates for animals. The Eagles could've gotten themselves allies to their cause -- if they're truly serious in wanting to help Michael Vick, and if Michael Vick is truly serious in wanting to be "part of the solution and not the problem."

Joe, perhaps you & other Philly fans could start a letter writing campaign to the Utley's suggesting that that would be a smart move by them, the SPCA, & Michael.

Greyhound. Salvaged from the racetracks, which are sort of like legalized animal abuse for massive profit.

This is her third one I think. Really nice dogs. All of them. And they seem so grateful to have such a restful retirement.

I'm all for forgiveness. And I don't put animals on the same level as humans. But I'd like to see Vick own a pet and learn to raise that - with proper monitoring of course. Sort of a managed probation. If the animal approves of its treatment after a couple of months then Vick could begin playing with the humans.

1. "Smart public relations"

No, this was a business decision that the owners/management knew would be unpopular with organizations such as the SPCA. The good public relations had Vick speak. It will continue by having him get involved with some local charity on his own.

2. "Why not try and get on the good side of Jennifer and Chase Utley?"

From the perspective of the Eagles, who cares about them? He's a baseball player with a vocal wife. And as for popularity contests, Vick will become the local hero, if he wins a championship for his team.

3. "If they're truly serious in wanting to help Michael Vick, and if Michael Vick is truly serious in wanting to be "part of the solution and not the problem."

Oh, please! The man served his sentence. We do not punish people for the rest of their lives after they have served what was handed to them. He has a right to earn a living. Stop screaming NIMBY!

I have the feeling that the Eagles wouldn't want anything to do with the Phillies, they like to do things their own stubborn way. They still want to be seen as top "dog" in this town, no pun intended.

I hope the sick bastard gets the stuffing kicked out of him all season long, regardless of whether he plays or not.

I'm just relieved he's not a Dallas Cowboy....I can only imagine what that hater's frenzy would have looked like. Whew!

The Eagles DID reach out to some organizations, including the Humane Society, on the national level. So obviously they're concerned with public relations. They just don't know how to go about it effectively.



Again, Utley and the Phillies right now are MUCH MORE POPULAR than the Eagles. They did something last year the Eagles, despite boasting about being the "gold standard" for NFL franchises, haven't done in 40 years. And Vick will NEVER become the local hero even if the Eagles win the Super Bowl (which they probably won't) because there are enough people who will NEVER forgive him, and because he won't (in my view) play a key role at any rate.



Who's talking about punishing him? He has a right to earn a living. He has a right to play in the NFL.

But the fact is, this is a bad football decision for the Eagles. His lifetime QB rating is 75.7. He hasn't shown any ability to succeed in a structured system requiring a lot of passing. So it's not like he's going to take McNabb's job away (barring injury).

If Vick is on the roster as a backup QB he'll have to be named #2 because the #3 QB can't enter a game until the 4th quarter unless the other QBs get hurt. That means Vick can't play in the Wildcat formation if he's the #3 QB. And if they activate all 3, that means one less player on special teams. Or if they list Vick as a WR or RB on the roster, that means one less backup at those positions.

There's talk about how Vick can line up as a receiver or running back as a "weapon." They were all concerned because #1 draft pick Jeremy Maclin, an actual receiver, wasn't in camp right away because he was unsigned and thus would have trouble learning the system. How is Vick, having never been a WR, supposed to learn the West Coast offense the Eagles run and learn to run the precise routes required by that offense? And a key for running backs in the Eagles' system is learning to pick up the blitz. They've tried a number of running backs to complement Westbrook who have failed for that very reason. Does anyone expect Vick to learn to block a blitzing defender?

No matter what the Eagles and others think, there is not much upside to this signing. Certainly it doesn't outweigh the negative baggage.

Who cares about the popularity of the baseball team? We're talking about football, here! Besides, no one sport has a lock on the position of keeper of the city's morals, if, indeed, any do! As for forgiveness, it is obvious that you won't, despite your protests of judging Vick by his football ratings! If Vick can't perform, he'll be gone soon enough! But much of this moral outrage comes from a clear consensus that cruelty to animals is wrong. Vick has been punished enough. It might be better to protest the light sentences meted out to other NFL players convicted of killing people due to drunk driving, yet are still in the league.

Pretty good 60 Minutes interview with Michael Vick last night. It explained a bit more about his involvement in dog fighting considering his early exposure to it as a child and the men around him condoning it. He even said police officers would get out, see it, and then get back in their cars and drive away. Still doesn't condone what he did, but better helps me understand his psychology a little bit. I still don't condone what he did, but at least this is a good chance for the Humane Society to get this issue to the forefront and use Michael Vick however they need to in bringing awareness.

As for dogfighting as a "rush" for people as James Brown was inquiring about last night? Guess its just another thing I am not going to be able to understand. I know we all have different brain chemistry but what rush do you get out of these poor dogs being torn apart and having to suffer after a match that Brown said could last as little as 30 minutes or as much as 3 hours. Poor doggies. But, I grew up with dogs since I was a kid and could never even think of being cruel to them in any way. If it were just the dogfighting itself I think I'd still be upset, but its moreso the electrocuting, drowning, and shooting of the dogs. How do you bring yourself to hold a dog under water until it stops struggling? Ugh...I'm gettin upset just imagining that. I have cried more when my dogs have died then at some of my own relatives funerals. I just can't understand it but know that its something that is not just Michael Vick doing. Fortunately, he got caught and is now the poster child for this. Like the Humane Society president said...this better not be a flash in the pan for Vick. I expect him to be involved in community work and spreading the word that dogfighting and animal cruelty period is wrong, illegal, immoral, etc, etc, etc.

mdterp, I would imagine that Michael's agent has all kinds of mea culpa appearances lined up in order for the public to become somewhat less judgmental. That said, yeah like I posted earlier I hope that he becomes active w/ some type of animal rights organization & contributes $$$ to them on a yearly basis. We'll just have to wait & see.

I'm sorry I do not believe that someone capable of such cruelty is reformable. I'm just not buying it.

I never give up on people, even members of the NRA. But Vicks problem can't be solved by just saying all "the right things" in public.

He would benefit more from simply owning a pet and learning to care for and about it.

Owning a pet has been shown to be therapeutic for the mentally disturbed, the lonely elderly and problematic children; not to mention the useful functions performed by such animals as seeing eye dogs.

Prisoners have even been helped by learning to care for a helpless creature.

The good fans of the Eagles should ban together and offer to choose one for him. It would do more for his restitution and public image than practiced lectures and repeated mea culpas.

Personally I like beagles. We had them as hunting dogs but they were also great as cheery companions.

Yes, buy the bastard a dog and see if he has come up with a whole new way to torture it.

Sheesh, calm down eddie.

Note I was careful to say that fans should offer to "choose" a pet for him not "buy" him one. I think he can afford it.

But he may not have much experience at choosing one.

Maybe a pet rock.

Look I totally understand Eddie's feelings. There are some people who will never forgive Michael Vick and those who believe that someone who does something like that can't be rehabilitated. I mean what he did to those dogs....ALL OF THOSE DOGS (not like it was just 1 or 2) was HORRIBLE. I won't go that far to say he can't be rehabbed. His actions just need to speak louder than his words. Its definitely a teachable moment for people who never realized the magnitude of the dogfighting business in this country.

My problem is that his main focus, based on what's been in the news since his release, has been getting back into the NFL. Is he really interested in helping stop animal cruelty and being a better role model for the community? He gave a speech somewhere. That's all he's done that I'm aware of. And if it was filled with the same talking points he used in his press conference and 60 Minutes interview, then he's still coming off as rehearsed by some PR guru.

Has he done any volunteer work at an animal shelter yet? Has he tried to raise money (for rescuing abused animals or similar programs) from his wealthy NFL friends (since Vick himself is trying to get back on his feet financially)? Actions speak louder than words.

The Best Friends Animal Society took in 22 of Vick's dogs. The beginning of their official statement says it better than I can:

“Michael Vick has served his time and satisfied the requirements of our legal system. But if he is truly as remorseful as he claims, then he must know in his heart that what he did cannot be undone. In fact, the only true expression of remorse that he could possibly make would be to dedicate the rest of his life to relieving the suffering of animals and helping to bring all dogfighting to an end.

“This being said, Best Friends feels that perhaps the cart is being placed before the horse. Wouldn’t it have been better if, before he was given the privilege of returning to the NFL, he had spent at least one year working for the good of animals? He could have worked as a shelter volunteer, visited community centers, and delivered messages to at-risk children, totally free from the glare of the pro football spotlight. Surely this act of dedication would help us see what truly is in his heart.

“As it is, we’re left to wonder if his expression of repentance is genuine or just part of a well-orchestrated plan to return him to multi-million-dollar, sports megastar status..."