Eagles sign Michael Vick
One of the most compelling sagas of the entire summer in the world of sports re-emerged yet again Thursday when the Philadelphia Eagles announced that they had signed Michael Vick, arguably the most controversial figure in the NFL today. Coming off a 23-month sentence for financing and participating in an illegal dogfighting ring known as the Bad Newz Kennels, Vick was left without his former job, and without much support from the public eye.
However, after much anticipation, it happened. Despite all the protests from groups such as PETA, despite the outcry from so many sportswriters and bloggers to ban him from football, despite the public calling for his banishment from not only the game that has given this man so much, but from society altogether, Vick found a professional football team to which he can hopefully start to rebuild what he had just two years ago.
Two years ago, Vick was the shining star in the NFL. He was one of its highest paid players of all-time. He was endorsed by Nike. He was a prototypical quarterback that seemed to change the way the game was played every season. He was a role model to so many children and adults alike. But then, his mistakes began to catch up to him. His involvement in dogfighting, which he denied at first, began to surface. Informants began to speak out against the heralded Atlanta superstar. And soon enough, Vick found himself pleading guilty for his association with the Bad Newz Kennels.
And while his crimes are unspeakable, horrific, and almost unforgivable, they must indeed be forgiven. They must be forgotten. And just like any other criminal who serves his time in one of the worst places to be on the planet, Michael Vick must be allowed to get back up on his feet, the feet that dazzled so many fans for so long, and try to regain a portion of what he once was.
Michael Vick's punishment for what he did does not end with the 23-month sentence levied by the Federal Court system. He will pay for this for the rest of his life. Two years ago, Vick was a man who was adored and cheered and he walked down the streets of Atlanta. Now, wherever he goes, people boo. People jeer. People criticize. Vick has been forced to file bankruptcy not just because of his time served in prison, but because of shady business deals, deals that were not entirely his fault, that fell apart when he entered the penitentiary in Leavenworth, KS.
Imagine the rest of your life and how people saw you was based off the worst mistake you ever made. Unfortunately, that is what Michael Vick's life will be. The Eagles have given him a chance, and it is clear that he is taking this chance with the upmost responsibility, and he is going to do it with one of the greatest mentors in professional football; Tony Dungy. I expect Vick will show greatness again not just on the field, but off it as well this time.
Posted by The NEWBO report at 8/15/2009 8:55 PM 
Categories: NFL
Tags: Vick Football Michael Sports Falcons Eagles NFL
Categories: NFL
Tags: Vick Football Michael Sports Falcons Eagles NFL
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