Michael Vick, The Eagle

I'm perfectly cool with the penalty, reinstatement, and signing. Seems to me as if the NFL, Mike Vick, and the Eagles all handled this one fine, especially with the terms of the contract being revealed.

What irks me the most about the situation is this:

ESPN TALKING HEAD: This creates a quarterback controversy in Philadelphia, right?
FORMER HEAD COACH TURNED ANALYST: No.
TALKING HEAD: But it has to, right? There's clearly going to be a quarterback controversy here the second that McNabb throws his first interception, right?
FORMER HEAD COACH TURNED ANALYST: That's ridiculous.
TALKING HEAD: Is there any possible chance of a quarterback controversy? Let's say McNabb loses 10 games in a row. How about then?
FORMER HEAD COACH TURNED ANALYST: If Donovan McNabb was really, really bad... maybe.
TALKING HEAD: (turning toward camera) A potential quarterback controversy brewing in Philadelphia! Back to Josh and Hannah.

First off, let me say that I do not support what Michael Vick did and I certainly disapprove of dog fighting. I own two dogs and truly care for both of them.

That being said, I can completely understand why the Eagles signed Michael Vick, and I personally think it is a great signing by Philly.

Donovan McNabb is a quality QB, but he has been injury prone over the last few years, and it has cost them opportunities to go deep into the playoffs (Jeff Garcia excluded). With Vick as a backup, if McNabb gets injured, you still have a very good chance of winning games in McNabb’s absence.

Additionally, I think that if McNabb does not get injured, having Vick opens the opportunity for a lot of trick plays, and you could even go with a Wildcat formation from time to time. It opens up another part of the team’s playbook, and it could definitely be used to sway the momentum of a game.

I don’t think that the McNabb signing will have a huge impact on the Eagles merchandise. Yes, people will be upset with Vick’s actions, but I don’t think he is going to be a superstar in the NFL, and I don’t think that the Eagles will try to promote him as a superstar either. If Vick and his camp are smart, they’ll keep quiet throughout the season, and simply accept the role of being a support player for the team.

Every team in the NFL has a ridiculous line-up for season’s tickets, and I don’t think that that is going to drastically change for the Eagles just because they signed Michael Vick.

It’s professional sports. The vast majority of people simply care about what he does on the field rather than his actions off of the field. Winning is all that matters, and if Vick helps the team win, then the Eagles’ fans will be happy.

When pictures of Michael Phelps with a bong were published, the US National Team suspended him for 3 months, but then welcomed him back to their team. Why? Because he could help them win. I think that Vick is a similar case. It doesn’t justify or forgive what he has done, but to be surprised or disappointed that he was signed by an NFL team is foolish in my opinion.

This fiasco will exist for as long as the media wants to keep dwelling on it. I think we should all just put this whole thing to rest and let him get along with his life.

I was surprised by my initial feeling of anger and disgust when I saw this, but I am a big football fan and an even bigger supporter of keeping animals safe.

I might feel less anger about this opportunity for him to re-enter the game if he had done a convincing job of showing remorse. All I saw looked like "I'm sorry for getting caught, going to jail, losing my job & losing the money." I don't believe he understands what he did was wrong.

I think he could start repairing his image if he did community service at an animal shelter.

I also find it curious that they are having James Brown interview him on 60 Minutes. I hope he doesn't soft peddle this. I'll be watching...

I'm just glad I don't have to see him on the bench of a team I like watching every week!

I'm appalled and disgusted that the Eagles and Philadelphia would welcome him. We have enough problems already with dog fighting - we don't need this poor role model just because he plays good ball. Sign my petition if you agree. http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/eagles-fans-against-michael-vick

I am a proud pitbull owner. I believe that Michael Vick should die in the same way he killed his dogs. I have been an animal right activist for a very long time and my passion is my pitbull. I would have like to see his career destroyed and made an example out of. But I think the message the NFL just sent out was that it is ok to tortue and kill animals and you can still be a celebrity. I hate Michael Vick! and now I hate the Eagles, I cant wait to go to the Bear vs Eagles game with my pitbull shirts on!

He did the time. Lets see what happens. I hope he repented for his sins. I am an Eagles fan. I have been since my dad to me to my first game in 1960. Forgiveness is the key. He who is without sin cast the first stone. Lets see what happens. It is a sad fact that 90% of crimminals go back to the joint. Second I am not the owner of the Eagles nor am I God. I will hope for the best for both Vick and the Eagles. http://bobbygee.wordpress.com/

Yes, Vick did a horrible thing. Yes, according to the law, he served his time.

Like the original post mentioned, had he been a mechanic, had he been a regular blue collar worker, no one would be making this a big deal. I understand that he is a public figure and as such, subject to public criticism; but the NFL is his job. It happens to be a job that pays well, but does that mean he should be treated any differently than you or I?

The fact is, there was an employer willing to hire him. According to the law, he served his time. The NFL may still suspend him, but let's move on. Let the guy live his life.

Well, it's no secret that I'm the #1 Michael Vick hater lol...so I'm pretty annoyed with this. Plus, I grew up an Eagles fan, so this is really disappointing :(

On a side note, a no-kill shelter might start begin carrying the Michael Vick chew toy (http://www.vickdogchewtoy.com/) after discovering them via my blog post on my hatred for Vick (http://www.nicolevanscoten.com/dear-michael-vick-i-hate-you)...so I feel slightly successful haha...

Here's my thing. He did a terrible, horrible thing.

I think the NFL reinstating him is in line with how they operate.

Stallworth gets 24 days in jail for killing someone (DUI) but he is reinstated - don't think there was this much uproar.

The Eagles did approach his contract correctly - 1 year with an additional 1 year option. They are testing the waters. They might be praised for the move if it works out.

He did a thing that was cruel and just downright terrible. We can keep punishing him, or move on and let him keep repenting.

I'm disappointed that he'll get another chance to play professional football. It's ironic that he went from one team that I hate to the other one!