Michael Vick Returns to Pro Football: Signed by Philadelphia Eagles

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| Print | By Jo Singer | August 17, 2009 12:21 PM

Michael Vick has been given a second chance and opportunity to carry the pigskin to victory. Many of his fans will be thrilled that Vick is "back in the saddle" and will be seen on TV screens around the country and by his fans attending the games.

This said, I am not one of the folks who are excited about his reinstatement to professional football, and in fact, am concerned that a message is being sent to young people in particular, that animal abuse is no big deal.

Pending approval by National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell, Michael Vick, who was released from Federal prison in Leavenworth, Kansas in May, could play for the Philadelphia Eagles' two final pre-season games and join the team by the sixth week of the football season, in October. Vick was offered a two-year contract, to play as back-up Quarterback. It was reported that Vick will receive $1.6 million for his first year, with a second year-option worth $5.2 million. Vick can also boost his earning potential with an additional $3 million in "incentives" over the two years of his contract, as reported to Len Pasquarelli of ESPN.com.

While the Eagles owner, Jeffrey Lurie, a passionate dog lover himself, said his decision to contract Vick was not taken lightly and was difficult to make. He said, "The question eventually I had to ask is, going forward, is Michael going to be a negative force in society the way he's been? Is he going to be responsible for pain, suffering, disappointment, disloyalty, criminal behavior? Or is he going to have an opportunity and be committed enough to become a force for good?" Read more of Lurie's moving statement upon hiring Vick for his two year contract by visiting: http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/

Meryl, a Pitbull terrier rescued from BadNewz Kennel, learning agility training as part of
her rehabilitation program.
17-Meryl Pitbull rescued from Bad Newz Kennel.jpg However, there are many animal loving Eagles' fans are not quite so enthusiastic about Lurie's decision. Within 24 hours of the announcement, a group appeared on Facebook, "Eagles Fans against Vick" with hundreds of members contributing their disappointment, along with other messages protesting Vick's return to professional football circulating on the Internet.

A lifelong Eagle's fan, Tilton Tighe, upon learning that Vick had been hired by the Eagles, told the "New York Times", "I cried. Now I have to hate the Eagles. Now I don't have a team to root for anymore. There's no possible way I could ever root for them again. It makes me sick."In a statement issued by Hot Dog Collars, an online pet store specializing in sport's oriented pet items, announced that they had already discontinued sales of any Eagle's theme pet products. In fact, their webpage that featured Eagle's paraphernalia has been reconfigured for people to instead donate to the Philadelphia S.P.C.A.

Donna Reynolds, The co-founder of the BAD RAP rescue group that played a huge part in the rehabilitation and re-homing of many of the Pit Bulls rescued from the BAD NEWZ kennel posted a blog message of sympathy to the dog rescuers in Philadelphia. She wrote, "My heart sank for Philly when I heard the news of Vick signing with the Eagles. I can only imagine some animal workers may be so utterly discouraged that they throw their hands in the air and leave the city that has decided to embrace a man who laughed . . . laughed . . . while dogs were crying out in pain."

Vick, perhaps in response to the outrage expressed by animal lovers learning of his contract with the Eagles, stated in a press conference, "Having committed an act that was cruel and unethical and inhumane, I understand to a certain degree. Our country is a country of second chances. I paid my debt to society." Apparently the president of the Humane Society of the United States, Wayne Pacelle, agreed with him.

Watch the video uploaded to YouTube by The Karate Kid II, of a press conference which launched Vick's "Please Don't Pelt Me with Objects" tour.

What are your opinions about the Eagles' decision to hire Vick? Please share by leaving a comment.

RELATED TOPICS: Abuse (24) , Blogs (262) , Cruelty (23) , Dogs (66) , Law (25) , Pit Bull (5)

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Vicki August 17, 2009 1:39 PM

I could not get the video to play but I do have an opinion about Vick. I do hope he has changed and is sorry for the horrible things he did. Whether he has served enough time for his crime is in my opinion a big question. However, as much as I disapprove of how little his punishment was, I don't know if it should indeed be tied in with his career, no matter what career he is in. I have a personal reason for my feelings, and know how hard it is for anyone who has served time to get employment whether you are a professional athlete, or a hot dog vender.

Janis August 17, 2009 2:20 PM

I have to agree with Vicki. :-)

jmuhj August 17, 2009 2:55 PM

I also agree with Vicki, though in all honesty I have to say I feel somewhat hypocritical and conflicted. I do not like dogs (that's an understatement) but I oppose cruelty to ANY living being. That said, if he had done these things to members of another species, I'd be out for blood. So, I'm conflicted. But yes, I believe he should be given a chance to redeem himself and, what's more important, use his name, his influence, and his star power to do GOOD for animals. Let's see what he can do.

Reno August 17, 2009 3:09 PM

I am outraged, and, apparently, so are alot of Eagles fans. I listen to a country radio station out of PA and I have heard on that station that alot of Eagles fans are leaving the team to support the Steelers......good for them in taking a stand against animal cruelty and thumbs down to the NFL for letting Vick back in and to the Eagles for signing him.

Diana August 17, 2009 3:40 PM

I want Michael Vick earning a living and paying taxes.

Amy August 17, 2009 4:36 PM

I watched the "interview" with Michael Vick and in my humble opinion I saw no remorse in his eyes, or his speech. Lets put this in some prospective. It was like he was programed to say certain things and avoid or change the subject.
One he probably was kept in segregation from the other prisoners for his own safety. He probably didn't eat the same meals as the other prisoners. He said he cried a couple times while in prison, and that proves what? How many dogs cried before they died at his hands? Sure he lost a $35 million dollar contract, but lets face it the money wasn't in his hands to begin with. It was to earned over the life of the contract which he did not fill. So what if he filed for bankrupcy, he brought this upon his self.
I am all for this man to try and redeem himself, but in my eyes his abuse of animals will be his legacy not his wonderful football career.

Margie August 20, 2009 12:46 AM

I have a very negative attitude i'm afraid. Vick knew what he was doing was illegal in the first place. Secondly he took pleasure in torturing and killing those dogs. He enjoyed it. Professional football players are idolized by many people, young and old alike. What message is this sending out to kids? Is this the kind of person I would want my children to emulate? Or are my standards too high? Obviously the Philadephia Eagles have lower expectations of their players.

Barbara Evaans January 20, 2010 9:33 AM

Flag

Vick is not remorseful about his dog fighting. He is sorry it cost him a lot of money. The only good thing that came out of this was that the average American, including myself, was unaware of the dog fighting issue. When the spot light was turned on the industry people everywhere were sickened. How could Mr Lurie, a professed dog lover sign Vick - easy income potential. He put this monster in a position where children can look up to him when they should be looking down on him instead.

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