We’re Betting On Vick
We probably would have impartially observed the whole Michael Vick saga were it not for a visit our founding editor paid earlier this year to Dutch Fork High School in Irmo, S.C.
And no, he wasn’t holding quarterback drills for the Silver Fox football team … (there are actually laws against getting high school cheerleaders that hot and bothered, people).
Sic was visiting with Kelly Payne’s “It Kids,” and he was put on the spot regarding his thoughts on Vick, the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback whose seedy involvement in the despicable underworld of dog-fighting earned him a two-year trip to the federal pen and the unmitigated scorn of millions of Americans.
Vick signed a contract earlier this week with the Philadelphia Eagles, which understandably spawned torrents of outrage and numerous protests – and all that’s before he even steps onto the field, a lush, green place he formerly electrified but may never see again if he steps out of line so much as an inch.
As an inevitable flip side to the protests against his signing, video game manufactures hustled to get Vick back “in the game,” a sign that his star power hasn’t dissipated completely. We’re also sure there will be a cottage industry cropping up any day now for “Ron Mexico #7 Philadelphia Eagles Jerseys,” a nod to Vick’s infamous alias.
What do we think about Vick’s return to the NFL?
Like we said to the kids at Dutch Fork, we’re all for it. America is about second chances – and forgiveness. Or at least it should be.
“I know I’ve done some terrible things, made a horrible mistake,” Vick said. “Now I want to be part of the solution and not the problem.”
With his time served and the appropriate safeguards in place, Vick now has his second chance … and has it on a silver platter worth $1.6 million this year and $5.2 million next year if he stays out of trouble and shows the Eagles something. None of that money is guaranteed, either, which means the Eagles have nothing to lose and everything to gain … while a debt-plagued Vick has everything to lose if he screws it up.
Let’s hope he doesn’t …
Comments
By old bike dude on August 16th, 2009 at 9:16 am
I couldn’t believe that the Dallas Cowboys (aka Halfway House of the NFC) didn’t sign Vick. Now they will have to face him as he suits up for Philly.
Early prediction is that if McNabb can control his own ego then Vick will complement the offense to the point of taking the Eagles to the NFC title game or beyond. The Eagles have an opportunity for an unbelievable “option” system. Vick in the backfield, on the wing, or wide will always be a threat to either run or pass and do so very very well.
By Trey on August 16th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
Will, it really looks bad that the only public school in SC that you can talk about is nearly all white and 85% affluent. Don’t be so “white bread” and see if you can find some black kids doing something significant in SC’s public schools. Give us a break on this Dutch Fork elitism.
By Richard on August 16th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
Glad to see the Eagles throw Vick a bone. Hope Vick understands he will be kept on a short leash.
By daryl on August 16th, 2009 at 5:37 pm
I’m happy for Vick. He’s paid his dues to society. I hope he excels off and on the field. Rapists and child molestors have been given lighter sentences than Vick.
By Mike on August 16th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
I want even watch the NFL anymore. I might check the paper to see if the Panthers win or loose but I dont like to support thugs and criminals making millions. Clean it up or count me out
By Cooter Brown on August 17th, 2009 at 6:22 am
Trey-
Ye is the werst kinda racist dey is– ye think dat black folks need white folks to make it. Kids is kids, ain’t day?
Reckon dat if’n Mista Willie has to go a lookin’ fer “black kids doing something significant in SC’s public schools” ye think its somethin ye caint find at Dutch Fork, or aniewheres else fer that matta, wit-out some effort. What’s da deal wit folks lik’ you?
Stop whinnin’ an’ dividin’ fols from folks based on the shade of day skin. Stop degradin da white kids on account dat dey is doin’ sum good thangs. Stop accusing Mista WIllie ov doin’ somethin’ wrong when heeze not (at least in dis here case).
Yer Momma shoulda taught ye bedder dan dat!
CB
By COURTNEY on August 17th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
AND AT LEAST HALF OF THAT SALARY SHOULD GO TO PETA AND ASPCA ETC..ONCE A DOG, ALWAYS A DOG !
By Mr. Bojangles on August 23rd, 2009 at 10:38 pm
I don’t understand the rancor against Vick. Vick did do a very bad thing. Yes, dogfights are very bad and sadistic and evil. He should be ashamed for having done that. There are 2 things people are missing. 1: if you saw the slaughterhouse workers with KFC in WV and the hogfarm workers that supply sausage and ham to restaurants, you would see that Vick is only a high-profile baddy. The workers there are just as bad. 2: sadists like Gonezo and the torture-boys who caused so much needless pain in secret and not-so-secret prisons are being paid plenty to come and run their yaps to dumb, conservative audiences. Torture is okay with them, but not a dogfight. Enjoy your chicken.