Philadelphia Eagles Sign Michael Vick

[cottonzway]

I know the Paracast isn't exactly a sports mecca, but I thought this was newsworthy. I am a life-long Eagles fan and I cannot express the disgust and shame I feel right now knowing they signed this fucking DOG MURDERER is now a member of my team. I am totally ashamed.

Reason #1 for me to be disgusted by this....

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4397938

Quarterback Michael Vick has signed a two-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, his agent, Joel Segal, confirmed to ESPN.com.

Vick King Of First Down

During the first years of his career (2004-06), Michael Vick rushed the ball better than any other quarterback. He had six 100-yard rushing games and 102 10-plus yard runs, but he was also one of the top rushers amongst all players -- especially on first down.
<TABLE><THEAD><TR><TH>Player</TH><TH>Team</TH><TH>Yds/carry on 1st down</TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD>Michael Vick</TD><TD>ATL</TD><TD>7.6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Frank Gore</TD><TD>SF</TD><TD>5.3</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Tiki Barber</TD><TD>NYG</TD><TD>5.2</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Mewelde Moore</TD><TD>MIN</TD><TD>5.0</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Joseph Addai</TD><TD>IND</TD><TD>4.9
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>



Vick arrived in Philadelphia Tuesday morning and remained there Wednesday evening. The Eagles will hold a news conference on Friday morning to announce his signing. The first year of the deal is for $1.6 million deal with an option for the second year at $5.2 million, FoxSports.com reports.

The Eagles went to the playoffs last season under quarterback Donovan McNabb, and are still looking for their elusive first Super Bowl win.
The team, though, is a surprise landing point for Vick. It was among 26 clubs that said there was no interest in Vick, but that may have changed when backup Kevin Kolb strained a knee ligament earlier this week. Kolb's injury isn't serious and he's expected to return next week. The Eagles also have veteran A.J. Feeley.

Vick was the No. 1 draft pick in 2001, and once the highest-paid player in football. But he has not played since 2006 when his career came tumbling down. He was convicted in August 2007 of conspiracy and running a dogfighting operation, sentenced to 23 months in federal prison and suspended indefinitely by the NFL.

But after serving his time and being released from home confinement July 20, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell conditionally lifted Vick's suspension, allowing him to sign with a team.

Vick can immediately take part in preseason practices, workouts and meetings and can play in the final two preseason games.
Once the season begins, Vick may participate in all team activities except games, and Goodell said he would consider Vick for full reinstatement by Week 6 (Oct. 18-19) at the latest.

Vick filed for bankruptcy protection last July, listing assets of about $16 million and debts of more than $20 million.
Vick pleaded guilty after his three co-defendants had already done so. They told of how Vick participated in the killing of dogs that didn't perform well in test fights by shooting, hanging, drowning or slamming them to the ground.

Vick's appearances at federal court in Richmond, Va., prompted large groups of protesters to gather outside. Many were with PETA and held signs depicting photographs of pit bulls ravaged in dogfights.
Still, there were supporters who wore his No. 7 jersey.
The Eagles travel to meet Vick's former team, the Atlanta Falcons, in Week 13 on Dec. 6.

 

[Qojan]

Yes I saw that. He did serve his time. I hope he can get his life together and maybe oneday make up for what he did.

 

[Xylo]

Being a fan of dogs in general, and having one myself, as well as having a buddy who adopted a pittie from SW VA, my thoughts on Vick aren't really family friendly. My heart doesn't want Vick to be a "sports hero" any more.

Having said that, Vick did do his time, and he deserves a chance to right his wrongs. I hope that all the opposing linemen and linebackers make him realize that he has to earn his way back...bruise by bruise.

 

[Ron Collins]

I wonder how this will sit with McNabb????

 

[jpw.in.wi]

I am a life-long Eagles fan and I cannot express the disgust and shame I feel right now knowing they signed this fucking DOG MURDERER is now a member of my team. I am totally ashamed.

For those who want to give him the benefit of the doubt, that he's served his time and he deserves a chance to start over, you should be commended for your magnanimity, but get ready to be disappointed.

I hate to say it, but these types are sorry about only one thing: getting caught. If anything, he's coming out of prison with new criminal connections, perhaps new and different off-the-field "appetites," and a much stronger motivation to do a better job of NOT getting caught next time.

One more thing ... I can't help myself ... remember, it's never too late to become a Packers fan!!!

 

[cottonzway]

Bottom line is this piece of shit murdered innocent dogs in cold blood. I can never accept him on my "team" or respect him. He offends me as a human being.

 

[Bent Faith]

Vick literally makes me sick. I am such a dog lover.

 

[Siani]

I really don't think this man deserves to have a sporting career, not after his involvement in such vile dog abuse. I'm a dog owner, and do voluntary work with the RSPCA here in the UK, so I have NO time for him, or anyone else involved with dog fighting, or any other form of animal cruelty.

BTW, some of the dogs rescued from Vick and his dog-fighting ring, have gone on to enjoy happy lives:

http://vickdogsblog.blogspot.com/

 

[Astroboy]

Man shoots dog. He goes to prison.

Woman shoots moose. She runs for Vice-President.

California votes to give chickens more space in farms.

California votes against Gays getting married.

 

[Ron Collins]

One more thing ... I can't help myself ... remember, it's never too late to become a Packers fan!!!

That was NICE!