Vick Makes Return To Atlanta!

Michael Vick took another step in his comeback when he returned with his present team, the Philadelphia Eagles to play his former team, the Atlanta Falcons yesterday. Prior to the game Vick met with Falcons owner Arthur Blank and former teammates, and was able to make an impact within the game by running and passing for touchdowns. The crowd reception was mixed, but Vick handled himself in a dignified manner as the Eagles crushed the Falcons 34-7.

Vick A Polarizing Figure In Philly

If Michael Vick thought that he was a polarizing figure in Atlanta, his signing with the Philadelphia Eagles has set off a firestorm of controversy and judgement from fans of the team. The The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that fans are passionate in their support or opposition of the move. Dissenting opinions include the following:

"When I heard it," said Bill Fey, who is active in Gloucester County politics, "I nearly drove off the road. . . . How can you sign a guy who hangs dogs from a tree and shocks them?"

It's amazing to me that fans in Philadelphia forget that they support a team that represents a city with the nickname "Kiladelphia". I can in no way condone what Michael Vick has done, but America is supposed to be country of second chances. How about letting Vick succeed or fail in his return to the NFL on his own merits.

Michael Vick "60 Minutes" Clip!

This is a clip of Michael Vick's appearance on "60 Minutes" tomorrow. The interview with James Brown was initially highly anticipated, but since Vick has now signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, and even practices today, it's all anti climatic. The clip does reveal Vick to be a more humble man, but only time will tell if the humility is real.

Vick Signs 2 Year Deal With Eagles!

Michael Vick has been given a second chance at a career in the NFL with an unlikely ally, the Philadelphia Eagles, who already have an established quarterback in Donovan McNabb. The logic behind this makes plenty of sense. The Eagles are a well established team with a solid management team, and very experienced coach in Andy Reid who has coached in 5 NFC Championship games and a Super Bowl.

While many would want to stir up controversy between Vick and Donovan McNabb, Vick got in trouble in the first place because lack of solid mentoring. Who better to mentor Vick than arguably the greatest black quarterback ever in Donovan McNabb. McNabb has benefited from a solid upbringing, and while he may have plenty of critics in Philly over the years, his national profile is as solid as any quarterback in the league. McNabb lobbied for this signing and gave his blessing to it, and will do his best to help Vick reestablish his life first and football career second.

Remorse Would Be A Good Look For Vick!

I found this interesting post from ProFootballTalk in which Michael Vick made the following statement to a basketball camp in Hampton, VA on Tuesday "allowed someone who didn't have my best interests at heart to take all that away from me." Vick appears not to be taking responsibility for getting himself into the dog fighting mess, or maybe too much is being perceived by the statement. Surely Vick has gone through all types of emotions while essentially losing everything. He's getting an opportunity for a second chance, so hopefully he can let go of the past and move on to a potentially productive future.

Is Vick Video Really Post Prison?

This is a video of Michael Vick and Young Jeezy that was posted on YouTube on August 7th. Vick is seen with Jeezy and a few buddies just hangin' out in the street. It's hard to believe that Vick would allow himself to be filmed in any environment that would cause alarm to would be employers. View and judge for yourselves!

Michael Vick To Attend Humane Society Event!

The Atlanta Constitution reports that recently reinstated NFL quarterback Michael Vick will be attending a Humane Society Event in Atlanta this weekend. Vick, who has yet to be signed by a team since his reinstatement, hopefully is on his way back to showing prospective employers that he's a changed man. If he does attend this event, it will definitely be a step in the right direction.

Welcome Back With Conditions Michael Vick!

Michael Vick was officially reinstated back into the NFL by Commissioner Roger Goodell. The reinstatement, while conditional, does give the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback an opportunity to resume his professional football career after serving a 23 month stint in prison on federal dog fighting charges.

Former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy will serve as a mentor to Vick, which I'm sure gave Goodell some confidence that Vick has a chance to successfully transition back into the league. Vick's activities will be monitored closely, so any transgressions, even minor ones will be reviewed. Here's hoping Vick is picked up by a team, and at least has an opportunity to play again, and earn a living.

Vick To Be Suspended 4 Games!

If media reports are accurate, former Atlanta Falcons quarterback will receive a conditional reinstatement from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, with a 4 game suspension at the beginning of the season if Vick is able to sign with a team. With the suspension, however, Vick will be allowed to attend training camp and play in pre-season games.

Most media reports are also stating that no team in the league has indicated a desire to sign Vick, so if this doesn't change, Vick's return to the league will not happen this year.

Can The Dumping On Michael Vick Please Stop!

Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick is presently in Virgina awaiting a Tuesday hearing in which he's expected to plead guilty to two felony charges and receive a suspended sentence related to state dog fighting charges. Vick is currently serving a 23 month sentence, and is scheduled to be released from prison on July 20, 2009.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution is reporting that Vick put family pets in the ring with pit bulls. This information is part of a 17 page report that was filed this past August containing a version of events from an unidentified witness. I have never condoned Vick's actions, and he's pretty much lost everything as a result of making very poor decisions. I am, however, hoping that when Vick, who will be 29, is released from prison that he will be able to make a successful comeback as an NFL quarterback. Has he made very poor decision? Yes he has, but we have CEO's ruining companies every day and receiving multi million dollar salaries, while watching the lives of their employees that they employ potentially go into ruin, because of poor decision making.

It seems that the while the mainstream media is having a field day with Michael Vick's demise, I'm hoping that the has a roaring return to football, and reclaims his place as the most exciting player in the NFL. As Don King would say, "Only In America."