The Examiner reports that canine malefactor Michael Vick has signed on to play for the Philadelphia Eagles. The news comes after a decision from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to revoke the suspension barring Vick from the gridiron.
Vick appears sincere in his remorse. “I know I’ve done some terrible things, made a horrible mistake. Now I want to be part of the solution and not the problem,” Vick told reporters, concerning his role in running an illegal dog fighting operation.
Columnists have been largely remonstrative in their opposition to Vick resuming his old mantle. Personally, I agree with Gwen Knapp that not only should Vick be offered a second chance, but that Philadelphia is the perfect venue for his redemption. After all, if anyone understands the power of second chances it is Eagles head coach Andy Reid.
Though overshadowed by Vick’s own criminal proceedings, Andy Reid’s family was at the center of regional controversy back in 2007. His two sons, Garrett and Britt, were arrested for numerous drug related offenses, the most egregious of which involved pulling a handgun on an arresting officer. The Reid brothers repeatedly refused to cooperate with Montgomery County drug court proceedings, prompting presiding judge Steven T. O’Neill to sentence the boys to 23 months in prison.
The boys are still battling their demons. Garrett got himself locked up again following a dispute at the halfway house where he currently resides. Nevertheless, Reid remains a true believer in second chances, telling press that his sons were a contributing factor in his decision to rally behind Vick. Vick also has the support of longtime friend and Eagle’s quarterback Donovan McNabb. Where he might run into trouble is with the fans.
Notoriously vicious, Eagles fans are renowned for their aggressively loyal and subsequently merciless nature. In the past, they have both booed the Easter Bunny and cheered when Michael Irving suffered a career ending spinal injury. A longtime Eagles fan myself, I know they’re not above turning on their own: many fans censured O’Neill after his decision in the Reid case, and he is one of their proudest ilk. I suppose it comes down to a hard decision on where their loyalties truly lie–with Eagles or with dogs
What do you think? Does Vick deserve a second chance? And if so, are the Eagles the ones to give it to him?
