Extra - Editorial Reply
Special submission, by Michael Archangel:
Michael Vick just signed a 6-year, $100M contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. Vick now joins Alex Rodriguez and Shaquille O'Neal as the only three players in sports history to sign multiple $100M deals. Fellow athletes and commentators are lauding over Vick and his "story," how this is a country built on second chances, and the ability for a person to vindicate themselves. There is an added sense of racial vindication as well......am I missing something?
Let's put aside the varying views on Vick's crimes, that cost him 18 months in prison. Let's put aside race. If we just look at the facts, this comes as one of the most mind-boggling deals in sports history. This time last year, Michael Vick was not even the starting quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles. Upon Kevin Kolb's injury, Vick stepped in - and while he played well, here are some stats for you to chew on: 10th in completion percentage, 20th in total passing yards, 16th in TD's, and 9th in yards-per-game. Respectable numbers? Yes. $100M numbers? Not a chance!
A year ago, it was all about re-acclimating Vick back into the "real world" and giving him the chance to prove himself, both on and off the field. What happened to that? Sure he had a good season, but aren't $100M contracts ($40M guaranteed) earned over more than 7/8 of a season?! Aren't great second chance stories saved for those who overcome a major obstacle, such as a wounded soldier, a cancer survivor, or a fallen star that beats addiction? Is a man who was 'given it all,' who brutally mutilated and killed dogs in an illegal dog-fighting ring and then went to prison....is that really a great second chance story? Better yet, wasn't the fact that the NFL even gave Vick the opportunity to be reinstated second chance enough? Something that perhaps over a few years of great work on and off the field could lead to not only having his image restored but also a financial security once again? This contract is skeptical to say the least. In the city of "Brotherly Love," I hope taxpayers enjoy showing love to lucky number 7.
Michael Vick just signed a 6-year, $100M contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. Vick now joins Alex Rodriguez and Shaquille O'Neal as the only three players in sports history to sign multiple $100M deals. Fellow athletes and commentators are lauding over Vick and his "story," how this is a country built on second chances, and the ability for a person to vindicate themselves. There is an added sense of racial vindication as well......am I missing something?
Let's put aside the varying views on Vick's crimes, that cost him 18 months in prison. Let's put aside race. If we just look at the facts, this comes as one of the most mind-boggling deals in sports history. This time last year, Michael Vick was not even the starting quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles. Upon Kevin Kolb's injury, Vick stepped in - and while he played well, here are some stats for you to chew on: 10th in completion percentage, 20th in total passing yards, 16th in TD's, and 9th in yards-per-game. Respectable numbers? Yes. $100M numbers? Not a chance!
A year ago, it was all about re-acclimating Vick back into the "real world" and giving him the chance to prove himself, both on and off the field. What happened to that? Sure he had a good season, but aren't $100M contracts ($40M guaranteed) earned over more than 7/8 of a season?! Aren't great second chance stories saved for those who overcome a major obstacle, such as a wounded soldier, a cancer survivor, or a fallen star that beats addiction? Is a man who was 'given it all,' who brutally mutilated and killed dogs in an illegal dog-fighting ring and then went to prison....is that really a great second chance story? Better yet, wasn't the fact that the NFL even gave Vick the opportunity to be reinstated second chance enough? Something that perhaps over a few years of great work on and off the field could lead to not only having his image restored but also a financial security once again? This contract is skeptical to say the least. In the city of "Brotherly Love," I hope taxpayers enjoy showing love to lucky number 7.
I agreed with you almost all the way to the end....what does Philly have to do with this deal? The city and the citizens/ fans had nothing to do with it. In fact, they disagree with it, as much as you do. I know whis because I still listen to their local Sports Talk Radio.
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