Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles / Image: Zuma Press

What’s even more interesting about Michael’s return is the state of the quarterback situation in Philly. Starter Donovan McNabb is nursing a broken rib and the team signed Jeff Garcia as a backup. With Kevin Kolb expected to start this weekend against New Orleans, there’s plenty of ammo for a full blown quarterback controversy before too long.

Source: PhiladelphiaEagles.com

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Michael Vick Added to Eagles Roster

Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia Eagles / Image: Zuma Press

Donovan is currently listed as doubtful for next Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints. But apparently the ultimate determining factor will be if and to what degree Donovan can tolerate the pain. If he can suck it up, he might just play. If not, expect to see backup QB Kevin Kolb. Keep in mind that Michael Vick only has one more week to serve his suspension, so don’t expect to see Donovan out for more than a week—if that.

Sources: PhiladelphiaEagles.com, Philly.com

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Donovan McNabb Injured in Eagles Win

Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles / Image: Zuma Press

After the decision was announced, Commissioner Goodell said:

“Ultimately, it was my decision ….. I think he’s making real progress ….. I do not want him to be put in a position where he’s overwhelmed. He’s very realistic about the challenges ahead.”

Sources: NFL.com, USA Today

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Michael Vick Eligible to Return Week 3

Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles / Image: Zuma Press

Source: Washington Post

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Six Plays For Michael Vick in Eagles Debut

After watching the interview (which, by the way, I think James Brown did an excellent job on), I had a hard time figuring out whether Michael was really upset about what he did to the dogs or just upset about what happened to his career as a result of what he did to the dogs. Nevertheless, I have changed my tune as far as forgiving the guy and moving on with life. Initially, I felt like letting him back into the NFL sent the wrong message—to the rest of the league and to how the public perceives the league. But, I think two years in prison does send a stern enough warning even though it can’t bring back the animals that died as a result of his reckless behavior. It’s a controversy that will continue between a lot of people. He says he’s a changed man so hopefully his actions will continue to speak louder than his words.

Source: 60Minutes.com

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Michael Vick ‘60 Minutes’ Interview

Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles / Photo: Newscom

This is all very encouraging to Eagles fans, but Michael still needs to get into football shape—which is a world away from merely throwing balls in practice. And when the regular season comes (and when Commissioner Roger Goodell has deemed him eligible), the number of plays he will run as a quarterback in the Eagles offense will be few and far between. Head coach Andy Reid continues to push Michael as a quarterback (after all, he does understand the foundation of the Eagles offense), but we all know the team will find a different role for him—if even on a limited basis—as long as Donovan stays healthy.

Sources: NFL.com, PhiladelphiaEagles.com

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Michael Vick Practices With Eagles

Michael Vick’s Opening Remarks: “First of all I would like to express my gratification to Jeff Lurie and Coach Andy Reid for making me a part of this organization and giving me an opportunity. I know, as we all know, in the past I have made some mistakes, I have done some terrible things, I made a horrible mistake. And now, I want to be part of the solution and not the problem. I am making conscious efforts within the community, working with the Humane Society, hopefully I can do that locally and continue with my disciplined efforts in bringing awareness to animal cruelty and dog fighting in the inner cities and our communities. I want to say a special thanks to Donovan McNabb. He’s a great friend and for reaching out to Andy and giving Andy time to think about the decision that he made and bringing me in.

Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles / Image: Zuma Press

“I know now that playing in the NFL is a privilege and not a right and I want to do whatever is necessary to be the best ambassador for the NFL and the community. I want to send a special thanks to my family: my fiancée Kijafa (Frink), my mom, my dad, everybody who was influential in helping me change as an individual. I’d like to say thank you to Commissioner Goodell, I want to say thank you to Tony Dungy for serving as my mentor and also being influential in my walk and helping redefine me as an individual and giving me the proper advice and being there and having an open dialog with me at all times. I want to say thank you to my agent, Joel Segal, who has been there through the ups and downs, through the hardest times in my life, Judy Smith as well as all the people who have contributed to my comeback. I know everybody is asking, ‘Why Philadelphia?’ First off, I think it is one of the flagship organizations–great tradition, great staff, great organization, winning team.

“They have a great team in place and I just want to be a part of that great tradition and give this team every opportunity to win a Super Bowl. I’m considering this my first year. My first year back, just trying to fit in wherever I can and get acclimated and do whatever I can to help this team succeed and reach the Super Bowl. With that said, I know I probably left some people out that I need to send a special thanks to but you all know who you are. I am going to continue to do service in our community, continue to do all the right things and continue to help young individuals in this world from going down the same path that I went down. I’m excited about the opportunity and with that said I’d like to open it up to questions and I’d be willing to answer anything.”

On why he went down the path that he did: “I made poor decisions in my life and I had to reach a turning point and prison definitely did it for me. It was totally unnecessary and uncalled for.”

On how it feels to have a chance to come back after all this time: “It’s a surreal feeling right now. I couldn’t have envisioned it two years ago. I was optimistic that it would happen one day but I knew it was going to be a long process. As a people, we fear the unknown and I am just happy that I have the opportunity now. I am glad that Coach Reid and the rest of the organization stepped forward, Donovan was very instrumental in that and I’m glad that I got the opportunity and a second chance. I won’t disappoint.”

On why he is willing to come back and not be the focal point of the offense: “I have been away from the game for two years and I’ve got to start somewhere, I’ve got to crawl before I walk. I can’t imagine going out after a two-year hiatus, going out and trying to be a starter for a football team, I just don’t think it can happen. With as much God-given abilities as I have, I don’t think that I would be able to do it. I think I could, but I wouldn’t risk it. I just need time to get my feet wet and get acclimated. I thought this was the perfect situation, perfect scenario. I can come in and I can learn from Donovan, one of the premier quarterbacks in the game, one of the best at it. Everything that he’s learned and the way he’s been polished just comes from Coach Reid. I want get with those two and do as much as I can to become a complete quarterback and I have time to do it.”

On how he shows his doubters that he has changed: “I was wrong for what I did. Everything that happened at that point and time in my life was wrong and unnecessary. And, to the life of me to this day I can’t understand why I was involved in such a pointless activity and why I risked so much at the pinnacle of my career. I was naïve to a lot of things. But, I figure if I can help more animals than I hurt, then I am contributing, I am doing my part.”

On whether he believes there is a crime that is not deserving of a second chance: “I think everybody deserves a second chance. We all have issues, we all deal with certain things and we all have our own set of inequities. I think as long as you are willing to come back and do it the right way and do the right things and that you’re committed, then I think you deserve it. But, you only get one shot at a second chance, and I am conscious of that.”

On whether there was a time when Vick knew what he was doing was wrong but still did it anyway: “We all use the excuse, ‘It was part of our culture.’ I don’t think that’s an excuse. I was kind of abiding by that rule at the time. As I grew older and as things started to transpire and then once I went to prison I had plenty of time to think about what I did. I’ve seen people’s reactions and I’ve been to that point that I never really cared. I won’t say I didn’t care, but I never thought about it. Now I understand people care about their animals. They care about their health, their welfare, the protection of animals and now I do. That’s why I say if I can help more than I hurt, then I am contributing. I am doing what I need to do.”

On what he thinks the fans reaction will be: “Hopefully it’s positive. (In) the position I play and in the National Football League in general fans require a lot out of players and we have to go out and put on a great performance, we have to put on a show for them, we have to win at the end of the day. Sometimes they are good to you, sometimes they’re not so good, but that’s a part of the game and it’s a part of this business.”

On how he plans on dealing with the possibility of a negative reaction: “I have to keep pushing forward and try to do more good than bad and make plays when I have an opportunity to play down the road because that’s when it’s going to be. I have to do the things that are necessary to not get a negative reaction, but until then it’s life and I have to deal with it. I have to make a lot of people believe that I can.”

On what he plans to do off of the field and in the community to prove to the community that he is worth a second chance: “I think my actions will speak louder than my words. To be proactive and to be involved in the community, people will see that in due time. I’ve partnered up with the Humane Society and we’ve constantly been working hard to reach out to certain inner cities and certain communities to make sure that we attack the problem.”

On whether he has any pets: “No.”

On what kind of shape he is in: “I’m ready to go. I’ve maintained, I’ve stayed in shape and I’ve done all the things to keep up my physical physique. It was hard when I was away but over the last two months I have been able to manage and do things to maintain my weight and my build and hopefully my speed. I’ve tested myself, tested the waters and I feel great.”

On when he realized what he was doing was wrong: “There was a point in my life when before I was convicted or before the allegations even came out when I knew it was wrong and I felt that it was wrong. Just when I was trying to turn the corner and it was too late, but everything happens for a reason and there is a reason I was sent to Kansas and a reason I was convicted. I was conscious of the fact that it was wrong and to this day I have to deal with that shame and that embarrassment.”

On how he comes to terms with the fact that some people will never forgive him: “I understand. I would hope that they would (forgive me). I committed an act that was cruel and it was unethical. It was inhumane, so I understand to a certain degree but our country is a country of second chances and I’ve paid my debt to society. I spent two years in prison, away from my fiancé (Kijafa), away from my mom and my family, away from my two kids and that was a humbling experience. I can’t explain how deeply hurt and how sorry I was once everything went down and I had to explain to my three kids what had happened, what had transpired, and it was because of daddy’s faults. That was the toughest thing. I asked them for a second chance to be a better father, to do the right things and to show them the way and how things are supposed to be done.”

On how old his children are: “My oldest son Mitez is seven. My oldest daughter Jada is four, going on fourteen, and my youngest daughter (London) is one.”

On whether he would be content playing a role other than quarterback: “At this point right now, I’m just blessed to have an opportunity to be here with this organization. My goal is to come back and get acclimated. Whatever Coach Reid decides on, that’s what I will do. I’m just here to contribute and help win a Super Bowl.”

On whether he has spoken with QB Donovan McNabb: “I spoke to Donovan and we talked about how we were just going to work. We are going to go to work. We are going to watch as much film as we can and we’re just going to work out as much as we can and we’re going to pull each other a long. I’m along way away from playing, so he wanted to take time with me to get me to a point where I’m ready to play.”

On his suspension: “I respect Commissioner Goodell’s decision. I think it was fair. When I’ll have an opportunity to play I don’t know as of right now, but I’m optimistic it will happen soon.”

On what number he will wear: “Seven.”

Source: PhiladelphiaEagles.com

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Michael Vick Press Conference Quotes

Michael Vick signs with Philadelphia Eagles / Photo: Newscom

This is a surprising and interesting addition for the Eagles. Especially when you consider the team’s current quarterback situation. Donovan McNabb is supposed to make $11.2 million next season. That includes a $6.2 million (guaranteed) roster bonus.  So, I’m wondering what the Eagles have planned for Michael? My guess is he’ll work his way into a backup role should the Eagles need him at QB. Otherwise, look for a certainly rusty Michael Vick to learn a variety of new positions in what has the potential to be a very creative and dangerous Eagles offense. It’s going to be a very interesting season in Philly.

Source: NFL.com

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Michael Vick to Philadelphia Eagles

Michael Vick / Image: Zuma Press

Under the conditions of the reinstatement, Michael may participate without delay in preseason practices, workouts, meetings, and he may play in his club’s final two preseason games. Once the regular season begins, Michael may participate in all team activities other than games, subject to specific guidelines developed by the NFL Player Personnel Department that will be communicated to Michael and all clubs. Michael is currently an unrestricted free agent eligible to sign with any NFL club. He is eligible to be paid based on terms negotiated with a club.

In addition–and this is the best part in my opinion–Tony Dungy has agreed to continue his work with Michael as an advisor and mentor. Commissioner Goodell will periodically evaluate Michael’s progress under this transitional step approach and consider full reinstatement for play in regular-season games by Week 6.

In a letter to Michael today, Commissioner Goodell wrote:

“My decision at that time will be based on reports from outside professionals, your probation officer, and others charged with supervising your activities, the quality of your work outside football, the absence of any further adverse involvement in law enforcement, and other concrete actions that you take that are consistent with your representations to me. This step-by-step approach is not meant to be a further punishment and should not be viewed as such. Instead, it is intended to maximize the prospect that you can successfully resume your career and your life. I believe that a transitional approach with a strong network of support will give you the best opportunity to manage effectively the various issues and pressures that you will inevitably face in the coming weeks and months and earn your full reinstatement.”

Of course, Michael had been suspended indefinitely since August 2007 after pleading guilty to federal criminal charges relating to his involvement in an interstate dogfighting enterprise. He was released from federal custody last Monday (July 20) but is still serving three years of probation.

In reviewing the matter, Commissioner Goodell considered the court records; written submissions made by Michael, his representatives, and others; reports and recommendations of outside professionals; interviews with family and associates conducted by NFL Security personnel; numerous conversations that Commissioner Goodell had with current and former players and others; and a hearing on July 22 at which the Commissioner spoke in person with Michael, his representatives, and NFLPA officials.

Following are additional excerpts from Commissioner Goodell’s letter to Michael:

• “Among the conditions of this reinstatement, you are required to abide by the terms of the supervised release that were imposed on you by the court, which include not committing any further crime, limits on who you may associate with, prohibitions regarding drug and alcohol use, possession of a firearm or other dangerous weapon, and forbidding you to own, possess or be involved with the sale of any dog.”
• “Apart from these conditions, you have submitted to me a written plan concerning your proposed living arrangements, how you will manage your financial affairs, counseling and mentoring plans, and your proposed work with the Humane Society and other groups. You have committed to me that you intend to abide by this plan, and as I said when we met, you are accountable for doing so.”
• “I am also encouraged by your recognition that you cannot do this yourself, and that outside mentors and continued counseling will provide you with valuable support and assistance. After discussing possible mentors with you, I have asked Coach Tony Dungy to continue his work with you and to initiate a more formal mentoring relationship with you. Earlier today, we discussed in detail with Coach Dungy the precise nature of that relationship, and I share your view that Coach Dungy can help you in many ways as you rebuild your life and resume your career. I will stay in close touch with Coach Dungy and his views will be part of my decision concerning whether and when you return to play. I encourage you and Coach Dungy to select other mentors and advisors who can help in other phases of your life.”
• “In deciding whether to reinstate a player, I have stressed my belief that playing in the NFL is a privilege. It is not an entitlement. Everyone fortunate enough to be part of the league is held to a standard of conduct higher than that generally expected in society and is correspondingly accountable when that standard of conduct is not met. I have also endorsed an approach under which players who have been suspended for a significant amount of time, as you have been, may through a series of steps demonstrate that they have addressed their prior problems, that they can make good decisions, and that they conduct themselves in a way that is lawful, responsible, and consistent with NFL values.”
• “As I emphasized to you when we met, as I have said in other cases, it is actions that count. I accept that you are sincere when you say that you want to, and will, turn your life around and that you intend to be a positive role model for others. I am prepared to offer you that opportunity. Whether you succeed is entirely in your hands.”
• “Needless to say, your margin for error is extremely limited. I urge you to take full advantage of the resources available to support you and to dedicate yourself to rebuilding your life and your career. If you do this, the NFL will support you.”

Michael, in turn, released his own statement via agent Joel Segal:

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to Commissioner Roger Goodell for allowing me to be readmitted to the National Football League. I fully understand that playing football in the NFL is a privilege, not a right, and I am fully thankful for that opportunity I have been given. As you can imagine, the last two years have given me the time to reevaluate my life, mature as an individual, and fully understand the terrible mistakes I made in the past and what type of life I must lead moving forward. Again, I would like to thank Commissioner Goodell for the chance to return to the game I love and the opportunity to become an example of positive change. Finally, I want to sincerely thank Coach Dungy for being in my corner, and I look forward to him being a mentor for me.”

I made it very clear all along that I was not in favor of Michael being reinstated into the National Football League. I felt his crime was so heinous that he really didn’t deserve the privilege of playing in the NFL again. But after 19 months in prison, I’m sure he had plenty of time to reflect on the mistakes he made in the past. And hopefully the mistakes can be just that—in the past, for everyone.

With coach Dungy as his mentor, I think Michael has someone who can certainly give him a fine example of how to conduct himself. I hope he listens to coach Dungy and moves forward in a positive direction with this gift of a second chance. And I do wish him the best as he essentially starts not only a second career, but a second life.

Source: NFL Media

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Michael Vick’s Conditional Reinstatement

Michael Vick / Image: Zuma Press

I’m not ready to say a hopefully repentant Michael Vick will be employed by any of the 32 teams in the National Football League in 2009 (in fact, I think he deserves a lifetime ban for slaughtering innocent dogs), but I believe he will find work with a professional football team this fall. If NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell decides Michael will not play this year, MV might just suit up in the new UFL for a season—an opportunity he would no doubt try to use as a stepping stone back to the NFL. And it might just work.

Source: NFL.com

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Michael Vick Released From Federal Custody