Vick Signs with Eagles

Late Thursday evening the Philadelphia Eagles shocked the world when they announced the signing of former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick. The signing ignited instant controversy as Vick is a recently released convicted felon who admitted to not only bankrolling a dog-fighting operation but also taking part in the brutal murder of several dogs. Many animal rights organizations and general lovers of animals are appalled by the signing, citing their belief that Vick is not worth of a second chance due to the brutality of his actions while others are in support of giving Vick a shot at redeeming his reputation.

I fall under the latter group because I believe Michael Vick should be granted an opportunity to make amends for his past wrongs and should be able to find his redemption playing football, especially since his indiscretions didn’t involve playing football. I possibly would agree with a lifetime ban if Vick did something involving his sport like gambling on games or committed an unsanctioned act of violence during a game, but in Vick’s case, his actions occurred off the field.

I acknowledge that Vick committed terrible acts of violence against animals and was rightfully punished – lost of fortune and fame; bankruptcy, and most importantly – lost of respect, but at some point a person should be given a second chance to make up for their mistakes.

I have lots of respect for the Philadelphia Eagles’ organization for giving Vick a second chance and not succumbing to potential public backlash. From a football standpoint, this is an excellent move for the Eagles who lack a quality backup quarterback. They’re getting a hungry Vick for a bargain basement price who wants to prove that he’s still the man at the quarterback position plus Vick will get to learn under the watchful eye of Coach Andy Reid, who helped develop quarterback Donovan McNabb, who shares a similar skill-set to Vick.

Hopefully, Vick will take advantage of his second chance by putting in extra time on the practice field to improve his skills. I hope he’ll cut loose his posse and make sound decisions and hopefully he and the Eagles will find success. The Atlanta Falcons are still my team, but at least for now, I will be pulling for Michael Vick and the Eagles.