Lewis
Member
I think that they should let the man alone, and let him move on. They act like he killed a human, and then got back in the NFL.
In a shocker, Eagles president Banner confirms Vick signing
By LES BOWEN
Philadelphia Daily News
bowenl@phillynews.com
VERY LATE last night, Donovan McNabb declared that the Eagles' stunning signing of Michael Vick was, "no different, really, than bringing T.O. here."
Because, you know, that turned out so well.
The Eagles, controversy-free lately, rejoined the circus last night. The big top opens at 11 a.m. today at NovaCare, when Vick is introduced at a news conference.
McNabb and Eagles coach Andy Reid were very clear on their reasons for taking on the responsibility of sponsoring Vick's return to the NFL after 18 months in prison and nearly 3 full years away from football, following his conviction in an ugly dogfighting scandal.
Both McNabb and Reid spoke evocatively of the importance of forgiveness, of second chances. They were less clear on exactly what Vick is going to do to make this worth the bother to a team that now might be pushing past pickets to get to practice; the gist seemed to be some sort of prospective "Wildcat" role for Vick, to which McNabb indicated he was willing to cede a few plays here and there, in hopes one of them would be a big gainer.
"This is America," Reid proclaimed. "We do make mistakes." The 29-year-old former Pro Bowl quarterback deserves "a chance to prove he's doing the right things," Reid added.
In the middle of the second quarter of last night's preseason-opening, 27-25 loss to New England, with some team officials even apparently unaware of the most momentous development of an eventful preseason, word leaked out via ESPN.com that the Eagles had signed Vick. The ESPN.com report said a 2-year contract; Eagles president Joe Banner, confirming the signing to the Daily News, said 1 year plus a club option for a second. Fox Sports said Vick will make $1.6 million this season and as much as $5.6 million in the option year.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has said Vick will be eligible to play in the final two preseason games, so his Eagles' debut could be Thursday, Aug. 27 at the Linc against Jacksonville. Goodell has said he then will rule on a regular-season suspension, which could be anywhere from nothing to 5 weeks.
This morning's press conference is scheduled to be attended by Vick, former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy, who has served as an adviser, and representatives of the Humane Society. Vick's first practice with the Eagles is expected to be tomorrow, Reid said.
"Everybody we talked to said the same thing," Banner told the Daily News, "that [Vick] was remorseful and had gone through an incredible transformation, that he was basically good at heart. We heard this over and over again from people who felt he deserved a second chance."
Banner said the team and Vick agreed to terms about 48 hours before the news broke.
During his postgame news conference, Reid repeatedly referenced the drug-related troubles of two of his sons. Reid said he spoke with Dungy and has spoken with Vick a number of times. Owner Jeffrey Lurie also met with Vick, Reid said.
Vick and McNabb have been friendly since Vick was a high school player in Virginia and McNabb was the Syracuse quarterback who hosted Vick on a recruiting trip.
"I wanted to make sure I know where he is at and I feel like he is in a good place," Reid said. "I'm very excited, on the other side of that, to have a good football player. You're talking one of the top quarterbacks in the league when he was playing. He's familiar with our offense, having run it the last few years with Atlanta before he was incarcerated."
The Eagles obviously have a starting quarterback, McNabb. Vick isn't coming here to take over the offense - "There won't be a quarterback controversy," Reid said. He indicated the signing had nothing to do with the knee injury of backup QB Kevin Kolb, who is believed to be ready to return in a few days.
"I'm the quarterback of this team," McNabb said, before allowing that in a 70-play game, he might be willing to sit or function as a receiver for five plays or so. (Hey, maybe No. 5 can play tight end!)
Reid said Vick's first concern will be getting back in football shape after his time away.
Asked if there might be ways to use Vick other than at quarterback, Reid said, "He's a quarterback. That's what he is. He's a versatile quarterback. I haven't had a chance to put that all together, but I have some ideas."
McNabb also stressed that adding Vick provides the Eagles with another offensive weapon opponents have to stop.
Former Eagles linebacker and current WIP host Ike Reese played with Vick in Atlanta in 2005 and 2006. Reese said he thought most players, here and elsewhere, would support the move more than the public.
In a shocker, Eagles president Banner confirms Vick signing
By LES BOWEN
Philadelphia Daily News
bowenl@phillynews.com
VERY LATE last night, Donovan McNabb declared that the Eagles' stunning signing of Michael Vick was, "no different, really, than bringing T.O. here."
Because, you know, that turned out so well.
The Eagles, controversy-free lately, rejoined the circus last night. The big top opens at 11 a.m. today at NovaCare, when Vick is introduced at a news conference.
McNabb and Eagles coach Andy Reid were very clear on their reasons for taking on the responsibility of sponsoring Vick's return to the NFL after 18 months in prison and nearly 3 full years away from football, following his conviction in an ugly dogfighting scandal.
Both McNabb and Reid spoke evocatively of the importance of forgiveness, of second chances. They were less clear on exactly what Vick is going to do to make this worth the bother to a team that now might be pushing past pickets to get to practice; the gist seemed to be some sort of prospective "Wildcat" role for Vick, to which McNabb indicated he was willing to cede a few plays here and there, in hopes one of them would be a big gainer.
"This is America," Reid proclaimed. "We do make mistakes." The 29-year-old former Pro Bowl quarterback deserves "a chance to prove he's doing the right things," Reid added.
In the middle of the second quarter of last night's preseason-opening, 27-25 loss to New England, with some team officials even apparently unaware of the most momentous development of an eventful preseason, word leaked out via ESPN.com that the Eagles had signed Vick. The ESPN.com report said a 2-year contract; Eagles president Joe Banner, confirming the signing to the Daily News, said 1 year plus a club option for a second. Fox Sports said Vick will make $1.6 million this season and as much as $5.6 million in the option year.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has said Vick will be eligible to play in the final two preseason games, so his Eagles' debut could be Thursday, Aug. 27 at the Linc against Jacksonville. Goodell has said he then will rule on a regular-season suspension, which could be anywhere from nothing to 5 weeks.
This morning's press conference is scheduled to be attended by Vick, former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy, who has served as an adviser, and representatives of the Humane Society. Vick's first practice with the Eagles is expected to be tomorrow, Reid said.
"Everybody we talked to said the same thing," Banner told the Daily News, "that [Vick] was remorseful and had gone through an incredible transformation, that he was basically good at heart. We heard this over and over again from people who felt he deserved a second chance."
Banner said the team and Vick agreed to terms about 48 hours before the news broke.
During his postgame news conference, Reid repeatedly referenced the drug-related troubles of two of his sons. Reid said he spoke with Dungy and has spoken with Vick a number of times. Owner Jeffrey Lurie also met with Vick, Reid said.
Vick and McNabb have been friendly since Vick was a high school player in Virginia and McNabb was the Syracuse quarterback who hosted Vick on a recruiting trip.
"I wanted to make sure I know where he is at and I feel like he is in a good place," Reid said. "I'm very excited, on the other side of that, to have a good football player. You're talking one of the top quarterbacks in the league when he was playing. He's familiar with our offense, having run it the last few years with Atlanta before he was incarcerated."
The Eagles obviously have a starting quarterback, McNabb. Vick isn't coming here to take over the offense - "There won't be a quarterback controversy," Reid said. He indicated the signing had nothing to do with the knee injury of backup QB Kevin Kolb, who is believed to be ready to return in a few days.
"I'm the quarterback of this team," McNabb said, before allowing that in a 70-play game, he might be willing to sit or function as a receiver for five plays or so. (Hey, maybe No. 5 can play tight end!)
Reid said Vick's first concern will be getting back in football shape after his time away.
Asked if there might be ways to use Vick other than at quarterback, Reid said, "He's a quarterback. That's what he is. He's a versatile quarterback. I haven't had a chance to put that all together, but I have some ideas."
McNabb also stressed that adding Vick provides the Eagles with another offensive weapon opponents have to stop.
Former Eagles linebacker and current WIP host Ike Reese played with Vick in Atlanta in 2005 and 2006. Reese said he thought most players, here and elsewhere, would support the move more than the public.
truly jesus is comming
