Michael Vick is in Philly
The newest addition to the Philadelphia Eagles, a franchise known for shying away from bad character players, has caused quite a stir not only in the tri-state area surrounding Philadelphia but also across the country. Groups such as the Pennsylvania SPCA, PETA, and other organizations have protested the signing of Michael Vick by the Eagles. Vick finished his 24-month prison sentence for running a dog fighting ring and treating dogs using inhumane practices.
Vick claims that he is a reformed man and that he learned his lesson while serving his prison term and his home confinement term. Vick wants a second chance from not only the organization, which he has received, but also the fans of the Eagles and the entire National Football League. Vick signed a one-year deal for $1.6 million with a team option for a second year worth $5.2 million. None of the money is guaranteed, so if Vick doesn’t work out for the Birds they will not take a financial hit whatsoever.
When Vick was introduced in Philadelphia, at the NovaCare Complex, he was flanked by Eagles head coach Andy Reid and former Colts coach Tony Dungy. Dungy has become Vick’s personal consultant since being released from prison. Dungy, along with Reid, felt that Vick deserved a second chance after serving time in prison for his heinous crimes.
Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie, an avid dog owner and lover, said that he needed to do a lot of soul searching prior to signing Vick. Lurie claims that the decision was the most difficult to make of his career as the owner of the team and hopes that it works out for both interested parties.