Philadelphia Exoneration

Michael Vick has achieved little. He is twenty-nine, a former millionaire, and a convicted federal felon. Vick should have revolutionized. Instead, he became repetitive. Vick befriended losers, discarded opportunity, and flouted authority. His career should have concluded.

On Friday, the Philadelphia Eagles signed Vick. Vick inked a 2-year, $6.8 million contract. “I know I've done some terrible things, made a horrible mistake,” he said. “Now I want to be part of the solution and not the problem. I'm glad that Coach [Andy] Reid and the rest of the organization stepped forward. I'm glad I got the opportunity and the second chance. I won't disappoint.”

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s reaction was optimistic. “I have said several times in recent weeks that I want Michael to be one of the NFL's success stories as an individual and as a football player,” he said. “I believe he can accomplish both goals with the Eagles organization, which has done an outstanding job in the community and on the field these last 15 years under the direction of owner Jeffrey Lurie. I know the Eagles will provide strong support but, ultimately, Michael's success is up to him and the decisions he makes.”

On July 17,2007, Vick, as well as associates Purnell Peace, Quanis Phillips, and Tony Taylor were charged with competitive dog fighting. On July 26, Vick plead not guilty. On July 27, Taylor plead guilty. On August 17, Peace and Phillips plead guilty. On August 24, Vick acquiesced. He received twenty-three months incarceration. He served eighteen months.

Concerning Vick’s resurrection, Owner Jeffrey Lurie was blunt. “There's no third chances and we know that,” he said. “If it isn't fulfilled the way we expect it to be, then it will be the end.”

During his career, Vick has completed 930 of 1,730 passes for 11,505 yards with 71 touchdowns and 52 interceptions. He has also logged 523 carries for 3,859 yards and 21 touchdowns. In 2006, Vick hit 204 of 388 aerials for 2,474 yards with 20 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

Lurie considered remorse and repentance. Reid considered rehabilitation and research. Neither applied appropriate reason. Vick did not commit a mistake. He did not endure a learning experience. He did not exercise bad judgment. The Eagles committed a mistake. They will endure a learning experience. Their bad judgment was this transaction.