The introduction press conference starring Andy Reid, Tony Dungy and Michael Vick was less than spectacular. The “second chances” card was tossed out at every occasion. Vick declared himself a changed man, wants to be part of the solution, is starting anew, feels the need to be an ambassador and realizes his actions will speak louder. In other words, he put on his best mask of contrition and seemed apologetic, on the surface anyway. I’m certain two years in Leavenworth will cause a person to reevaluate their life choices.
The real excitement kicked off when Jeff Lurie took the podium, alone. Vick had been shuffled off the stage to a secure location in the bowels of NovaCare to hang with Dick Cheney, Andy Kaufman, Tupac and Al Capone. After listening to Jeff expound his disgust with Vick’s deplorable actions, it seems obvious that Gold Standard Lurie isn’t ready to sit next to Vick.
Words like “counterintuitive” and “inexcusable” and “murderous” flowed freely from a visibly shaken Lurie. If his intent was to sell the media, fans and the public on the move, he failed miserably. The majority of his speech served to castigate Vick’s foul treatment of animals and reprehensible behavior as a human being. It played as an apology rather than an explanation.
Lurie had several lengthy sit-downs with Vick, which we are led to believe softened his stance. I’m not buying it. It sounds like Lurie still isn’t convinced the decision was the right one. He repeatedly said it’s difficult to “evaluate remorse.” And yet, he signed off on the deal, due in large part, to the words of Reid, Dungy, Goodell and McNabb. Not Vick.
Lurie made his fortune in Hollywood, so let’s cut to the chase. Michael Vick in an Eagle for one reason: To help the franchise capture the elusive Lombardi Trophy. Forget about all the second chances Mumbo Jumbo; that’s secondary to Vick’s on the field potential. Problems like Pacman Jones, Lawrence Phillips, Chris Henry and Michael Vick are given multiple opportunities because winning is the only thing that matters. Talent wins championships, not charity work. Sub 4.3 40-times win championships, not partnerships with the Humane Society.
Do I believe Michael Vick is remorseful? Yeah, I kinda do. Do I believe Jeff Lurie wants him wearing midnight green? No, not for a second.
Subscribe to ITI.
Tags: Eagles sign Michael Vick, Jeff Lurie not a fan of Vick
FlickSided

[...] Eagles Owner Jeffrey Lurie Not a Big Vick Fan Inside the Iggles [...]