The Philadelphia Eagles fans booed Santa Claus so don't think they won't boo Michael Vick. But don't think they won't cheer for him either when he eludes tacklers on a 3 and 16 and skirts down the sidelines for an impressive first down. Sure some fans think Michael Vick aka Ron Mexico is the permanent worst person in the world. However, for the most part Philly fans like those of any other team will ultimately care more about what he does once he steps on the field.
I enjoyed watching Vick and I'm sure that he will captivate us with some of his moves as a Philadelphia Eagle. I believe he has served his time in the penal system and that he now has a right to earn a living and repay some of his creditors. Many pundits and talking heads have compared this to the case of Cleveland Browns receiver Dante Stallworth who served 24 days for a DUI manslaughter. Stallworth was just suspended for the duration of the NFL Season. Jamal Lewis received a longer sentence for simply being a conduit in a drug transaction.
I'm sure you want my opinion about the "saga". That is why you clicked and kept reading right?
Michael Vick is no longer an Atlanta Falcon and that is where he existed in my world as a longtime Falcon fan. At one time he was arguably the most exciting player in the Not For Long league. But fame in this professional sport is more fleeting than any other as young bodies break down and the career expectancy is much shorter than baseball and basketball with a few exceptions for stupid kickers and anonymous linemen.
While I'm not sure that the Stallworth sentence was fair to the victim and their family, I believe it may be unfair for the NFL to impose additional sentences. The teams would be wise to put clauses in their contracts that terminate agreements upon certain activity. Now the players union might disagree and I will certainly listen to an argument espousing an alternative point of view
I do hope that Stallworth will be well served to reflect upon his life and his decisions and work on himself. I hope that Vick has learned from his mistakes and I feel comfort knowing that he is being mentored by the well-respected Tony Dungy. In short, I don't think the NFL should interfere and play alternative justice, vengeance justice or renegade justice in this situation. While we may think less of Vick and Stallworth it is ultimately up to the teams to make their decisions. Boycotting a team or advertisers because they employ one of these players is your right and may prove as successful as targeting Glen Beck and Lou Dobbs advertisers.
Just my thoughts on a touchy and complex subject.