Michael Vick got caught for leading a dog-fighting enterprise, went to jail and later declared bankruptcy in 2008. However, he may soon see a reversal of fortune, financially and in social value that translates back into endorsements lost to controversy. Michael Vick is now a Philadelphia Eagle! As reported by ESPN news service, Vick signed a one-year contract with the Eagles for $1.625 million, with a team option for a second year at $5.25 million. Vick’s appearance on the field may also mean the Eagles will fulfill their aspirations to win the Super Bowl.
Will Fans Really Care?
He did his time but should he be signed? While current reports suggest that the Eagles’ fans are divided between animal lovers and football fans, the season has yet to begin. Once it starts, hullabaloo about Vick’s criminal background may not affect the Eagles’ fan base, a group distinguished by a Forbes Magazine study as “the most loyal in the NFL”. In September 2008, in an article unrelated to Vick's career path, reporter Matt Woolsey wrote, “When the Philadelphia Eagles play well and contend for the Super Bowl, their fans crowd the stands. When the Eagles play poorly, the team's famously cruel supporters still crowd the stands. Only they boo their players, pick fights and harass opposing fans. Their old field, Veterans Stadium, even had a court and an on-duty judge in its basement during the season.”
Eagles' Incentive for "Second Chance"
The Eagles, from Andy Reid to Jeff Lurie, wax about their own family's travails and "second chances" but neglect to mention that Michael Vick is a product. He's an addition to an already strong offense.
Michael Vick is apparently anticipated to bring the “wildcat” formation to the Eagles, an offense that will keep opposing teams’ defense anxious for Vick’s return in week six. Jets coach Rex Ryan was interviewed at training camp not long after Vick was signed and said that Vick would be “one of the scariest guys to run the Wildcat offense”. If he plays as expected, signing Vick was probably a good business decision – if his criminal background can be overlooked. As Ryan said, for the wildcat formation, Vick is "the scariest".
Impact of Bad Newz Kennels
Can his personal history be overlooked? After all, as recently as August 2008, the United States Department of Agriculture released its report of Vick’s role in participating in the deaths of dogs in his dog-fighting entity, Bad Newz Kennels. It details gruesome activities that would end many careers – in other professions.
Vick's reinstatement letter, penned by Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner, included “prohibitions regarding drug and alcohol use” and also forbids him “to own, possess, or be involved with the sale of any dog." However, only days into his contract, Vick caused the Eagles to cast off suspicions that he had already flirted with violating the reinstatement terms when he was caught drinking at a bar not far from his new home – near the Philadelphia airport.
What's next for Vick - a family pet, perhaps a puppy? After all, the Eagles have launched a series of talks with animal groups while Vick, courtesy of the Humane Society of the United States, re-brands as a role model for inner-city youth.
Will Details Bedevil the Eagles?
Whatever happens to Vick, his hiring articulates a shift in business ethics for the NFL and, potentially, popular culture about sports figures. His signing manifests whether off-field behavior, even heinous criminal acts, should affect professional opportunities for the players – or the franchise.
As Eagles Offensive Coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said of Vick's return to the game,”Now, many of the details are different and details are where you win football games, so that's the important part there."
If Michael Vick doesn't deliver, he may not leave town with a puppy named "Wildcat" but the Eagles have forever changed the criteria for sports figures' behavior - on and off the field.
It's just a business.
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