So Mike Vick manufactures an act of contrition, and a press, worried about looking "judgmental" and "racist" describes the act as a "good first step". I'm not so sure.
I can't be the only one who noticed how desperately uncomfortable the, formerly "above the law", ex-QB looked in making his first relevant statement to the public since the story broke. He looked about as humble as Donald Trump's comb-over.
Sure he cited the three musts from "contrition for dummies" handbook. "Accept responsibility, found Jesus, ask forgiveness . . . ." but even those bare necessities sounded canned and disingenuous coming from a sedate(d) soft-spoken, Ron Mexico.
So pardon me, kids, if I'm not floating on the raft of #### Vick just set adrift. Just because he's managed to stop himself from flippping the bird at the fans and society in general, doesn't mean I believe he's on a mission from God now. The only think Vick has ever been able to fake was being an NFL QB.
Guys I'm Pulling For . . . .
Duante Culpepper
Hating the Raiders as only a Steeler fan can, it's hard to cop to cheering for any Raider. But I can't be more hopeful for anyone in the NFL than Duante Culpepper. Yes, Culpepper underperformed a huge deal in Minnysoda, and got the eight train. But what happened to him in Miami was unbelievably unfair. Regardless of the notion that Culpepper is a streaky QB whose streaks seem to last entire seasons, I've always loved his bazooka arm and his athletic ability. Aside from that, this Jamarcus Russel saga is bordering on insanity. The guy's never taken a snap and he's holding out over bonus money? For Culpepper's sake. I hope Russell continues his bizarre combination of idiocy and greed until Duante has at least enough time to prove that Miami was a fiasco.
Joey, formerly Joseph, (aka Joey) Harrington
While I'm not necessarily a Harrington believer, could a QB land in two worse spots than Detroit and Miami recently? Besides, I'd like nothing more than seeing the Falcons emerge from the ####-storm Vick tossed on them, to become a competitive franchise by playing an actual QB at QB. Maybe Harrington got what he deserved, maybe he just sucks. But no franchise and no city full of fans should be punished to death for putting their faith in a player who chose to immediatley and repeatedly #### on them.
Add to that the fact that Harrington, by a shade, is a better QB over his career than Vick, and gets sacked less often. Atlanta and the rest of NFL fans need to accept the reality that QB position does not require re-inventing. Every QB who the media ever labeled as re-inventing the position re-invented themselves out of a job.
What a wonderful lesson to be learned if the Falcons survive and even thrive with a QB at QB.
Guys I wish would stay home . . . . .
Priest Holmes
Don't get me wrong, It's impossible to dislike Priest Holmes as a man or a ball player. But at this point, you have to ask; why? KC is not a SB contender, and the odds priest would be released (if he even makes the roster) to sign with a contender are minimal. But the odds that he could be seriously injured in game action are high enough to wonder what is driving this man. As a RB, he has nothing to prove. As a competitor, he has nothing to prove. And I haven't heard that he's run out of money . . . .
What frightens me is the mere possibility that one of the NFL's class acts and former best talents will take just one more hit. One more that stops him from leaving the field for the last time, under his own power. That's something I'd rather not see happen.
I never played pro-ball, but I suited in High-School. I still remember the click-clack of those cleats on the cement, the sense of invincibility one gets when donning the pads and helmet, and the absolute thrill of performing for the folks cheering you on. i can only imagine how hard it is to move on from the biggest stage, in the niggest game in pro sports. I hear the longing in Sterling Sharpe's voice every time I see him on TV, his career cut short by a neck problem. But then I think of the late Darryl Stingley and it makes me wish Priest would move on.
Vinny Interceptaverde
Oh please. What is this guy, 65 now. So he's played in every decade since Edison invented the light bulb, big deal. I get the feeling Belichick keeps inviting him back for doing time with him in Cleveland . I'm sorry, but I just don't get it. You can get a much younger, 2nd rate QB to play 3rd fidlle for a lot less money than a 73-year veteran. And he'll probably throw fewer game busting picks.
That's what kills me about VinnyT. It's not like he's some wise old sage, whose best days are behind him. He's a sorry old choker whose best days were in high school. I mean this is the guy Jimmy Johnson benched for the National Championship game because he tore up his leg on a motor scooter the weekend before the match. This is the guy who never met a choke he didn't like.
Bill, if Jimmy from South Park were here he'd say, "it's like, come on".
Vick, the most overrated NFL player of all time. What exactly did he do well again? Besides run the ball? Running is for running backs. How many running QBs have ever won the Super Bowl?
I am pulling for Culpepper to. That Miami fiasco just makes you want to root for the guy.
Same with Harrington. I want to like this guy I just can't seem to get fully behind him ever. But this may be his last chance at proving himself.
Holmes needs to stay home.
Vinny, your old coach John Madden called, he said it is time to retire for crying outloud. Let it go. It will be ok. Become a broadcaster, take over MNF so we can be spared the bumbling lunacy of the 3 amigos! I mean you are reaching Joe P age status for cripes sake!
As a lifetime fan of the Miami Dolphins, I shouldn't hope that Daunte will be successful in Oakland. On the other hand, as a member of the Anti-Nick Saban club, I hope both teams get better (Miami and Oakland). Nick Saban had a winning season his first year in Miami, but if you look at that Miami team, I believe that they were about 3-7 when they made the starter switch at running back from rookie Ronnie Brown to the complete monster Ricky Williams. Ricky Williams was and still is a complete monster. He steps on that field in aqua and orange and the team is completely transformed. I don't care how much weed he smokes, Ricky is a dominating back. And especially considering marijuana isn't a performance-enhancing drug, we all should be amazed by his success considering that he has been smoking since high school.
This is Joey Harrington's final chance. Hopefully his team doesn't lose it for him, but sadly, I think the odds are against him.
Vinny should be developing Alzheimer's at this point. I don't really care if he plays or not. I just know that if the game comes down to the wire on his shoulders, he just doesn't have it in him anymore to win. On the other hand, I gotta stand up for my Miami boys, so I say, go Vinny, I hope he does well. He won the Heisman at Miami, but he's 21 years out of that form. Retire, Vincent.
Holmes' body will explode when/if he suits up on opening day, but that's his decision so who are we to judge it?
I've stated that I thought that Vick did as well as he possibly could have during his statement. I took note of the fact that he wasn't reading it. That said, nothing can change what's he done, and the incredibly long string of bad decisions he's made, which makes them a pattern, not an occurence. Which in turn make them that much harder to forgive.
I also want to see Culpepper and Harrington do well. People forget the outstanding season Culpepper had a few years ago, when only a record-breaking season by Peyton Manning outshone him. It's just a shame he's stuck with the Raiders. It's hard to look good there.
