IT’s REAL…IT”S FUN but is it REAL FUN?

By: Kevin Cottrell Jr

After an 8-month layoff from the blogosphere, there’s only one topic (not related to Chicago Sports) that could peak my interest enough to place my fingers on the nearest set of home row keys- one Michael Dwayne Vick. Once loved by all for his dynamic play on the football field now finds himself hated by many for his outlandish behavior off the field. We’ve heard the various depictions of his involvement in dog fighting. He missed two seasons of NFL football, lost over $70 Million in salary and now faces the toughest rush he’s ever seen, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Today marks the end of his Federal sentence and although he can’t conduct any interviews for another week (due to the guidelines in his sentencing) we as a blog nation can pose and attempt to answer the biggest questions facing MV7…Will he be reinstated? Will he be signed by a team? And, will he ever be the same again? In the past I’ve written a continuous blog titled “Thoughtful Thursday” but that was then…Now we’ll explore, THE REAL, THE FUN and the REAL FUN…surrounding the world of sports.

THE REAL:

As of today, July 20, 2009 Michael Vick will be released from home confinement which was a part of his sentencing due to his involvement in dog fighting ring. What this means essentially is that Vick can resume workouts and conditioning with hopes of proving he can help out an NFL team. He must prove that the dynamic double threat QB that once “earned” the highest contract in NFL history is worth at least the veterans minimum. With that said let’s look at some of the “real” questions Vick will be faced with when he meets with the Commish.

Q. Should he be reinstated?

A. Of Course! In America we absolutely LOVE second chances and what better way to show America’s youth how anyone can turn their life around for the better. Vick has done the time the Judicial system handed him and its time he’s allowed to earn a living-as he once did prior to his arrest, PLAYING FOOTBALL!

Q. Will the NFL look at the NBA, MLB for examples of reinstating troubled athletes?

A. Something tells me the way Commissioner Goodell “rolls” he could careless how the other two leagues manages their players but let’s be honest here. In the NBA, Chris “Birdman” Andersen was banned from the league for 2 years for violation of the substance abuse policy. After getting clean Birdman was reinstated, he eventually signed with the Denver Nuggets and anchored a defense that reached the Western Conference Finals. And to top it all off, Birdman reached a new deal with the Nuggets for 5yr and worth $26 Million. The MLB has a story of its own in Josh Hamilton, outfielder for the Texas Rangers. After being banned from the Majors for 2 years of his own, he not only bounced back into a role on the Rangers but has become the star attraction. He was named to back-to-back All-Star games and was the talk of the 2008 All-Star festivities even in defeat. In the 2008 Home Run Derby, Hamilton set a new Derby record by blasting 28 homers in the first round. I’m sure there are many more examples of those who have bounced back and even some who never rebounded but at age 29 (with fresh legs) Vick has an opportunity to return to prominence.

THE FUN:

Once the rumor mill of where he could possibly land begins to buzz and the PETA reps threaten to boycott the L upon his return the fun will officially begin! Will he be compared to Barry Bonds when a league that once rest on his broad shoulders now turns their back on him when Vick needs them the most? Or will he find himself suddenly the sleeper in many online geeks Fantasy Football Drafts. Only time will tell. For now we’ll tackle other FUN topics!

Q. So who’ll take a chance?

A. In this economy a team that may have a hard time selling tickets will definitely be interested (see Iverson to the Clippers rumors) or maybe a team that has a pretty solid foundation and could bring Vick along at their own pace and use him in various “FUN” formations (see Wildcat offense). One thing’s for sure there are 32 teams in the NFL and there’s no way one could convince me that there are 32 quarterbacks more talented than Vick.

Q. Will P.E.T.A make things tougher?

A. I imagine so because let’s face it…that’s what they do! Sure they’ll protest (for what I’m still not sure) but they will however this can only help MV7 in my eyes. He’s kept quiet for the past two years and while I’m sure he didn’t have much access to Facebook or Twitter the fact is he’s done his time. So more people will rush to the QB’s defense and make him more likable in the public’s eye.

Q. How will the fans react?

A. Well it depends on what “fans” you’re asking…If they have a Virginia Tech or Atlanta Falcons background chances are they’ll defend him until the end. But wherever he lands the teams rival will have fans hating on the acquisition. Either way I’m sure he won’t receive Barry Bonds-like reactions across NFL stadiums but once he’s back to scoring touchdowns fans will remember why they loved him in the first place.

THE REAL FUN:

We’ve discussed a few issues surrounding Michael Vick’s possible return to the NFL but let’s get into the “Real Fun”, what team will he most likely end up with! I’ll attempt to countdown from 32-1 (in order from least to most likely) each team will have an explanation and remember this has nothing to do with any “inside” information but solely based on my NFL expertise…here we go!

NO CHANCE

32. Falcons: Obviously the day Vick was sentenced to 23 months in Federal Prison the Atlanta Falcons organization immediately began to construct an exit strategy. His name: Matt Ryan! Honestly it’s best both Vick and Falcons part although believe it or not there are some fans that still yearn to see him pack the Georgia Dome just one more time.

31.Packers: In all honesty the Pack could have competed for the 32^ndspot! When they made the decision to part ways with Mr. Green Bay himself (Brett Favre) the Cheeseheads decided their fate and direction at the QB position and its better known as Aaron Rodgers. After being in the midst of the offseason, pre-season, regular season post Favre drama, the Packers will do their best to avoid controversy this season.

30. Colts: Once again here’s another roster with a staple at the QB position however my reason may surprise you why they come in at 30…because Tony Dungy is no longer the coach in Indy. You see something tells me that Dungy’s desire to be a mentor would have given Vick a chance to join the Colts if Tony still manned the sidelines but since he’ll be in a TV studio near you the Colts are NOT an option!

29. Giants: Well it shouldn’t be a surprise that the Manning’s are close in proximity yet again but once again for different reasons. Michael Vick will NOT become a member of the G-Men because they just rid themselves of Plaxico Burress after shooting himself so there’s no way they’ll attract unwarranted attention from the New York media by bringing in the troubled QB. So while every athlete loves to play on the biggest stage Vick will have to pass on taking his act to broadway.

28. Jets: Well if you read number 29 you knew what team would follow right? Exactly but this has nothing to do with the media. The Jets went out on a limb when signing the aging Brett Favre last season ant that experiment blew up in their face. So when the draft came along they decided to build towards the future with the selection of Mark Sanchez out of USC. Mark has enough pressure on his shoulders the last thing the young QB needs is to be looking over those same shoulders at a dynamic Vick.

27. Vikings: Let's see...the Vikes have their QB of the future in Tavaris Jackson. They traded for a veteran QB in Sage Rosenfels and their still holding out hope that the 40-year-old QB (Brett Favre) will fly in from Mississippi and be the answer to their Super Bowl hopes this season. Well the locker room isn't big enough for two QB draws from the media so it's safe to cross the purple people eaters off the list.

Look out for the next group of teams tomorrow!

 

By: Kevin Cottrell Jr. Every year the NFL Draft stage is set to showcase the "Gems" of College Football. Some turn out to be "Cubic Zirconia's", and others prove to be "Diamonds". The c.z.'s are appealing to the naked eye but do not last long in the league. Whereas those diamonds are true studs that standout to NFL scouts and General Managers alike. Then there is the Diamond in the rough, these guys are labeled as good talent, a bit under sized, and often known as special teamers. This year's draft was stacked with Line Backer talent. Many would agree that the true Diamond would be Ohio State's bruising Line Backer A.J. Hawk. In Hawk's last game as a Buckeye, the opposing middle linebacker for the fighting Irish may turn out to be this year's "diamond in the rough". You may recognize him by his number 46 crushing opposing running backs, or his lengthy dreadlocks that grace the back of his jersey. For those of you who don't know, his name is Corey Mays. In Corey's senior year of high school at Morgan Park (Chicago), he led the team with 144 tackles and 5 sacks. His tenacity as a linebacker and his smarts (4.2 G.P.A.) made him the "gem" of the 2001 recruiting class. "Corey was very intense on the football field. He played sideline to sideline and hit guys like a Mac Truck", says his former asst. Coach Keith Brookshire at Morgan Park. "He was a very smart kid that led by example." His success in high school was so eye-popping that he became the first player from the Chicago Public League to play at Notre Dame since All-American Chris Zorich (88-90). As one could imagine with those stats Mays would be an instant impact player building a legacy in South Bend. Well think again. Mays sat for four consecutive years, primarily playing on special teams. Many in his position would have opted to transfer schools or may simply lose all motivation to succeed at the sport that they love, but Corey viewed it differently. "I was recruited by Coach Davie, then we started out 0-3 and then came 9/11 attacks it was Crazy," says Mays. "Then came coach O'Leary who lasted all of five days, my sophomore year is when Coach Willingham took over so I didn't know if I should transfer or stay but I figured I would stay and wait things out." Its been said that diamonds are indestructible and Corey seemed to be just as durable, because four years, and four head coaches later he managed to shine in the eyes of his latest head coach Charlie Weis. "I saw a big, physical guy who was in very good shape, in better shape than a lot of people and really didn't say too much, just went out there and worked his butt off all the time," says Weis. "And then we got on the field and I found out he was a more vocal leader than I thought he would be...By the end of spring ball, I was very confident that we had found ourselves a middle linebacker that could man the middle of our defense." All Corey did was attack his opponents' head on finishing the season with 68 tackles. To many that may be an average season but in his previous three years Corey totaled 45 tackles. Along with the 68 tackles, 7 were sacks, and he managed to force 4 fumbles. His tenacity did not stop there. As he entered his final game with the Fighting Irish he faced off against the All-American middle linebacker A.J. Hawk. Technically they didn't face off since they play the same position however many people in Corey's position may have felt as if it was their duty to out shine the highly touted Buckeye linebacker. But Mays is his own person. "I came to the Fiesta bowl to play my last football game, I would never try to out play him I just came to do me." Corey may not have planned to out shine A.J. but he did prove that he could compete at the same level. When the game ended Corey and A.J. both led their perspective teams with 12 tackles. Mays added a sack and a forced fumbled while Hawk sacked the QB twice. Although Corey may have proved himself on a national stage in the Fiesta bowl, he still needed to open the eyes of NFL personnel. His last chance came via the Hula Bowl. Once again Corey was given an opportunity and he seized it finishing the Hula Bowl with a game high six tackles. "I enjoyed the opportunity of meeting other players and being given the opportunity of showcasing my talent up against colleges best talent," says Mays. "I must admit I did think to myself I would love to be back in Hawaii for the Pro Bowl while playing in the NFL." Many people may feel that it is imperative to be selected in the first two rounds of the draft to secure a spot with an organization. However, when one has endured as much as Corey has the past five years, they would just be happy to hear their name called. Often times teams past on players based on lack of experience, size, weight, and or height. Corey was no exception having to sign on as a free-agent with the New England Patriots. But as years past General Managers may find themselves mind boggled as to how they past up such a "gem." For instance, the 1996 NFL Draft showcased diamonds such as 2000 Super Bowl MVP Ray Lewis (#26 Pick of Baltimore Ravens), and who many may consider a diamond in the rough, Tedy Bruschi was drafted #86 by the New England Patriots. Three Super Bowl rings and a medical stroke later, he is still with the Patriots preparing for his 11th. Season...I guess Diamonds are forever.