By: Kevin Cottrell Jr.

To conclude the week on Michael Vick, NFL sources are stating that Commissioner Goodell and Michael Vick met late Wednesday night. Apparently the meeting lasted 3 hours and it appears that it will be announced next week that he will be “conditionally reinstated”. The condition being he will face a four game suspension whenever a team signs him. While a four game suspension seems like a bit much for a guy who has already missed 32 games ($70 Million in salary), the fact that he’s getting that much closer to being allowed to electrify fans once again is progress nonetheless. Enough with the REAL…it’s time to jump into the REAL FUN! So where will Vick call home? See below.

6. Steelers: One may wonder why the defending champs would be interested in the risk, its simple they have nothing to lose. Pittsburgh introduced us to “Slash” back in the 90’s when Kordell Stewart did everything but win a Super Bowl. The AFC is consistently tough. With the likes of the Patriots, Colts, Chargers and Titans doing whatever they can to get better it would not be surprising if the Steelers looked into signing Vick just so no one else can. As for Vick signing with a historic franchise with a National fan base like the Steelers have may be just what he needs a HUGE fan base that shows him some love.

5. Saints: The Saints are a very interesting candidate. Coach Sean Payton is an offensive “Guru” and would love a toy like Michael Vick. Imagine Mike backing up the dynamic arm of Drew Brees, coming in to run the Wildcat offense with Vick and Reggie Bush in the same backfield. Sounds exciting? I think so. Not to mention Mike would now be on the other end of the Falcons-Saints rivalry bringing excitement once again to the South. I’m not sure how this would go over with Fans in the Georgia Dome but exciting nonetheless.

4. Rams- It seems like it’s been decades since St. Louis featured the “Greatest Show on Turf”. From Kurt Warner and the cast of many to Marc Bulger. It’s safe to say that after selecting in the top 5 in the draft the past two seasons, that the Rams could use a boost of Vitamin V. Mike would definitely bring a dynamic to a team that’s been like watching paint dry for the past few years. Fans would again have a reason to support the Rams and in a weak conference like the AFC West they wouldn’t dominate but hopefully compete.

3. Seahawks- Since last year I’ve been thinking Seattle may be the best option for Mike. It’s the furthest destination from Virginia. The Fans (known as the 12rh Man) would go wild in even pre-season games at his appearance on the field. Also, the new head coach Jim Mora last manned the sidelines when Mike was the starting QB in Atlanta. The two seemed to work well with one another, which would be a great reunion for the two. Mike would have an easier transition to his coaching style and offense and Jim would have one of his favorite toys at his disposal yet again. Lastly, Matt Hasselbeck hasn’t been the same since the Super Bowl. He’s battled injuries and quickly fallen to mediocrity. If nothing else Matt could use the push from a motivated Mike and if he’s hit with the injury bug yet again Mora & Mike would attempt to right their wrongs from their Atlanta days.

2. Patriots- New England is honestly my dark horse and favorite team for Mike to land. The Pats obviously boast a winning tradition. Their solid core of veterans, coaching staff and management would be just what the doctor ordered for a guy that NEEDS football to improve his image. The Pats are not only supported by the city of Boston but the New England region! The organization has proved that they could turn guy’s careers and reputations around. From Corey Dillon to Randy Moss. Not to mention after a tough year without Tom Brady, Matt Cassell stepped in and eventually OUT to Kansas City. So who will backup Tom terrific? And with the Patriots “win at any cost” attitude (see video gate) I wouldn’t be surprised to see Belichick take a chance on Mike and help to turn his career and image around.

1. 49ers: Over the past week I’ve thought and thought about the official winner of the Michael Vick sweepstakes and the only team colors that surfaces are those of the San Francisco 49ers. First, their QB’s on the roster are Alex Smith, Shaun Hill and Damon Huard (stop laughing). All guys who should be nothing more than Geico guys (insurance to the starters). Next, their head coach Mike Singletary. Yes, his namesake is strong enough to instill confidence and make him work hard on the field as well as off it to repair his life. Also, Coach Singletary knows how to handle to media when the circus would eventually follow Mike to the Bay Area. Another reason this is the perfect match is because they 49ers have NO expectations to be great. They’ve performed so badly in the past that any improvements is acceptable at this point, therefore there wouldn’t be any pressure on MV7 to “disrupt chemistry”, if anything the team would rally around their new teammate and have a new purpose on Sundays, to prove all doubters wrong. The 49ers seem to be a struggling franchise when it comes to ticket sales and with an attraction like Mike it could instantly improve box office sales. The organization has alum such as Hall of Fame QB Steve Young (who has worked with Mike in the past) that would come around support Mike and become one of his many needed allies. The distance between San Francisco and Newport News is far enough away to allow Mike to have a fair shot at a second chance in life. With the likes of Frank Gore, Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree the addition of Vick (once he’s in shape and learned the offense) they would be able to compete in the “weak” NFC West. Ironically 3 of the 4 teams in the division made my top 6. The only team not to make it was the defending Conference Champs (Arizona Cardinals). If I’m a 49er I’m putting pressure on management to look into the 29 year-old Vick the same way Vikings players have done for the 40-year-old Favre.   

 If you disagree with my #1 selection (or order) let me know how you see things playing out!  

By: Kevin Cottrell Jr

4^th and Long…When the names Adam “Pacman” Jones, Plaxico Burress and Donte Stallworth come to mind, many immediately think “these guys had it all playing in the NFL yet lost it with one bad decision. For those of you who don’t know life is simply like a game of football. We must game plan our approach to every opponent (from health to annoying co-workers) because life is all about strategy. The entire week we’ve focused on Michael Vick, who will be approaching a 4^th and Long situation in relation to his career. This will be his last chance and success for him is a long shot! As we sit back as fans and admire these players for their athleticism and accomplishments, use their missteps as inspiration for you to continue doing what’s right. And remember like football, in the game of life if you’re not careful to read the defense you’ll never reach the End zone!

I’M JUST SAYING…I know its been a while since I last expressed my thoughts on a Thursday but there are a few topics surrounding the sporting world that leaves me scratching my head. The first being one LeBron James. Rumors swirled that the King was crowned by a college kid who had the emeralds to challenge LeBron mid air at his on camp. The folk lore led us all to believe that Nike officials confiscated all tapes involved to protect the King from peasant embarrassed but this is 2009 not 1209! And if you haven’t known by now the true King is “Big Brother” so before I give my thoughts on the King sized dunk you take a look and **** your own thoughts…

 ebaumnation.com/2009/07/22/jordan-crawfo...

To the entire King apologist pleaaaaaase understand that YES he got dunked on! And YES they did try to hide the tape because if not this could have easily been turned into a Don’t Think “JUST DO IT” commercial! But after he showed poor sportsmanship against Orlando its tough to put out yet another character fire of his. So LeBron take it like a man and remember you’ve crowned your opponents on a nightly basis and all you do is walk away with a smile…but you know what they say? “The same thing that makes you smile…makes you cry!”

www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LadJgjqaaM

The second mind-boggling Sports story also resides in the NBA and focuses on another active legend…Allen Iverson! For those of you that only know the Denver/Detroit A.I. you’re reading the wrong blog! For everyone else here’s a refresher: Allen Iverson a.k.a A.I. aka “The Answer” aka “The Biggest Little Man of All-Time” is #16 on the All-Time Scoring List (23, 983 points) second active leader to Shaq and one spot ahead of Kobe (they were both drafted in ’96). With that said how is it that at age 34 Iverson can barely get a look from a team yet Steve Nash (also age 34 and drafted in ’96) can redeem a 2-year extension worth $22 Million! Whereas Iverson can barely attract the mid-level exception at a bit over $5 Million per?? Look I understand A.I. has a “character flaw” label or that he says “he refuses to come off the bench” but the guy has scored more points than many of us have put miles on a car!! Think about that for a second? It’s clear that A.I. is beginning to be black balled from the NBA but remember this was the same guy to save the NBA when Michael Jordan took Flight out of the league. Question, who was first to rock braids in the NBA? The Answer. Question, who was first to popularize tattoos? The Answer. Final question, who has every idiot in the league wearing a “shooting sleeve” on their elbow when even Dwight Howard admitted he’s doing so because “it looks cool”? You know the Answer! So let’s be more respectable of the true NBA Trendsetter the biggest lil man in the L, the Answer to all the questions and the man who can score from anywhere in the arena! I’m sorry Steve aka Mr. 2-time MVP aka never played a game in June aka my back always hurt aka I wish Coach D’Antoni was here so I could flourish. Quick Question if any of you could do the ’96 draft over and you had a choice between Allen Iverson (who was #1 pick by the way) and Steve Nash would you reconsider the original choice by Philly? Wait, I’m sure I know your ANSWER!

REAL FUN: 12-7

All week long we’ve counted down the various possibilities of Michael Vick’s NFL Final Destinations. From 32-13 I’m pretty sure he won’t be wearing there practices jerseys but this next set of teams is as unpredictable as any other in the L.

12. Broncos: This time last year their “Franchise QB” Jay Cutler was gearing up to post up 4,000+ passing yards and earning his first Pro Bowl selection. But yet they’ll now settle with Kyle Orton, a QB that hasn’t thrown over 4,000 yards in his career! Sure the Broncos could quite frankly be in the hunt for the services of #7 but if it’s too good to be true, it normally is.

11. Buccaneers: At one point this team had about 5 quarterbacks in camp last season so now that they have 3 who’s to say they couldn’t add one? I mean none of the QB’s are bonified #1s they took a chance on Josh Freeman (Kansas State) worst case scenario they obtain a dynamic player in Vick that is very familiar with the NFC South. Right? Not quite the days of Jon Gruden experiments are over. He’ll be up in the Monday Night Football booths this season and Vick can only hope to be playing in one this season.

10. Raiders: Many of you may be surprised at the Raiders position on my list but here me out. Al Davis is always the wild card of the league but with a hefty amount of money invested in JaMarcus Russell coupled by the signing of Jeff Garcia to push the youngster I just don’t see Al showing himself up by adding another QB to mess with the youthful mind of JaMarcus. However, if Vick is still out there after camps have begun and no one shows interest I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in the black hole.

9. Jaguars: The Jags may be one of the sleepers because they have a “decent/solid” quarterback in David Garrard but since they’ve lose Fred Taylor (a staple with the Franchise) and loss Matt Jones (they’re best receiver) they could use some explosiveness and another attraction to help sell tickets. However, something tells me they won’t be a player in the Vick-stakes. The coach is old school and with Matt Jones being dismissed for violation his probation exchanging one troubled player for another never seems to work out.

8. Texans: The Texans have been on the “verge” of playoff status for a while now. Many questioned their move to select DE Mario Williams instead of Reggie Bush. Fast forward a few years and we all know why. Matt Schaub (former Vick backup) has made a great tandem with wide out Andre Johnson but the problem is Matt can’t seem to stay healthy. Maybe Houston looks at Vick like the Reggie Bush they never had? But then again how weird would it be for Vick to backup…. his backup? I can’t see it happening but wouldn’t be surprised if they expressed interest.

7. Redskins: Now you can tell we are getting close to those really interested! Daniel Snyder, owner of the Redskins, would stop at nothing to put his team in position to win. Even if that meant risking a PR disaster in signing Vick. Keep in mind that the owner was shopping his QB all spring long until the Bears snuck in and grabbed Cutler from Denver. With Campbell under contract for only a year I wouldn’t at all be surprised at the signing of Vick to push Jason this season. Then there’s why I don’t see him signing Mike. He’d be too close to home! In fact, I’m sure the area Mike grew up in cheered the Redskins! (Okay I’m not totally sure but VA borders DC/Maryland) Vick would be too close to his boys from Newport News and I’m sure his plan is to get as far away from them as possible.

So if you took time to look over the list from 32-7 I’m sure you could figure out the final 6 by now…but will your order match mine? Will your reasons be the same? And will the #1 team I select surface to become the perfect match? Check back Friday for the Final results!

III. SAY WHAT!!! (Just My Thoughts)

The new phenomenon in sports is Twitter. It seems as if every athlete wants us to know “What they’re doing” from what they are eating, what jewelry they just bought to their favorite movie or cd. But my question is why isn’t anyone “tweeting” about shooting 1000 free throws? Or about working on there ball-handling? Or improving their jump shot? Take it from a fan; the last thing we want to know is how you spend your riches! Because we’ve invested a lot into your jump shot so we need your ball handling down pat and if now when you’re fouled we want to see those free throws made in the clutch!

I know Carlos Boozer wants out of Utah but one week he said he’d love to play in Chicago the next it was Miami. But what if both said they didn’t want him?

Prior to the Lakers winning the Finals, Lamar Odom seemed to NEVER show up in big moments. I mean sure he took a lesser role coming off the bench and he put up his 11 points 8 reb (down from 14-10 in the previous year) but I find it interesting that he seems to believe he’s worth more than the $8-9Million/year offer from L.A. It’s funny because it’s the perfect position for the soft big man. The last time a player acted like this was Shawn Marion and you see where that got him…

Lastly, LeBron James is widely considered the best player in the NBA by fellow players, but why is it that he couldn’t lure a big free agent?? See “I’m Just Saying”

IT'S REAL. IT'S FUN. IS IT REAL FUN?

In the First 48 hours of Michael Vick’s release, analyst across various platforms have stated why or why not MV7 should be reinstated to the NFL. Many argue that he’s paid his debt to society and should be granted an immediate reinstatement while others feel as if the 29-year-old QB still has something to prove. While none of us are in a position to judge let’s be clear on one issue, the two year layoff only allowed the National Football League to catch up to Vick as opposed to Michael falling behind. With the newly fascinated “Wildcat” offense the man who started it all is currently at home in Virginia waiting on word from the Commish. For those of you with short memories, just before Vick entered federal prison, he was coming off a season in which he and his running back (Warrick Dunn) both rushed for over 1,000 yards. So if anyone thinks Mike will have a tough time transitioning back into the flow of the game just remember he’s the one responsible for the current trend. Let’s move on shall we? This next group of teams will highlight all situations (in my opinion) that may seem ideal but would only turn out to be a LOSE-LOSE situation for both the team and Vick.

18. Cowboys: In the past there wouldn’t be any doubt that Jerry Jones would have been on the first thing smoking upon Michael’s release to initiate the courtship between owner and Free-Agent. But after going out on a limb signing Adam “Pacman” Jones, Tank Johnson and of course Terrell Owens (and not winning A playoff game), something tells me Jerry won’t even utter the words Mike or Vick for that matter. While its evident they are moving into there new state of the art arena and preparing to host the 2010 NBA All-Star game one thing they won’t have problems doing is packing the stadium. Although former Cowboys such as Michael Irvin and Deion Sanders may rush to the QB’s aid it’s not likely he’ll even have a chance to compete on next seasons 4^th and Long!

17. Titans: Let’s retrace the Tennessee steps…After booting Steve McNair (the face of their franchise) out of the weight room and using their first round pick in the ’06 draft to select Vince Young, many were led to believe the Titans had the new version of Vick. But two seasons into it Young became restless (some thought even suicidal) and the Elder statesmen in Kerry Collins took over and led them to one of the best records in the L in 08. Whew that was a lot. As you can see they’ve been immersed in a QB soap opera so the last thing they need to do is involve Vick and the last place he needs to be is Nashville.

16. Chargers: How crazy would it be for Vick to land in Southern California? Really crazy actually! In 2001 the Falcons decided to select Mike #1 overall, instead of the dynamic LaDanian Tomlinson. Now the two could be teammates! Not exactly! San Diego has a franchise QB in Phillip Rivers (who is very egotistical) and the last thing they need is unwarranted attention when attempting to finally live up to their expectations as Super Bowl Contenders. As for Vick one could only imagine what it would be like if he joins the club and they fall apart and not make the playoffs and everyone would like at him like he’s the reason they’ve choked when it mattered most the past few seasons.

15. Panthers: The Panthers would actually be a good fit for Michael “football wise”. As for proximity I feel it’s too close to the city of Atlanta. Jake Delhomme is on his last leg as a signal caller and fans across the Carolinas would welcome Mike with open arms but the moment Jake throws and incomplete pass against the Falcons fans would scream for Mike when things don’t quite workout it would then be a lose-lose for both parties.

14. Bears: I myself would love the idea of Vick joining my beloved Chicago Bears but here are a few problems. A) They traded everything but Soldiers Field for Jay Cutler so they’re set at QB. As for wildcat schemes and explosive plays the Bears already have Devin “Anytime” Hester and while the two in the same backfield or on the field at the same time would be scary for any opposing defense, the Bears Offensive Coordinator wouldn’t no what to do with themselves! Plus it’s too cold! For Michael to have a 2-year layoff its probably best that he relocates to a great climate that allows his body to transition back into the weekly grind of an NFL season.

13. Cardinals: The defending NFC Champs have two solid QB’s. An older polished Kurt Warner and a younger rugged Matt Leinart. The organization has yet to solve the Anquan Boldin saga so before they could devise a public relations plan to protect Vick they have their own in house drama to solve. Not to mention with a team just a toe tap away from winning the big game Michael wouldn’t want to be placed in position to join a team that’s going to barely make the playoffs regardless if he’s on the roster or not! On the flip side the Cards had a tough time selling out their own arena during the postseason but something tells me that they won’t have too much of a problem with that this year fresh off a Super Bowl berth.

We’re getting closer to the top 6 teams (which rumors swirl that 6 teams are interested) and as I’m concluding this piece sources are saying that Commissioner Goodell is planning to meet with Michael as early as Thursday or Friday to discuss a “conditional reinstatement”. This was a tactic he used with Pacman last season, in which he allowed him to attend a training camp and participate during the preseason but still preserved the right to suspend him prior to the beginning of the regular season. As for now everything is merely a rumor so we’ll see what transpires by week’s end…Tomorrow we’ll dissect teams 12-7: Unpredictable Franchises!

IT'S REAL. IT'S FUN. but is it REAL FUN?

By: Kevin Cottrell Jr.

For those of you that may have missed the first installment of the REAL….the FUN and the REAL FUN…This week’s focus is on Michael Vick. We’ve tackled questions surrounding his recent release from Federal prison and weighed the possibility of the former QB returning to the Gridiron. We left off with teams 32-27, from least likely to likely, take a chance in signing him, those teams included: Falcons, Packers, Colts, Giants, Jets and Vikings. If you feel the need to catch up go back and read the first edition. For those who are up to speed let’s move on to the next group of teams that I like to call the “Thanks…but NO Thanks” Group.. Some teams have a signal caller to hand the franchise to, others have a current QB battle and a few just seems to be all bark and no bite!

26. Ravens: Baltimore is fresh off a AFC Title game loss on the back of rookie sensation Joe “Cool” Flacco! Ironically enough the Ravens were often criticized for not having a solid QB even in their Super Bowl run. However, with the rookie making plays Sunday after Sunday the only thing the Ravens organization is worried about is filling various holes on their defense left by the likes of Adalius Thomas and Bart Scott. So unless Michael puts on about 40 pounds and decides to learn how to chase quarterbacks his services will not be needed.

25. Chiefs: The Kansas City Chiefs fired Herman Edwards. Traded for Matt Cassell. Signed Cassell to a fortune yet none of the above reasons are why the Chiefs come in at number 25…Well, I don’t know about the average reader but something about Michael Vick returning to an area close to Leavenworth, Kansas (were he served his prison term) just doesn’t seem like a good place to get a fresh start. I mean can you imagine training camp in the hot field of Kansas? To us its just HOT but to Mike it would be unbearable. So to the Chiefs fans with their fingers crossed get your MATT CASSELL jerseys!

24. Eagles: As we all know since 1999 the Eagles and Donovan McNabb have been engaged in a love-hate relationship. This time last year rumors swirled about McNabb’s services being exported to a football town near you. But after reaching yet another NFC title game the thought of replacing Donovan is as old as one of those Campbell’s Soups commercials. In all honesty Vick serving as McNabb’s backup is a scary thought for NFC East foes but after the T.O. saga, it seems too risky for the Eagle suits.

23. Bengals: In the past few years the Bengals seem to be adding a player to their roster with a criminal history just as long as their NFL resume. But with a roster packed with Chris Henry, Tank Johnson, Cedric Benson and of course Ocho Cinco its best that Vick stays away from this dysfunctional atmosphere. 

22. Browns: Okay, Vick doesn’t need a two headed PR team to inform him that the thought of MV7 playing in front of the “Dog Pound” probably wouldn’t go over well with PETA and animal lovers everywhere. Besides come August Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson will be battling it out for the right to be the starting QB opening weekend.

21. Lions: Its hard to say that a team fresh off the historic 0-16 season could say ‘No Thanks” to any talented athlete. But when that organization drafts a cannon for an arm number 1 overall and signs him to a contract large enough to feed the hungry and balance the deficit, its safe to say Vick won’t be calling Detroit home. However, for those that will look at it from the standpoint that he could help sell tickets in the struggling Detroit econcomy…I’d still tell them not even pre-dog fighting Vick could help the struggling city.

20. Bills: With the signing of Terrell Owens, one must think Buffalo has already surpassed their “High risk- High reward cap.” Buffalo too has experienced a struggling economy to the point that they want to play home games north of the border in Canada to secure more ticket sales revenue. With a young Trent Edwards eager to prove that he’s not like other quarterbacks to play with T.O. the last thing he needs is a hungry Vick on his heels.

19. Dolphins: At first glance many would agree that Bill Parcells would have nothing to do with the troubled QB and while that may be true, the ‘Fins come in at 19^th for obvious reasons. They’re VICK-tims from the signing of his baby brother. When Virginia Tech closed their doors on Michael’s younger brother Marcus and decided to enter the NFL Draft the South Beach Dolphins took a chance on the speedy baby bro and it backfired! I mean could you imagine Michael joining a team with Ricky Williams as the “responsible” veteran to serve as Mike’s sponsor on the team?? Yea, Mike needs that as much as we need another Medical Based drama on T.V.!!!!

***That’s 32-19. Teams that have NO CHANCE and those that would say THANKS BUT NO THANKS!!! Tomorrow we’ll survey those teams that if interested would be in a LOSE-LOSE situation!***

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!