Thursday Morning Cup O’Chiefs
He is the only quarterback who could knock Brett Favre out of the off-season spotlight.
Michael Vick arrived back in Hampton, Virginia Thursday morning, after make the all day, 1,200-mile drive from Leavenworth. He was released on Wednesday from the federal prison, returning to his home in the Virginia Tidewater to finish out his sentence.
OK, so when will we see him back in the NFL?
Not any time soon.
Is there any chance Vick could end up just down the road from his old cell in Leavenworth and wear the red and gold of the Chiefs?
That’s too hard to believe.
First, Vick is still under an indefinite suspension handed down by NFL Commish Roger Goodell in August 2007. Many in the league believe that even if Goodell reinstates Vick, it will come with more games in a suspension, possibly four, maybe a half-season.
Goodell isn’t going to touch this thing until after July 20; that’s when Vick leaves the custody of the federal government, after serving 19 months on his 23 month sentence for pleading guilty to charges of conspiracy and dog fighting.
The Commissioner has made it plain he needs to see remorse on the part of Vick, and it’s doubtful that’s going to be immediately visible on July 21.
“Our issue is trying to do the right thing and represent the NFL in the best possible way,” Goodell said during a panel discussion on leadership in sports at Washington & Lee University recently. “Michael did an egregious thing. He has paid a very significant price for that.
“If he’s learned from that and is prepared to live a different life, I think the general public is forgiving on that when people are genuine and they show remorse and are prepared to live a different life. That’s something he has to prove to myself and the general public.”
Whether Vick is “prepared to live a different life” is not something that’s going to be visible immediately, and there is certainly no way the NFL and Goodell is going to take the man’s word for his intentions. He lied too many times to the Falcons and owner Arthur Blank about his activities with pit bulls.
Even if Vick is remorseful, there’s another major hurdle for the quarterback: will anybody in the NFL sign him? The Falcons still hold his rights, but that will end as soon as he’s reinstated, because they don’t want him back.
“We’ve made it clear Michael’s not going to play for us again,” Blank said. “Right now his salary is being tolled so it has no effect on our cap, beyond the allocation of signing bonus which happens under any circumstances. So we’ll deal with it at the time we think is correct.”
It doesn’t appear that there will be a line of teams at Vick’s door trying to add him to the roster. In fact, right now it would probably be an invisible line. Vick remains too hot in the view of many in the NFL, and those teams that have been willing to speak publicly, only a few have said they would agree to discussing the possibility. None said they would sign him.
Would the Chiefs have any interest? That’s too far-fetched; he would not fit what the Hunt family would like, or that Pioli/Haley adage about the 53 players that fit best, not the best 53 players. Despite the physical talent he may or may not still possess, Vick doesn’t fit.
It’s important for the bankrupt Vick to get back to football as quickly as possible so he can earn some money. That means he may find a spot in the upcoming United Football League. The four-team league in many ways would be an ideal place for him to get back into the game, and it would certainly be a shot of publicity for that new league.
For those following along, here are some of the particulars of what’s up for Vick in the near future:
- Name: Michael Vick.
- Number: 7 in the NFL and 33765-183 at Leavenworth.
- Sentence: 23 months on conspiracy dog fighting charges.
- Served: 19 months. He surrendered to federal authorities on November 20, 2007.
- Released: 4 a.m. on Wednesday.
- What’s next: he has 72 hours to report to his probation officer.
- Release from federal custody: comes on July 20, after spending the next two months in home confinement.
- The Hampton house: 5 bedrooms and 3,538 square feet.
- Restrictions on him: he will wear an electronic bracelet and he may go to work every day, and then he has five other hours a week where he can leave the house. Otherwise, he must be at home.
- Other restrictions: he cannot drink alcohol and he cannot have a dog living in his home.
- What will he do: he has a $10-hour job with the W.M. Jordan Construction Company, which is owned by John Lawson, an influential Virginia Tech donor.
- Where did Vick go to college: Virginia Tech.
- Next court appearance: On June 9, when he’s in federal bankruptcy court.
TONY DUNGY TALKS ABOUT MEETING WITH VICK
Former Colts coach Tony Dungy went to Leavenworth several weeks ago to speak with Vick. He writes about it in this week’s issue of Sports Illustrated. Here are the opening paragraphs:
As I was preparing to visit Michael Vick at the federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kans., earlier this month, I got a phone call from Ron Freeman. His son Josh is the Kansas State quarterback who was the first-round pick by the Buccaneers last month. We had never met, but we spoke father-to-father. Ron asked me if I would call Josh and keep an eye on him as he was getting used to his new environment in Tampa, where I make my home. As we talked, I could tell Ron and his wife had done a great job in preparing their son, and Josh was probably one of the few NFL rookies who wouldn’t need much mentoring. But his dad was going that extra mile for his son.
Then I went to see Michael. As I sat down with him at the table in the visitors’ room, he looked just like many of the young men I have talked with in other prisons. I couldn’t get over how young he still looked. I hadn’t seen him in person since 2005, but his face looked the same. The Falcons’ number 7 jersey, though, had been replaced by a tan jumpsuit with his inmate number on it. We talked for about two hours, and my message was the same one I’ve given hundreds of other inmates I’ve visited. “What you learn in life is the same thing you learn in football,” I told Michael, who was scheduled to be released from prison this Wednesday to serve the final two months of his 23-month sentence in home confinement. “You have losses, and you have to rebound from them. The key thing is, How do you bounce back from a defeat?”
Later, Dungy writes:
I firmly believe Michael deserves a second chance in life. I understand how appalling dog fighting is, and in no way do I condone it. But he was given a punishment that the court deemed appropriate, and now he exits prison having paid for that crime. It’s time to let him bounce back after that loss. If we are willing to forgive Michael and take an honest look at the person who is leaving that prison, we might be surprised at what we see. We might see a man who says “I’m sorry” with his actions and not just his words. We might see a man who wants to get back to his three children and stop the cycle of young people growing up without a father to help them.
SIGNINGS & MOVEMENT AROUND THE LEAGUE
BILLS – released WR Mike Jefferson.
FALCONS – signed WR Khalil Jones.
49ERS – lost CB Walt Harris to a torn ACL in his right knee.
JAGUARS – claimed CB Tyron Brackenridge on waivers (Jets); waived WR D’Juan Woods.
SEAHAWKS – signed LS Bryan Pittman (Texans).
SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY …
Born on May 21, 1940 in College Station, Texas was RB Jimmy Saxton. He played 13 games with the Texans in the 1962 season, carrying the ball three times for one yard and catching five passes for 64 yards.
Born on May 21, 1967 in Bay City, Texas was LB Tracy Simien (left). He spent seven seasons with the Chiefs (1991-97), appearing in 99 games with 84 starts. He finished his career with the Chiefs defense with four sacks and four interceptions.
Born on May 21, 1919 in Ft. Lauderdale was QB Quinn Gray. He joined the Chiefs last year, and appeared in one game, completing seven of eight passes for 76 yards and a TD throw.
Of course Vick will play again in the NFL and there will be desperate teams more than willing to roll the dice on him. First, he can put fans in the stands which is not a minor consideration with this weak economy. Next, he has past proven all-pro ability, bringing an electric presence to the field.
I know about the rust that needs to be knocked off, the Comish’s ruling/re-instatement, and the PR problem with PETA and all that but, in time, that will be resolved and Vick will return to the big stage. An early likely landing spot?
How about Seattle and a reunion with Mora Jr?
Oh, one more thing. As to Vick ever coming to the Chiefs? They have far greater issues than another QB/RB/WR type guy to consider starting with an Oline that looks even worse than last year, particularly if Waters takes a hike.
The WR ranks don’t appear to be causing sleepless nights in the near future for opposing team’s DCs either but we all know this. Vick as a Chief is about as likely as Pioli hosting a weekly call-in TV or radio show.
Dungy writes:
“I understand how appalling dog fighting is, and in no way do I condone it. But he was given a punishment that the court deemed appropriate, and now he exits prison having paid for that crime.”
Those lines from Tony Dungy pretty much sum it up for me. Vick commited a crime…he got caught…and he did his time. I personally don’t see that “sorry” has anything to do with it.
I’m already tired of hearing about it. And I’m sure it’s only begun. I’d rather hear about Favre…and that’s BAD.
I don’t care where he plays as long as it isn’t for us. Personally i think the guy is overrated as a QB.He was never that great of a passer which is one of the main functions of a QB. Yeah, he can scramble really good but that is supposed to be a last resort if you can’t get an open receiver.
No wonder Quinn Gray couldn’t make it with the Chiefs. Per Bob’s “Say Happy Birthday…” the guy turns 90 today!
The most ridiculous thing in the world are the reporters camped in front of Vicks house? Why, do they expected the villagers to rise up with torches and pitchforks?
Would Vick put people in the stands….or drive them away. I agree that we in no way want Vick on the Chiefs roster. I don’t care if he is better than Brady….he has a bad image and we don’t need that image transposed onto the Chiefs. It would fit with the Raiders though. :p
:} :] ;] ;} ;/ :/ :> :.
Just testing.
Mike Vick=Future Oakland Raider….
Harold C. doing his best ‘Brando’ mock…
:} :] ;] ;} ;/ :/ :> :.
…but alas finds Pee Wee Herman a movie theater - it could be any - on personal reflection.
The Chiefs already tried Michael Vick- they called him Casey Printers…a poor man’s.
Is there no word on the OTA’s (beyond Monday’s report)?
rin tin tin
this is the first time i have liked what you said because everytime i rememeber pee wee herman in the movie theatr i always chuckle just a little, just imagine the screwd up things chairy had to have seen late at night when pee wee is settin in her and hes got nothin better to do
and mike vick is pos that will never change
hey casey printers never got a real chance
ya scott thank you i was woundering the same thing i been getin on here everyday hopin for somethin on the otas and how well big glenn and tyson jackson is doing
I agree with Rip em’. I think Mora Jr. over in Seattle takes a chance on Vick. Vick needs this year to get back in football shape. He needs to train. Even if he’s allowed back in the league this year and a team brings him in, he shouldn’t be thrown out on the field right away. If he goes to Seattle, he can sit in 2009, go to training camp next year, and possibly make an impact in 2010. Plus, Matt Hasselbeck is nearing the end of his career and they haven’t addressed their QBotF yet.
If the league let Leonard Little back in, they should let Vick back in as well.
head cheif says:
“rin tin tin”
- yes, what is it now?
“this is the first time i have liked what you said”
- Rin cannot say the same about you…yet.
“because”
- (drumroll)
“everytime i rememeber pee wee herman in the movie theatr”
- everytime? Why wouldst a man - this case you, dwell on ‘nother (a Herm yes - Herman no, whew) and his concessions to theatre the absurd? Of a football sensibility, makes none the latter.
“i always chuckle just a little”
- just a little or a lot nee full blown loads of mirth?
“just imagine the screwd up things chairy had to have seen late at night when pee wee is settin in her and hes got nothin better to do”
- I shall declinate for now as construction the Chiefs 2009 season is underway, same.
“and mike vick is pos that will never change”
- only his NFL cathedra, better than PW…
As to whether he’s sorry or not, I’d be more interested in whether he’s sorry he got caught or sorry he lied to his team mates, the owner of the team and to Roger Goodell + the whole dog fighting thing. I think everyone deserves a second chance because EVERYONE has dropped the ball at one time or another.
With that said, I’d have to agree with Brian, he’s overrated as a QB. Personally, I’m not a big fan of running QB’s. I think it says you’re team can’t protect and you can’t operate as a traditional pocket passing quarterback.
“the whole dog fighting thing.”
- role reversal: Vick hung out to dry nee left twisting in the fleeting career winds his, NFL.
Signed
Man’s best friend
Rin Tin Tin (and ‘his’ faithful companion Corporal Rusty.)
Will he be reinstated? Yes.
Will teams be waiting to sign him? Yes.
It’s easy to deny interest when he isn’t available. That will all change once he is reinstated. I can think of a few teams who would be interested: Dallas, Washington, Seattle, Oakland, Minnesota. None shy away from criminal records and at least 3 of them love to sign “names”.
I agree that he is overrated as a QB, but there have been many athletes that were overrated and signed big contracts. He will be no different. He will recoup everything he has lost and then some. Our society will be disgusted that a team signed him until the first highlight on Sports Center. Then all is forgiven.
Will he be reinstated? Eventually
Will teams be waiting to sign him? Yes. He’ll continue to sit out for awhile but will get picked up.
One team of concern might definitely be Oakland. Al Davis might be very willing to give him a deal conditional on a Silver-and-Black clad PETA ad campaign funded by MV7 and, more importantly, a satisfactory 40-time.
“they called him Casey Printers…”
I don’t recall Printers ever being a threat to outrun the defenses in the NFL.
SG said:
“I don’t recall Printers ever being a threat to outrun the defenses in the NFL.”
- see, you missed him…that’s how fast he was.
Or, if you prefer:
b) no, but the technology the newer models can.
c) all of the above (a & b).
d) none of the above.
e) e … i e i o.
That’s pretty good Rin…lol
Yes/d**n I’m good…as Stanley Ipkiss: “SSSMOKIN!”
The chick was hot in that movie.
JAGUARS – claimed CB Tyron Brackenridge on waivers - wasn’t Brackenridge one of ours for awhile?
#34 in Red and Gold.
rin
its not that i dont like what you have to say its that i have nnnooooooooo idea what your talking about your way to wordy, people dont talk like you do. i mean im sure your a smart guy but come down to earth and leave your big word dictionary on whatever planet your from. i mean wtf does mirth even mean is that like mean baby batter your talking about full blown loads of mirth i know thats what i was refering to but refering to it as mirth is a new term to me
the double standard league.
Jamaal lewis had no problems being back in the league after trying to distribute 5kg of coke.
What about Ray lewis being involved in a fight in which 2 people were stabbed to death! Sure didnt stop him from being the face of the ravens franchise.
Vick has done his time, now let him play if he still can. America seems to have forgiven Kobe Bryant, dont see how they cant forgive Vick.
findthede,
The difference is dog fighters are cut from the same sick cloth as animal abusers and child molesters. It speaks volumes about the rot in a man’s soul. Their joy is derived from the control over and the misery of weaker creatures. He is not sorry he was fighting dogs he is sorry he got caught. Pointing out how the NFL and the NBA tolerates criminals and thugs to keep fans in the stands is a poor but reliable reason to continue to add to the mug shot lineup. I am quite sure this guy will play in the NFL again. It stinks.
Vick does have a right to earn a living. He has been given that opportunity. All be it at at rate of pay that is significantly less than he has become accustomed to.
Too f’n bad!
The only thing that Herm ever uttered that really made sense is that “playing in the NFL is a privilege, not a right”. Vick F’ed his chance off as far as I’m concerned. Not just the Cruelty that he has shown he is capable of but, his whole demeanor sucks! From flipping off the fans in ATL, to continue showing a serious lake of accountability by denying his involvement to his team, even after it was obvious he was guilty.
I’m all for vick earning $10.00 an hour, hell in 90 days he may even have earned a .50 cent an hour increase and IF the booster for VA Tech, that owns the construction company that has hired him feels he has earned a full time position, he also has the right to have about $60.00 a week deducted for insurance too.
THAT IS ALL Vick has earned!!
Especially if you considered what he would have had with out having been awarded a free ride to college.
So Mike Vick, take your ass out there and grab a shovel and a bucket!
head cheif says:
“rin”
- yes, what is it now?
“its not that i dont like what you have to say”
- earlier supplication yours- “this is the first time i have liked what you said”.
Cheif loves me, gets me not, wants me, pines o’er a lot. . .
“its that i have nnnooooooooo idea what your talking about”
- parents, teachers, self … why blame me? Rin writes for himself..this is a blog, not a choir.
If the fathom be too deep, stay the shallow end.
That a man may not understand Cioran, Nietzsche, Bataille, Foucault or Deleuze among other, well, they make me laugh…as well ruminate, stretch.
Joe Friday makes he howl, Charles Manson too and Shakespeare, Serling, Carlin plus many more.
Manson said “look down at me and you see a fool; look up at me & you see a god; look straight at me & you see yourself.” Et tu, cheif? Remember, shake your fist at someone and five fingers are pointing back at you- grim realization. Rin Tin Tin does not live by convention…yours, other.
“your way to wordy, people dont talk like you do.
- yes…my “way” is not yours “too” evidence be; I am the writer, this the internet our narrative canvas - each of us decides whether to subscribe.
I would no more ask you to use a flat or filbert than should you require me to embrace a combover.
“i mean”
- I sensed that about you at the start…but it’s just a defense mechanism, likely.
“im sure your a smart guy”
- well, if ‘your’ not sure…maybe the sentiment belongs to ’samoan’ else.
“but come down to earth”
- no, thank you…nod toward Bowie:
This is Major Tom to Ground Control I’m stepping through the door. . . and I’m floating in a most peculiar way, and the stars look very different today… for here am I sitting in a tin can, far above the world planet Earth is blue and there’s nothing I can do…
“and leave your big word dictionary on whatever planet your from.”
- such paranoia…
“i mean wtf”
- a compulsion, appears; this is the second time you’ve referenced said, now added perturbation.
“does mirth even mean is that like mean baby batter your talking about full blown loads of mirth i know thats what i was refering to but refering to it as mirth is a new term to me”
- much as Mr. Spock’s “you may find that ‘having’ is not as much as ‘wanting’” (that case a woman) was hard earned knowledge, so too may cheif find that trying to demystify Rin is to pattern pi.
I leave you with ‘CHARLIE & THE DUCK’
Manson: “ATWA.”
Duck: (blinks)
Manson: “ATWA: It stands for Air, Trees, Water & Animals…and also for ‘All The Way Alive’. ATWA is ‘at war’ with pollution- it’s a holy war. You are either working ‘for’ ATWA - life - or you’re working for death. Fix it and live or run from it and die.”
Duck: (shakes head) ‘uh-hah?’
Manson: “ATWA”
Duck: ‘AF - LAAAAC!’
Manson: “AT-WAAAAAAAA!”
Duck: ‘AFF - LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAC!’
Manson: “ATT-WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!”
Duck: ‘AFFF - LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAC!’
Manson: “ATTT-WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!”
Duck: ‘AFFFFFFFF- oh forget it…’
So Rin I see your off your meds again….
Guys…only Rin REALY knows what he is talking about. That is why I choose not to read his posts unless it is really short….because of these reasons:
1.) Even if I read it, by the time I was done I would be none the wiser.
2.) To even comprehend anything at all I would need to do a lot of studying and brain storming on what things might mean and I just don’t have the patience for it.
3.) I also don’t have the time for it. It would take an hour to decode what Rin is saying in his 5 mile long posts and I lost my handy dandy Rin decoder book.
4.) It is clear that Rin just needs attention and really does not have much to say….but still finds a way to type 25 paragraphs anyway. (If you have something to say that takes that many words….you better make sure it is interesting…because if it’s not then nobody is reading after the first few sentences or so….if you can call those sentences)
There you have it. It’s as simple as that.
rin
i honestly dont know if im affended or not, i mean did you just basicaly grade my post? or what the hell were you doing. im stumped, i really am. i have know freaking clue what you are talking about, i have never met someone who makes as little sense as you do and thats not me trying to be a dick back at you thats just me being honest. seriously you have got problems
HatfieldMcCoy says:
“So Rin”
- so Hat… so what.
“I see your off”
- no sorry, haven’t any…besides, never on a Friday…it’s my day off.
Or, if you prefer: “I see your off and raise you two dollops!”
“your meds again.”
- no, I’m not perturbed…only slightly amused.
Harold C. says:
“only Rin”
- yes, there’s ‘only’ Rin…as the song elicits.
“finds a way to type 25 paragraphs anyway.”
- such genius be two-fold: ‘i’, elicits retorts an audience despite their protestations, and ‘e’ much gnashing of teeth & wringing of hands o’er such an unread fellow…a conundrum, paradox, a protestation too much.
“There you have it. It’s as simple as that.”
- good, we’ve consensus…
head cheif says:
“rin”
- yes, what is it now?
“i honestly”
- love me’, yes I understand, Olivia.
“dont know if im affended or not”
- aff, effem or oaf- er, ‘off’ your case, your continued rapt attention is undeniable.
“i mean did you just basicaly grade my post?”
- well, if you’re not certain…
“or what”
- yes, that’s it.
“the hell”
- ‘you’ say…
“were you doing.”
- no, was just watching from a safe distance.
“im stumped, i really am.”
- yes…
“i have know freaking clue what you are talking about”
- ‘no’, not e’en a one (rhetorical question?)
“i have never met someone”
- Cioran said: “Leave as little trace as possible that you were ever even here.”
“who makes as little sense as you do”
- where to begin, and how much time do we have? Why just in this thread alone the candidates be plenty…
“and thats not me”
- of course not, wasn’t talking about you…
“trying to be a dick back”
- what form contortionist limbo be this?
“at you”
- gesundheit.
“thats just me being honest.”
- and me blessing you.
“seriously you have got problems”
- yes, but at minimum I fire back one liners at them daily and leave them hungry for yet more…
Dear Rin,
I’m none the wiser,
Started to read but stopped because I don’t comprehend,
I don’t have the time…,
I lost my Rin decoder book,
Here is the attention you were craving.
Love,
Harold C.
rin
im not even gonna say anything, your just one weird dude
Harold C. says:
“Dear Rin”
- yes unwashed nee dirty hairy?
“I’m none the wiser”
- beggars can’t be choosers…
“Started to read”
- intellect thwarted, racked your brain but only f***ed…
“but stopped because I don’t comprehend”
- that too; more so you need to eat more fiber…
“I don’t have the time”
- it’s later than you think…
“I lost”
- no; une raison de la vie deserted you…
“my Rin decoder book”
- lay crushed now ‘tween your massive man boobs…
“Here is the attention you were craving”
- more so disheveled…address that gig line Sad Sack!
“Love,”
- no…repulsion.
“Harold C.”
- but he does not comprehend very well…
head cheif says:
“rin”
- yes, tomato can?
“im not even”
- alright, how does “punching bag” grab you? Speak now or forever hold your peace.
“gonna say”
- yes, go on…choose something, anything…
“anything”
- wonderful; tomorrow’s lesson, try and master a three syllable word.
“your”
- no, that’s one syllable.
“just one”
- that’s correct.
“weird dude”
- far out, man…
tomatoe can seriously did you call me a tomato can
Back so soon? Oh, you want a fresh one! OK.
“tomatoe can”
- here’s a present…don’t say Rin never gave you anything besides a shiner:
https://www.alt-usage-english.org/I_before_E.html
Remember, while poetic license is devine whence handled by the deft touch a Rin Tin Tin, in the hands of a rank amateur, ‘i’ head and ‘e’ cheif nee ‘you’, well…
“seriously did you call me a tomato can”
- can’t get anythin’ past you, huh cauliflower ears…
Who is punch as well punction-less i.e., bleeds all over the place in narrative form, and gives Rin unct nee anoints Him daily via affirmations?
a) head cheif
b) Chuck Wepner
c) head cheif
Answer: best two out of three.
So Rin
Lot of time on your hands these days?….
HatfieldMcCoy says:
“So Rin”
- no, but close. ‘Cioran’ is a Romanian name so the correct pronunciation is “Chore-on.” If the Western tongue is used, “See-or-an.”
“Lot”
- nephew of Abraham.
“of”
- Abe? He called Ur of the Chaldees home.
“time”
- does anybody really know what time it is? Does anybody really care? If so I can’t imagine why - we’ve all got time enough to cry…
“on your hands these days?”
- the blood of those victims mine have fallen beneath my rapier narrative wit…you’re now a repeat customer.