Vick an Eagle, Catch 22 in Sports

I know you've heard the news already and suffice to say I'm torn. Part of wants to give props to the Eagles for doing what 29 other teams wouldn't do. They took a gamble and a huge one. Vick is a ridiculous talent and can help any team on the field. Is it worth the off the field distractions? What does it say about a company that signs the guy? Are you giving him a 2nd chance or openly supporting his actions? I don't really know where I fall.

The human being in me raised by a Jewish mother (good luck in surgery tomorrow mom) says to not sign him because it sends the wrong message. It sends the wrong message to the fans and the kids. The Eagles now support someone who did horrible things. While he served his time, he went to jail and admitted his actions. Do the Eagles want to deal with all the questions? Did the drive to win it all do this? Do companies compromise their values in efforts for winning? Do you as a fan care if you win with steroid users, players who commit adultery, or is it really all about winning? Are people "rooting for clothes" in the words of Jerry Seinfeld?

I thing values and sports are a catch-22 waiting to happen. Having worked for a sports team I understand the "need" to win. Players and winning sell tickets and bring in revenue for your company. Vick is a great player and give the Eagles a better chance to win than they had yesterday. Try being a defensive coordinator defending Vick, Westbrook, McNabb, and Maclin. But, doesn't it tarnish the championship if the Eagles go all the way. For me I think I'd rather lose every year on a team with good people then win with bad people. Vick will get a reality show, The Eagles will win, and people will forget. I hope that I can forgive him with time. We all make mistakes, most are not as big and jail-able. I'm not ready to forgive him just yet, but in time like Goodell hopefully I can and will. For now, best of luck to him and the Eagles. Here's to second chances and hoping your team is winning the right way both on and off the field.