SportsGirl

Well, it’s been a day since Michael Vick formally entered his guilty plea to the federal dog fighting charges he was facing. He then issued a statement to the press and to his fans expressing his regret at his actions and vowing to change his ways. Yesterday, I nearly wrote about my reaction to this statement but like the rest of the circumstances surrounding the Michael Vick circus, I needed a day to gain more perspective at my own feelings.

Initially, I was ready to rip Vick for the apology. It started with his repeated use of the word “immature”. Vick, let’s get one thing straight; what you did was not immature. Immature is when you show up at your buddy’s house asking to crash there because you got evicted from your third apartment in a month for failing to pay your rent. Immature is having a belching contest with your friends in your local bar… when you’re 35 years old. Immature is not bankrolling an operation whose sole purpose is to breed vicious dogs that are programmed to kill one another. Immature is not when you participate in the execution of said dogs when they don’t perform to your liking. Those actions fall under the category of reprehensible, almost inhuman actions. Sorry, but you should have picked a different word.

And then, to make matters worse, he had to drop the J-word: Jesus. He’s found Jesus through this whole ordeal. Now, if that’s true, then that’s great. If you’ve found something that you can turn to if you ever find yourself slipping back to your old behavior, I’m all for it. But I cannot stand when someone drops the religion card as if by confessing that you once were lost but now are found, the public will instantly forgive you. “Oh, I get it now. See before, when he was breeding those dogs to fight, he didn’t have Jesus in his life. Now, 10 days later, he’s found Jesus. I guess what he did wasn’t so bad after all.” Not exactly a conversation I’d be having.

Ok, that was my initial reaction. Having thought about it for a day, I realize that he should get some amount of credit for not reading a prepared statement off a piece of paper that someone else wrote for him. I have to admit he did at least look sincere. The cynic in me says he’s only sincerely regretful that he was caught. But, you know, sometimes the optimist in me crushes those cynical tendencies so I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. Also, he’s right when he says that this might be a teaching example for the youth of today that you always have the opportunity to make good choices in your life, even if it’s later rather than sooner. I genuinely hope that Vick will start some type of foundation or program to teach children how to make the right choices and how to stay on a path that will lead somewhere positive.

So, Vick, yet again you manage to make me second guess how I feel about this whole fiasco. The one thing I do feel strongly about is that I do not believe he should be banned for life from the NFL. That’s not to say that I think he should have his spot on the Falcons waiting for him when he’s out of prison. Quite the contrary. I hope that Joey Harrington develops into a good enough quarterback that the Falcons find more consistent success without Vick than they had with him. But when Vick is eventually released from prison, I don’t see why he should be denied the ability to try out again for the NFL. I’ve heard it said on a myriad of talk shows that playing in the NFL is a privilege not a right and that you have to prove yourself to be worthy of a roster spot. And I agree…you have to prove yourself on the field and show that you can be an elite caliber of athlete before you’re awarded a locker. But I don’t believe that your off-the-field activities should preclude you from being given the opportunity to try out for a spot on the team. Having said that, let me also state that I would support any owner who felt like adding Vick to his team would represent too great a risk. Those are the breaks, right?

I maintain that the only thing we can do now is to see how long he’s sentenced for and to see exactly how contrite he is when he serves that sentence. He’s got a long road ahead of him and will have lots of time to ponder just how he wants to make his comeback.

Ok, so I am full of thoughts today and I’m feeling a little distressed. I think the sports world has gone completely mad!

It started this morning when I was listening to Mike and Mike in the Morning on ESPN Radio like I always do. The stand-in hosts, since M&M were on vacation, were interviewing Larry Johnson, running back for the Kansas City Chiefs. LJ has been holding out of training camp this season so as to force the Chiefs to renegotiate his contract since he only had a year remaining on the old one. In the middle of the interview, LJ says that while trying to decide when the right time was to agree to the terms being offered (which he recently did) he was considering what would be best for himself, the team, and his teammates. This was one of those moments where I had to yell at the radio. Sorry, but I had to. Someone needed to be the voice of reason.

I’m definitely not in the camp that says athletes should take what they’re given at the first offer and be happy with it. Yes, I get a little nauseated thinking  about the money they seem to pooh-pooh because it’s more than I could dream of earning in a lifetime. But I’m an Economics major so the concept of supply and demand makes sense to me. There really is a short supply of athletes who are genuinely gifted enough to make it in the NFL and the demand by the fans for a quality product on the field dictates how large that contract gets. Owners aren’t philanthropists when it comes to their NFL endeavors; they won’t sign a guy to a Vick-esque contract without feeling reasonably certain (so sorry to you Arthur Blank) that through ticket, jersey and other paraphernalia sales they will recoup that money. So I’m fine with the contracts and I’m also fine with the notion that the NFL, like the other major sports leagues, is a business first and foremost. And I believe both parties–player and owner–are clear to treat it that way. However, (and that should be read with Steven A. Smith-type emphasis) please, Larry Johnson or any other athlete holding out of training camp, don’t tell me that you’re considering what’s “best for the team” when you make a move like that. Holding out of training camp is about one thing and one thing only–the athlete seeking what’s best for him. That could mean max money, more guaranteed money, longer years signed, etc. But it’s definitely not about what’s best for the team. Because what’s best for the team is for you to get your butt into training camp like the rest of the people who are unhappy about their contracts and work. Like you’re being paid to do…

Now, that was to be my thought for the day. Then I got to work and poked around ESPN.com for a bit and read an article stating that the Atlanta chapter of the NAACP wants Michael Vick to be allowed to return to the NFL, preferably to the Falcons. I don’t necessarily have a problem with that. As I’ve stated before I definitely am appalled by his behavior. But I’m not sure it merits him being banned from the game for the rest of his life. He’ll serve the time that the U.S. Attorney deems appropriate and that will be that. What irks me so much about the NAACP is that the leader of that chapter was suggesting that Vick is merely human and made an error in judgment and that it’s our collective responsibility to welcome him back to aid in his re-entry to productive society. Really? How about we give Vick a chance to prove that he’s genuinely contrite for what he’s done, not just for getting caught? How about we make him work 500 hours of community service at his local SPCA shelter so he can see where some of these former fighting dogs end up? Why should the fans have to decide now that we’re ready to accept him again in a positive light as a public figure? We haven’t heard much from Mike lately, just a few canned comments from his attorney about how sorry he is. But I for one want to reserve my final assessment of where I think he should land until he’s served his sentence and we see what he intends to do with his life.

Alright, so I thought that’s where my post would end until I read another column about one man’s view that the NFL Player’s Association isn’t doing enough right now to rage against the machine that is Roger Goodell.  The author states that the NFLPA has been too willing to accept the punishments Goodell is handing down in the name of the Personal Conduct policy, all for the sake of maintaining good PR with the league. He goes on to suggest that, while the Vick saga along with the Pac Man Jones ordeal aren’t popular actions to defend, it’s the PA’s responsibility to in essence reject anything the league says just for the heck of it. That accepting the league’s findings in these types of matters is too dangerous and that the PA then isn’t representing their constituency voraciously enough.

Hold on here; let me first state that I’m not a fan of the entire concept of a union. I understand in the 1800’s that the little working man didn’t have enough of a voice to feel that his interests were represented in his job. But this is 2007. With or without a union, the players have a voice, albeit maybe a slightly weaker voice individually than the collective union voice. But all of Goodell’s actions to this point have seemed reasonable and not at all like he’s trying to control every aspect of the players’ lives.  For the union to object to his rulings thus far just because that’s what unions are supposed to do seems ludicrous. The author of this article suggests that they’re setting a dangerous precedent for any future dealings with the NFL front office. I couldn’t disagree more. I think by working with the league to mete out punishments to men who frankly probably deserve  more than what they got is a great way to build some cache with the league for the times when you really need to pull out the muscle. At least you’ve shown them that you’re willing to be reasonable when a situation is so blatantly bad that it needs no discussion on proper punishment. Complaining now, on issues you actually don’t disagree on, will send the signal that the union is really more interested in stirring the pot than actually advancing the cause of the players.

So, that, dear readers, is why I was feeling in need of such assistance. I needed some clarity to get perspective on all the craziness I was apparently surrounded with today!  Hopefully tomorrow there won’t be as much to get me riled up. Sending out the SOS call two days in a row? More than I could handle…

I had the opportunity to attend the pre-season game against the Denver Broncos and I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised. The Boys looked to be in pretty good shape for the up-coming season. Now, in a side note, I have to say whoever designed Texas Stadium forgot one tiny detail…the fact that it’s located in TEXAS!! That has to be the most humid place on Earth. There is no form of air conditioning and on Saturday night, no air moving through. In the middle of August that makes for an uncomfortable viewing experience. Not to mention the crazy drunk lady sitting next to me, cheering loudly for the Broncos and offering me sips of her drink…

So mugginess aside, I was impressed with what I saw on the field. Tony Romo looked sharp, which I somewhat expect. What I didn’t expect was for Marion Barber to stand out like he did. His stats don’t tell the whole tale. I think he rushed for almost 60 yards in about a half a game. But the way he was able to break tackles and keep adding yards after he’d been caught was awesome! We didn’t see a whole lot of Julius Jones but I’m not disappointed. I predict that he and Barber will emerge as one of the best 1-2 punches in the league this season. And with Romo looking like he’ll prove that last season wasn’t a fluke, that might just mean we’ll actually achieve the post-season success we’ve been so desperately seeking.

As for the defense, their ability to rush the passer looks good. Even if they are breaking some code of ethics that John Lynch wants to whine about. I realize that’s a whole different topic but if the fans are paying regular season prices to see the pre-season game, it’s bad enough that the starters play for all of a quarter before being benched; to expect the teams to not play a physical game is just ridiculous. Now, I’m not sure if the Dallas defense really is this good or if Jay Cutler is going to be that bad. I like Denver, always been a Shannahan fan, and I’ve got nothing against Cutler so I’m hoping it’s a little of each.

So for now, my interest in the upcoming season has officially been piqued. I may actually have to openly root for the Boys! Still don’t like Wade Phillips but I realize I don’t have much of a choice in that matter, for this season at least. I’m hopeful that Bill Cower will decide that retirement is for the birds and he’ll discover that Dallas is just the place for him. Until then, maybe Wade can take a lesson from his father, the great Bum Phillips. Bum was reportedly seen at the Houston Texans practice talking with fans and media-types and passing out samples from his new Bum Phillips Smoked Meats collection. Awesome.

Today is a sad day for me, though it’s one I knew was coming for a few weeks now. Michael Vick has agreed to plead guilty in the dogfighting charges levied against him. I suppose there was a part of me that was hoping that he would stand, steadfast, proclaiming his innocence, co-horts be damned. A co-worker of mine asked me today was I was so passionate about this topic and it took me a second to realize why I care so much.

The answer is that I saw Michael Vick as someone who was in a position to be a great example to all kids that you can change your life if you want to badly enough. Now, I’m someone who doesn’t necessarily believe that one of the tasks required to earn an NFL-sized paycheck is to be a role model to the youth of the nation. That’s what parents are for. But if you’re in a position to show kids from the same set of circumstances you may have come from, that there is a different path than the one most evident, I think you should show them. As I wrote in an earlier post, Michael genuinely seemed disappointed that his brother Marcus squandered an opportunity to change his own life by refusing to give up his immature ways. And really, isn’t that a lesson everyone needs to learn? This isn’t a racial issue; it’s a much bigger issue. If the circle you run with can’t support you when you find a different way of life, then what does that say about the nature of your friendship? I just thought that Michael Vick could be someone who would show those, like his younger brother, that we all reach a point in our lives when you have to do what’s best for you and your family, not necessarily stay true to some idea of your roots that gets you no where. And he failed at that. And that disappoints me.

I read an article by Peter King about Arthur Blank’s reaction to all of this and it made me think that we’re probably only seeing the tip of the iceberg in terms of fallout from this. The Falcons as a franchise could be set back 4-5 years from this. I’ve always been a Joey Harrington fan (I know, I’m about the only one!) so I’m really hoping that he can surprise everyone and have a great season. I mean, for goodness sake, the man is a concert pianist! What more could you want from a quarterback?

I suppose it will be interesting to see what sentence is handed down to Vick and how much time he actually serves. But it will always remain a sad day to me because I wanted so badly to believe that Vick would be above this kind of repugnant behavior.

Football, that is. Well, pre-season to be exact, but still it’s something other than baseball. (no offense baseball) You know, I’ll happily attend a baseball game, especially when I know the hot dogs will be good. But I just can’t get into watching baseball on tv. Maybe it’s because we’re currently celebrating Barry Bonds’ assention into Home Run King status. Gag.

But my beloved football is here again! Of course, I’m watching the Cowboys and so far through a quarter and a half, I’m pleased with what I’m seeing. Now, if you lived here in Dallas, you’d probably be as sick as I am with everyone practically drooling over this year’s squad. I’m not ready to annoint them as the NFC champs. But from what I’m seeing, I’m definitely of the mindset that they at least stand a chance. Other than the fact that poor Marion Barber can’t seem to gain a single yard, the offensive line isn’t doing a bad job of blocking, even with some backups at tackle. I like what I’m seeing with Tony Romo; so far he’s making good decisions and is completing some long passes. Not bad, Boys! Not bad.

Now again, we’re talking about 2 quarters of pre-season football. Last season I think the Boys had the right pieces, it was just execution that stood in their way. Yes, they want to blame it on Parcells and say he stifled the offense. But having a “genius” defensive minded coach as your leader doesn’t automatically guaranty you’ll execute well. Still can’t get used to the fact that Wade Phillips is the man generating so much excitement here in this city, but hopefully I’ll be proven wrong. The big D gets so darn gloomy when the Boys aren’t doing well!

Well, folks, the moment I have waited for is finally here. Cowboys training camp is in full swing and I couldn’t be happier! Now, as I’ve stated before, I follow the Cowboys because I live in Dallas, but (not so) secretly, I’m hoping that Matt Schaub is getting comfortable in the Texans offense and that Gary Kubiak is finding a way to have a .500 season!

But since I’m here in Dallas, let’s talk about them Cowboys! I have to say, I’m just not quite sold on Wade Phillips. I was holding out hope that Lovie Smith would not be able to negotiate a new contract in Chicago and would want to come home to Texas. I know, I know, pipe dream. I just can’t seem to put all my faith in Wade, with his shaggy gray hair and the perma-lost look on his face. Listening to his press conferences doesn’t make me feel any better. I don’t like that he really seems to be a “players” coach. I don’t like that he’s allowing T.O. to take time off. Call me crazy, but isn’t your time off in football called the off season? How is it that after 4 days of training camp, T.O. already needs a break? Any why, Wade, would you lie to us about Terry Glenn’s condition? Just say he needs his knee scoped. I know Big Bill wasn’t perfect, but at least I always felt like he was in control of the situation with the Boys. I don’t care that he didn’t let his assitant coaches talk to the media. Frankly, why do we want to hear from them? I trust that the head coach can accurately report how Tony Romo looked taking snaps behind center, and what routes he had T.O. running. (On a side note, not sure I like how Wade Phillips seems to be taking shots at Bill Parcels and how he used T.O. in the offense last year. Not all that classy) I just want to know that the head coach is going to be tough when he needs to be tough. I like my coaches to be cranky when they win and downright pissed when they lose!

So, as of now, I’m not buying what they’re selling over there in San Antonio. Do I think the defense will be better? It ought to be! We’ve drafted enough young talent and we now have the Phillips 3-4 scheme in place so yes, I think we’ll be better on defense. And I am a Romo fan–I’ve been wanting him to play for 2 years now! So I’m truly hoping that he’s as successful as last year would lead us to believe he can be. But for all those people that are ready to buy their tickets to the NFC title game, I’d say you might want to hold off writing that check.