Special Comment: Fool-adelphia

Yesterday it was announced that Michael Vick will not be charged or implicated in any way with the shooting outside his birthday party in Virginia Beach, Virginia back on 25 June. To many this is a finding that they will cast aside with a shrug of their shoulders and either turn the page or flip the channel, never to think about it again. However, in the past 6 months, which has been dominated by the discretions of such athletes as Tiger Woods, Ben Roethlisberger, Dez Bryant, and most recently, JaMarcus "Sizz-urp" Russell, Vick's mere presence in the periphery of the shooting just casts another light on the attitude and utter ignorance exemplified by today's athletes.

Back in April we presented you with a hard-hitting, two-part installment of the RSS Roundtable (I and II) which focused on athlete conduct and the ever diminishing prominence of athletes as role-models. This story has more to do with the role-model aspect but the fact that as visible as these people are - nightly topics on SportsCenter, the rise of social media, in the sports pages or all over the internet - one would think they would be little more conscious about what they are doing in their lives. The TMZ-nature of today's press would lead one to think more deliberately and clearly before they were to go out somewhere late at night or who you hang out with... or who walks in the door at your party. It seems that, even after a nearly 2 year sentence in federal prison, Michael Vick has not learned this lesson.

He alreay is on thin ice with Don Goodell in regards to conduct and for him to put himself in a position to be involved in anything that would come under scrutiny of the NFL offices is dumbfounding. Why was he hanging around people with guns? Why was a co-defendant in his own trial there? Why did Vick put himself in a position for something like this to happen? To me it is just amazing that Vick would even do this. Vick even gave conflicting reports about the timeline of that evening. It casts doubt on the sincerity with which he has spoke with to elementary students and others while on his reclamation project since being released from prison. The Eagles are paying him millions of dollars to play backup QB for them and were one of the few teams to offer him a chance back in the league when many wouldn't. For him to do this not only makes him look foolish but the Eagles organization as well.

Vick stated that if he didn't get caught, he would have kept up his dog fighting ways. One would think that would mean that you don't associate yourself with the same types of people who led you into this realm and possibly encouraged it. To find that the co-defendant was in attendance at his birthday party shows, to me at least, that Vick has not had the necessary "Eureka!" moment to truly turn things around. He may be clear legal wise, but I wouldn't be too sure if Goodell felt the same way and the Eagles may not either.

Step into the commissioner's shoes, or even Vick's probation officer. Vick's co-defendant (btw Vick can't associate with his co-defendants) was shot at a nightclub that hosted Vick's 30th birthday party and Vick gave conflicting reports about the timeline of the evening's events. Granted, Vick has been cleared of any involvement in the actual shooting and it appears that the two didn't "interact" during the party. But think, does that sound like an enviornment Vick should be surrounded by considering his past?

What do the next 6 months of 2010 have in store in regards to athletes in sports? I'm not sure, but don't get too comfortable. I have a feeling the precipitous fall of character in sports has begun and it only has one way to go - Down!

McNabb Trade Winners & Losers

Wow. So much going on in the world of sports. Donovan McNabb is a Redskin? We knew #5 would get traded, but to a division rival just down I-95? It's a trade that will shake the landscape of the NFL. It not only affects two of the marquee franchises in the league, but it will send echoes throughout the league and the upcoming draft. So, who are the winners and losers in the trade of Donovan McNabb?

Winners

Redskins/Mike Shanahan - Any time you can strengthen yourselves while weakening the opposition it's a good thing. The Skins are always in a win now mode, and this move is no different. Mike Shanahan also gets an Elwayesque QB (yes, the comparisons to McNabb and Elway at this point of their careers is already beginning) to try and lead the Skins to the Super Bowl... but Terrell Davis isn't walking through that door. I wouldn't be too bullish on the Redskins. They still have a triumvirate of aging backs, a weak WR corps, and a battered O-Line. It will improve Washington dramatically, but maybe not enough to get in the playoffs.

Kevin Kolb - He's the man in Philly now. Two words: good. luck. All of this for a guy who has made 2 career NFL starts? Hey, at least he's more accomplished than Charlie Whitehurst. I will say I watched Kolb's start in Week 2 against New Orleans this past season, and he can throw the pig - 31/51 for 391 yards 2TD 3 INT. It might be a rocky learning curve in a tough town to learn on the job, but Kolb has the goods. It's a good move for the Eagles because it will help long term while not crippling them in the present.

Russell Okung - If you aren't the 4th pick in the draft by the Skins, then something is wrong. This trade takes Jimmy Clausen out of the picture, and even the most amateur of draftniks knows that Washington should look towards the O-Line and Okung is the best prospect in this year's draft. Mark the first 4 picks down already - Bradford, Suh, McCoy, Okung.

JaMarcus Russell - You get another chance to be the starter in Oakland. If this report is accurate, you might have found a new way to blow your chance and be the biggest bust of all-time, literally and figuratively.

Losers

Jason Campbell - A guy that never really got a fair shake in Washington. Campbell has had system upon system and coach upon coach laid upon him in DC and never found success. A bad Easter Sunday for JC, who now might have to resurrect his career somewhere else. A change of scenery would be best for Campbell, but I don't know if he'll ever be a great QB. His career record is 15-39 and his QB rating is a mediocre 82.3. He may be traded this offseason, hard to see him sit behind McNabb for an extended period of time.

The Reid/McNabb Era - The Reid/McNabb Era ends after 11 years in Philly. Can you believe it was that long?? And yet, it ends without a championship. Reid has a 108-67 record in Philly, 1 Super Bowl appearance, and 5 NFC Championship Game appearances with #5 at QB. McNabb is arguably a borderline Hall of Famer considering his run in Philly. Its longevity and amount of success is remarkable considering the parity in the NFL. But, the Reid/McNabb Era will be known for its failure to win big games - 0-1 in SB, 1-4 in NFC Champ. History will no doubt view Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb together, for better and worse.

Jimmy Clausen - Sorry boy wonder. You're the odd man out now come draft day. With Clausen not going at #4 to a QB obsessed Mike Shanahan, the brash Notre Dame triggerman might start a slide down draft boards. Unless Buffalo, Cleveland, or Jacksonville take Clausen in the Top 10 (unlikely considering each situation and their draft history) - he might fall to the bottom third of R1. Can't you picture Tim Tebow trying to settle down Clausen throwing temper tantrums in the green room during the 1st Round? Now that'd be great TV.

Philly Fans - But, the ultimate losers are Philly fans themselves. First, because they booed #5 from Day 1 and never embraced McNabb for any number of reasons. Forget the title of this video, this was idiocy at its best.

Second, because Philly never appreciated how good they had it. Now that he's gone, Philly fans are celebrating? This report claims 70% of Eagles fans calling in to talk radio in the Iladelph are happy with trading McNabb. Hopefully, poetic justice can be served and McNabb squashes the Eagles at the Linc next season to a chorus of boos that he heard his entire career. The way McNabb was treated in Philly was disgraceful. It was Philly fans at their worst. Nothing against Kevin Kolb, but if the Eagles can't crack .500 for the next decade - then Philly fans will get a team worthy of their treatment. And yes, it's just another excuse for me to share with you the picture below.

A Match Made In Heav...Well, A Match Made in Philly

With all of the focus on what team would take the chance on signing Michael Vick, more attention was paid to the off-field implications than the on-field ones. What community would accept Vick? What group of fans would ever want a convicted felon, a killer of innocent animals, a lightning rod for controversy, to play for their team?

See above.

Is there any other logical choice??

Will Philly fans embrace Mike Vick? Are you kidding? Do we need to list off all of the "accomplishments" of Philly fans over the years? Just for fun, let's take a walk down memory lane:

-Booing Santa Claus

-Throwing batteries at JD Drew

-Cheering Michael Irvin after a serious neck injury

-Climbing into the penalty box to fight Tie Domi (not very smart)

-Oh and, hello, THEY HAD A JAIL IN THE FOOTBALL STADIUM!

Is this not the perfect place for Michael Vick to resume his pro career? The most poisonous entity in all of sports meets the most vile fanbase in all of sports. He'll be a hero to the Philly fans. It's a match made in heaven. Or however close to heaven Philly is.

Seriously though, I'm of the belief that everyone in this life deserves a second chance. Vick seems to be contrite and remorseful for his actions. He deserves another chance just like every other American who has paid his debt to society, no matter what the PETA folks will tell you. I can understand fans not wanting Vick in the same area code as their team or family, but if Mike Tyson can have a comeback, why can't Mike Vick? I'm happy for Vick that he found an NFL team to sign with, and can resume his career at the start of the season (or whenever Godfather Goodell decides he's kissed the commish's rings enough to resume his career).

I do feel a little sorry for Donovan McNabb in all of this, it seems like the circus never leaves him. At least being with TO has prepared him somewhat for the immense media/protest Barnum & Bailey show that will follow the Eagles this season. But, if anyone can help Vick in his comeback and mentor him along, it is McNabb.

On the field how much will Vick offer? Everyone knows the Wildcat will become en vogue in cheesesteak country, but beyond that don't expect to see much of #7 on the field. If Vick can contribute 10 snaps a game on offense, it would be a pleasant surprise for the Eagles. Andy Reid is a bright offensive mind, and should use Vick well, especially with versatile talents like DeSean Jackson and rookie Jeremy Maclin.

Of course, it's a big risk, and nobody knows how it will all play out. Maybe Vick won't have it anymore and the Eagles will let him go after this year (they have an option for a second), maybe the pressure will be too much for everyone involved, maybe the PETA crowd will sick entire zoos on Vick, or maybe Vick will return to prominence. Whatever the case, it'll be incredibly interesting to watch.

One thing's for sure though, the Philly fans will be behind him 100%... at least until his first incomplete pass. Go ahead and ask the Philly fan below what he thinks:

On second thought, don't.