PhillyArena

Michael Vick an Eagle- raises more questions than answers.

Q: Why the Eagles?

A: It was interesting to think of which team would take the leap and sign Vick. The obvious candidates were:

-The risk taking/egocentric owners. Teams like Oakland, Dallas and Washington live to make waves and make the bold moves that leave other teams scratching their heads.
-Then their are the mercenaries like New England and Pittsburgh, who believe they can maximize talent into wins with their strong system and track record of success.
-Lastly the desperate teams like Cincinnati, who are facing a season of low expectations and low gate revenue. Where the potential rewards outweighs the risk of negative publicity.

But the Eagles had a different and somewhat surprising motivation... believe it or not idealism. The liberal activist owner combined with the deeply religious coach trying to make amends for the demons haunting his all to public family life jumped at the chance at the ultimate reclamation project. Maybe I am the naive one, but it sounds like the team has bought in to the "reformed man" tale from Vick and believe that they can provide the structure and support Vick needs to follow through on his purported good intentions. Unfortunately, there have been many similar staories of public redemption that now serve more as cautionary tales, but the Eagles seem committed to take their shot.

Only an organization like the Eagles would see the Michael Vick signing as a chance to raise national awareness on animal cruelty. Don't expect the team to dodge moral issue. Much like an embattled president wrapping himself in the flag during a time of war, expect to see Vick and the team front and center with the Humane Society and whatever other animal rights group is willing to stand with them promoting animal welfare. No longer will we just hear of 'Go Green" touting environemental responsibility. We will see the Eagles defending all endangered species, may they be wild or domestic.

Don't get me wrong, there will be a lot of spin to this publicity campaign, and they are very much playing a PR game. Also, there is a bit of the Patriot-like angle of the arrogant team that believes it can incorporate troubled talent that is too hot for anyone else to handle... But at the heart of it all lies either the idealism or naivete of Andy Reid and Jeffrey Lurie. Or maybe it is me who is naive and being taken in by the Eagles media P.R. machine? What do you think?