If you’re wondering why Michael Vick chose to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles out of prison instead of a team where he would have had a chance to start, it’s because the NFL reportedly influenced his decision. In an interview conducted for GQ, Vick tells Will Leitch that he didn’t want to sign with the Eagles as a third-string quarterback.
“I think I can say this now, because it’s not going to hurt anybody’s feelings, and it’s the truth… I didn’t want to come to Philadelphia. Being the third-team quarterback is nothing to smile about. Cincinnati and Buffalo were better options.”
Those two teams wanted him and would’ve allowed him to start, but after meeting with commissioner Roger Goodell and other reps from the NFL, Vick was convinced—and granted league approval—to sign with Philly. “And I commend and thank them, because they put me in the right situation.”
With those comments, Vick will have ticked off at least two fan bases, and his words should incense the fans, 31 other owners, and the NFLPA. FOXSports.com reported the Bengals offered Vick a two-year contract after he was released from prison. Buffalo had just brought in Terrell Owens and wanted Vick too. Clearly Goodell did not want him starting immediately after prison and directed him to the Eagles which is nothing short of fixing the league.
You may recall that Vick’s suspension was conditionally lifted by Goodell after the prison release. He was allowed to practice and play in the final two preseason games, but it took Goodell some time to clear him to play in regular season games. Even if Goodell wanted to ease Vick back into the league, it was wrong to steer him towards one team over the other. You can’t arrange where players go; you can’t fix the league. Granted, Philly has been a great situation for Mike and has allowed him to blossom, but are you telling me the Bengals and Bills wouldn’t be looking at the playoffs if they had him at quarterback?
This is a serious charge against the NFL. Goodell must respond and explain what happened. I’ll bet Vick doesn’t even realize what he unveiled.
