Philadelphia Eagles fans apparently can thank NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for having Michael Vick as their quarterback. If Vick had his was two years ago, he might have ended up playing for the Cincinnati Bengals or Buffalo Bills. In a lengthy interview in the latest issue of GQ magazine, Vick says he was leaning toward signing with the Bengals or Bills after being released from prison in 2009. Vick figured he'd have a better chance to start sooner with those clubs, but after meeting with Goodell and other NFL reps, Vick was convinced that the Eagles would be a better overall landing spot. "I think I can say this now, because it's not going to hurt anybody's feelings, and it's the truth," Vick says in the story. "I didn't want to come to Philadelphia. Being the third-team quarterback is nothing to smile about. Cincinnati and Buffalo were better options." Goodell and others at the NFL had been meeting with Vick since his release from prison in 2009 after serving 21 months for his part in a dog-fighting scandal, and they apparently advised him Philadelphia would be a good place for him to make a smooth comeback to life in the NFL. "And I commend and thank them, because they put me in the right situation." Source: NFL.com
If I were the Bengals or Bills I'd launch an investigation of the NFL front office meddling and possibly using coercion to keep a player from signing with my club.
what? And we need to take this in context. He didn't want to be a 3rd string QB, he wanted to start. He didn't say "I don't want to play in Philadelphia." He said he wanted to go somewhere that gave him the best chance to start. I truthfully and honestly hate the media.
Don't matter to me, Cincy and Buffalo and whoever the heck else can go yack at Goodell or try and get him fired. Eagles did no wrong here so I couldn't care less. And Schefty has the best point: Eagles offered him 2 years, $5,000,000. I am certain no one else was offering Vick that kind of scratch when he came out of prison. And he had a few bills to pay off.
What? I'm saying the NFL interfered with Vick and his desire to start (Cincy of Buffalo) and the next thing you know, he's in Philly. And if I was Cincy or Buffalo I'd be pissed. Please re-read my post carefully.
Goodell over stepped His boundaries the Eagles did nothing wrong Goodell on the the other hand did....he should have no opinion as to where any FA goes or where he signs sent from my HTC EVO using tapatalk
Well I think we're all in agreement that it would be lovely to see Goodell's butt in the unemployment line, but this isn't gonna get him there. He will simply say he was offering advice to help Vick make the best decision (which ultimately he did) and that Vick had the option of choosing wherever he wanted to sign. Is there anyone that pays attention to football that actually thinks that going to Philly played out worse than if he had gone to Cinci or Buffalo? So what argument is there to be made? Vick is once again a franchise QB, making loads of money with his salary and endorsements, and appears to be 'changed' for the better. Case closed. Let's talk some actual football.
