On his blog, McNabb says Vick is an old pal who deserves second chance

Donovan McNabb talked after Thursday's preseason opener about the Eagles' signing of Michael Vick, letting it be known he was behind the move and recalling that he hosted Vick when Vick visited Syracuse, before he signed with Virginia Tech.

Since then, with Vick joining the Birds on the practice field, McNabb has declined to comment further, although he is scheduled for a news conference today. Yesterday evening, McNabb posted some Vick thoughts on his blog at yardbarker.com.

McNabb again related the Syracuse story, saying he and Vick had remained in touch since then.

"Fast forward to today - I know what Michael was accused and convicted of and I don't like it at all," McNabb wrote. "I have had dogs all my life and consider myself a dog-lover. I am in no way excusing Michael for what happened but he was punished for his crime. He served his time and, at least I believe, has learned from it. I believe Michael is a changed person and that he deserves a chance at putting his life back together. A life, now, that will include being an activist to stop cruelty to animals."

McNabb then blogged about the origins of the Eagles' interest, shading the story slightly differently than management has. Eagles president Joe Banner has said coach Andy Reid brought up the notion, after considering it quite a while.

"In mid-July before training camp started, I asked Coach Reid if we would be interested in having Michael join the Eagles and explained why I thought it would be good for both Michael and the team [Andy and I have an understanding that we will never discuss the details of our private exchanges]," McNabb wrote. "There was another time during camp where the subject was brought up again by me. It was not until Kevin Kolb was injured last Monday that I was given any indication that something might happen with Michael."

That last part is interesting, because the Eagles have said signing Vick had nothing to do with Kolb's knee injury, which apparently is not serious. Banner has acknowledged he contacted Vick's agent, Joel Segal, last Monday, the day Kolb went down to an MCL sprain.

"I wanted Michael to come to Philadelphia and, in any way he can, help bring a Super Bowl championship to the city. There is no doubt he is a uniquely talented player that can add to our offensive weapons," McNabb wrote. "For him personally, I want to see him continue to grow as a person, spend time with his family and re-establish himself as a leader on and off the field. Due to the nature of what happened and the attention it has received, it may not always be easy for him but he seems up for the challenge. Fortunately, with a tremendous individual like Tony Dungy in his corner, he will have the support he needs.

"I thank Andy for considering my suggestion. I also thank Mr. [Jeffrey] Lurie for taking the time to talk with Michael and making what he thought was a very difficult decision.

"Michael now admits he did a horrible thing - he's not making excuses or asking for forgiveness. He only wants an opportunity to prove he's a changed person and to help others."