I thought Philadelphia expected more from its heroes. A couple of well-scripted press conferences and a lame PSA for the Humane Society - where the worst he has to say about dogfighting is that it's "pointless" - and all is right between Vick and the world?
Yes, he's paid his dues - legally. And yes, people deserve a second chance. Vick sure as heck got his. And what a second chance it is . . . being immediately catapulted back into the superstar realm of adoring fans and multimillion-dollar salaries. And it's only a matter of time before some whackadoo corporation offers him a lucrative endorsement deal. "No way!" you might be thinking. But just wait . . .
THE JUSTICE system aside, Vick owes a debt on the human level. He deserves - and now has - a chance to pay those dues.
He was picked up by the City of Brotherly Love and no doubt will be given every opportunity to be a better human being and try to balance the horrible wrong he did by now doing tremendous good on behalf of animals. Probably better than any other city in the country, Philly will afford him that opportunity.
I totally expect our fans to keep him real, keep him honest, push him when necessary, and cheer his efforts and successes - to embrace him with the tough love of an Italian grandmother who has big dreams for you and doesn't care if she has to pull your sideburns and kick your butt to make sure you achieve them.
What I didn't expect was for the fans to give it all away the minute Vick took the field in Eagles colors for the very first time. Cheering him? Seriously?
At first, I hoped he'd be booed loudly and mercilessly for so long that the start of the game would be delayed. But that wouldn't have been appropriate, either.
