Gonzo: Eagles fail on Vick, Phils bail on Milt

While wondering how the Eagles think their "agent for social change" is doing, it's time to empty out the mailbag:

About [Michael] Vick: I don't understand why the NFL seems so intent on keeping him in the league. A crime was committed, people know who did it, and neither the police nor the league are interested in taking it further. Can't witnesses be forced to cooperate? 

Al,

Apparently witnesses can't be forced to cooperate. More vexing: neither can quarterbacks "on thin ice," even if they admit it's their "last chance."

At training camp the other day, Vick said he learned of the shooting "15 or 20 minutes" after it happened. Impressive he found out so quickly. The guy should be a reporter. But when asked who told him, he said it didn't matter. Of course it matters - particularly if that person witnessed the crime.

I asked Vick about that, too - if the person who informed him Quanis Phillips had reportedly been shot saw it all go down. Vick didn't answer.

The Eagles said they have information that explains why they've kept Vick around, information that's different than what has been reported about the Virginia Beach shooting. They need to share. Until they do, it will be hard for some people - including me - to understand how a guy who they promised would be a "role model," a guy they assured us wouldn't be a "disruption," is still on the team after exhibiting impossibly bad judgment by throwing a party that led to gunfire.

I am pretty sure "He's a very nice person" is from an early, unreleased version of Rick James '80s classic "Superfreak." James changed the lyrics to "She's a very kinky girl" and the rest is history. BTW, loved how in "The Deciders" series Reid marveled at Vick's running ability. Yep, a rare skill set in a QB, haven't seen that combination since . . . a young Donovan.

Doug,

The difference is that, in the Rick James song, he promises that the woman will "never let your spirits down, once you get her off the streets." Can't really say the same for Vick.

I don't care about this party or the shooting. I don't care if Andy cares. We all know that pro athletes often make the worst role models. Many come from unstable backgrounds, they were coddled their entire adolescence, they are handed enormous wealth they aren't ready to handle and they often make terrible citizens.