Michael Vick

Subway ads say it's the official sandwich of Phillies slugger Ryan Howard, swimmer Michael Phelps, speed skater Apolo Ohno, and other star athletes. But not Michael Vick. On Sunday night, however, lots of people apparently got the impression that the sandwich chain was all behind the Eagles quarterback being an honoree on the BET Awards. That's because he won what was called the Subway Sportsman of the Year award (edging out basketballers LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Derrick Rose and Carmelo Anthony)

So what if Kijafa Frink is engaged to Eagles star quarterback Michael Vick? In her heart she's just a North Philly girl who knows that when it comes to accessories - and Christmas presents - a woman may want high fashion, but she needs a bargain. Hence the reason Frink first invested in a line of chunky silver and gold costume jewelry called Pink Elephant. These bodacious rings, glittering hoop earrings, and layered necklaces scream star power. Label worshipers certainly will recognize that Pink Elephant is influenced by runway pieces: Think the Balenciaga charm necklace, Marni's massive turquoise rings, or Lanvin's metal belts.

There are very few, if any, who don't know the general transgression of Michael Vick, the newest Philadelphia Eagle and former inmate at the United States Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kan.: dogfighting. But to understand the polarized reaction to his signing, and to understand his role as an advocate for the Humane Society, the gruesome details of Vick's dogfighting history can help shine a light on where Vick has come from and, during his time in Philadelphia, what he has pledged to do. On Dec. 10, 2007, U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson sentenced Vick to 23 months in prison and told the former star quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, "You were instrumental in promoting, funding and facilitating this cruel and inhumane sporting activity.

THE DATE was Sept. 21, 2010. It was the day after Andy Reid had said that Kevin Kolb was still his starting quarterback, despite how well Michael Vick had played for a game-and-a-half while Kolb nursed a concussion. At about 5:45 p.m., the blast text arrived from the team: "Andy Reid names Michael Vick as team's starting quarterback. Reid will be available on conference call with media at 6:30 . . . " And so it began, what likely was the beginning of the end. It remains the move in Reid's 14-season tenure that will be debated most because it is the move that likely will get him fired.

MICHAEL Vick is just beginning to fulfill his promise to fight animal abuse, but experts say that he already has had a powerful effect on the world of dogfighting, both positive and negative. When agents raided his rural Virginia property in 2007 and discovered his Bad Newz Kennels, a largely invisible world was pulled into public view. It was a world where someone in the know could get you one of a dozen trade publications, like "Scratch Back" magazine, which offered advice on feeding your fighter ("raw meat cut into strips three or four times a week")

Eagles quarterback Michael Vick has suspended a scheduled book tour because he has received threats through social media, his spokesman said Monday night. Vick has been promoting his autobiography, Finally Free . The book tour included stops at Barnes & Noble stores in Exton and in Northvale, N.J. His next appearance was scheduled to be on Saturday in Atlanta. Vick appeared without incident at a bookstore in Charlotte, N.C., on March 2. "Michael Vick is committed to helping make his community a better place," Chris Shigas, a spokesman for Vick, said in an e-mail.

NO MATTER how great he plays, Michael Vick is still a monster. I'm sick of hearing people defend him with "he paid his dues. " I highly suggest you read the book "The Lost Dogs" by Jim Gorant. Out of the dogs that were saved, some of them are still terrified of their surroundings - crawling with their heads so low to the ground and tails between their legs. These poor dogs will never forget. Vick, if you're reading this, how about when you're not running around throwing a ball, you spend your time in our animal-control shelter walking dogs (like the small community of us volunteers do)

THERE ARE people who continue to vilify Michael Vick for past transgressions. It seems that his apology for what admittedly were absolutely atrocious actions means nothing to those who have imprisoned him in the hate compartment of their hearts. What can be more mean-spirited and callous than one who is deliberately unforgiving? Is that what we should teach our children - who and what we shouldn't forgive even if the transgressor has sincerely apologized? Have we become so self righteous and infallible that we now determine who is redeemable and who is not?

IT'S A BIG WEEK for Eagles QB Michael Vick (left). He turns 32 on Tuesday? and marries longtime fiancée Kijafa Frink on Saturday? at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. Guests are said to number 300, among them Eagles coach Andy Reid and running back LeSean McCoy. The planets channel new energy and success at home and on the field this year for the Eagle dogged by past legal troubles and a ho-hum last season. Go, Birds! Funnyman Joe Conklin hits the half-century mark Tuesday?

MICHAEL VICK and his family have been threatened lately through social media, as have bookstores where Vick planned to promote his book, "Finally Free. " Vick has canceled appearances at three Barnes & Noble locations because of the threats, which have been reported to law enforcement, Vick spokesman Chris Shigas said Monday. Shigas called the threats, first reported by Tim McManus on Phillymag.com, "very disturbing. " Vick has been a lightning rod since he returned to the NFL with the Eagles in 2009 after serving 19 months in federal prison for running a dogfighting operation, but the public furor seemed to abate over the past few years.