I'm beginning to think it's no coincidence that the Lions and Raiders are annually among the worst teams in the league. You can pin one losing season on bad luck, two to poor personnel decisions, but three or more and it's intentional. Earth-shattering stuff, I know, but just one week after a Detroit writer put forth what, at the time, seemed like the worst idea ever -- the Lions should sign Michael Vick once he gets out of the joint -- a Bay Area scribe jumps on the Ron Mexico bandwagon on the Raiders' behalf.
Because, really, nothing screams organizational stability like bringing in an ex-con puppy murderer. I can't imagine how that might end badly. But as is often the case in sports, the potential for greatness, no matter how slight, trumps common sense. Cue the Oakland Tribune's Monte Poole:
I can't think of a good reason why the Raiders wouldn't want to get in on the [Michael Vick] action.Poole goes onto write that the reinvented Vick won't be strictly a quarterback but a hybrid, "lining up at quarterback or running back or wide receiver." Well, this assumes that in addition to maintaining that sterling 50 percent completion percentage, Mr. Mexico would also be able to take a hit coming out of the backfield and learn how to run routes as a pass catcher.
I suspect Al Davis feels the same way, given his history of offering second chances, his fixation with former No. 1 draft picks and his obsession with athletes who run like cheetahs.
Vick would add a dynamic alternative to JaMarcus Russell, Oakland's presumed quarterback of the future. The job should be Russell's to have for as long as he can keep it. He represents a massive investment, and he possesses the raw tools to be outstanding.
By the way, isn't Vick just like Darren McFadden but much, much worse? Added bonus: he's a felon. So what's the upside again? Worst team ever? Hmm. I think Ron Mexico and John McCain might have something to say about that.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-03-2008 @ 1:00PM
NNJ said...
and you wonder why the NFL loses credibility with it's decision making. hire on that CONVICTED FELON?! whether you like animals or not is NOT the question, he IS a convicted felon and that's a fact. Put him where he put the dogs, SLAMMED INTO THE GROUND where he belongs
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11-03-2008 @ 2:42PM
Angelia said...
NNJ, I agree with you. NO WAY should they let that scum back in the league.
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11-03-2008 @ 4:50PM
georgej1291 said...
When you start to put the life of a damn dog in front of that of a human being you should question YOUR damn sanity!!!!
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11-21-2008 @ 10:05PM
michael johnson said...
You people are the most ignorant bunch I have NEVER met. Vick is not totally responsible for what was going on period. Think about it what does a multi-millionare need with dog fighting money. He was looking out for his people and didn't want to look like a sell out so he did a loyal yet extremly stupid thing and had a hand in the dog fighting. He was betrayed by his people. They gave him up as the "king pin" to save their ass as if he had nothing to loose. His mistake was being loyal to his "friends and family". Yes it was wrong but throwing a person injail doesn't teach them a lesson. He never got in trouble before with law. So putting him in a place with a bunch of criminals is better? The punishment was harsh they were DOGS. Whoever killed a roach, fly, rat, possum, lizard, etc. Should be in the same place as Vick
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11-21-2008 @ 10:49PM
Gary said...
Ignorant? No one twisted Vick's arm to break the law. It took a real man to abuse these defenseless animals. So much for Vick. Ignorance is thinking it is not all his fault. May he rot in jail and have to go to work like the rest of us upon his release.