Sports
Rick Snider » Vick would spice things up
By: Rick Snider
Examiner Sports Columnist
January 4, 2009
 |
| If fans aren’t happy with how Jason Campbell played in 2008, perhaps Michael Vick would give the Redskins offense a boost. (Getty images) |
If Jason Campbell isn’t the answer, many fans want to skip over aging Todd Collins for Colt Brennan. The hero of the Hawaiian Islands reminded me of Sonny Jurgensen during the preseason with his playmaking ability.
But let’s play hot stove league all the way. There’s a free agent passer coming loose on Jan. 20 that might help the Redskins. Someone who can play wildcat formation with the best.
Michael Vick.
OK, before e-mailing me a string of expletives, let’s think about it a minute. Vick is expected to be released from federal prison on Jan. 20 to a Virginia halfway house after serving 14 months for conspiracy charges relating to a dogfighting gambling ring. He’ll reportedly be sent to a halfway house near his family in the Tidewater area. Who’s to say he can’t come closer to Ashburn should employment loom?
There’s also the problem of being re-instated by the NFL. Vick has missed two seasons. That’s one year longer than Alex Karras missed over gambling. Commissioner Roger Goodell has been fair with problem players before. Two years seems long enough.
How would fans react? Certainly, there would be a major backlash. Dog fighting brings an emotional response from people. Certainly, if someone stole my golden retriever to use in a dog fight I might do something rash to them. They’re more than animals to many people, they’re part of our family.
But, when do we forgive someone who has been punished? Was 14 months in prison and the loss of millions of dollars in salary and endorsements sanction enough? Some people say there is never forgiveness, but everyone deserves a second chance. If playing football is what Vick does for a living, then he should have the right to do so.
Everyone assumes Vick will head to Oakland because many of the league’s troubled players go to the Raiders. And, maybe he will. But, any team needing a quarterback should at least review Vick. He might even play receiver.
Most general managers don’t want the headaches. However, the Redskins don’t really have a general manager. Owner Dan Snyder makes the calls and if he wants Vick, there’s nobody to stop him.
I’m not saying the Redskins should sign Vick. He would have to be the right fit for the offense and still have something left after two seasons away. But, Vick’s talent is unquestionable and certainly he could help a 19th-ranked offense.
When trying to figure ways over the offseason to upgrade a team mired in mediocrity with a quarterback who hasn’t won over fans in four years, it’s worth a discussion.
Something tells me the debate over Vick’s future will make the past presidential race look civil.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com or e-mail rsnider@dcexaminer.com.
