Let the Eagles fan who is without sin cast the first stone at Michael Vick

I was thoroughly enjoying watching the Eagles game yesterday. I was wearing my greens, getting excited despite all the usual preseason mistakes and areas of concern. I had a can of Lager in one hand and the remote in the other, occasionally flipping over to the Steelers/Cardinals game on commercial breaks.

That's when I heard Chris Mortenson say, "Michael Vick has reached a two year deal with..."

And I thought, "spit it out Mort, I want to change the channel!"

"...the Philadelphia Eagles."

Did I really just hear that?

Five seconds later my phone lit up with text messages from all kinds of people. Family, friends, my boss at my old job, a few people whose voices I haven't heard since last football season.

"Vick. What do you think?"

So here is my official position.

Initially, I was shocked. But it makes sense. Its a smart move. Kolb is hurt, we need a decent number two. We don't want to see our team in the hands of AJ Feeley if McNabb goes down. And to the people saying that Kolb isn't that hurt- who cares? Kolb hasn't proven himself in the league and Vick has. Its insurance. Whats wrong with depth at the quarterback position when you can actually afford it?

I was disappointed but not surprised to see some of the messages on my phone.

"Michael Vick???? WTF??"

"Disgrace to the Franchise"

and, from one of my Giant fan friends from college: "I knew the Eagles were low- but not this low"

and this gem: "Will you still be an Eagles fan after this?" 

I will always be an Eagles fan.  I believe in the Eagles. I believe in the American justice system.  I believe in second chances.

The man served his time. The system is about rehabilitation. It doesn't always work, but this is clearly a case where it can.

I hope that Eagles fans stay open minded. I hope they remember not to cast stones. But most importantly, I hope that McNabb stays healthy and we don't have to see Vick out there at all.