Michael Vick is Right!
Michael Vick is right, he's been creating awareness since he left prison. Thanks to the serial canine killer, I'm now aware of Ed Block. Even though the NFL has given out the Ed Block Courage Award to one member of each team for a couple of decades, I must admit, prior to this week, I couldn't tell the difference between Ed Block and H&R Block. But with the announcement that Vick was the Eagles unanimous choice for the Ed Block Courage Award, Mr. Block has become a household name.
The Ed Block Courage Award exemplifies "commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage." So, what did Vick do to earn the honor? When asked, Vick said, "I've had to overcome a lot, more than probably one single individual can bear. Take a look at what I've been through. You ask certain people to walk in my shoes, they probably couldn't do it. Probably 95 percent of the people in this world -- because nobody had to endure what I've been through, situations I've been put in, situations I've placed myself in, decisions that I've made -- whether they were good or bad." Wait, the ludicrous quotes get even better. Eagles head coach Andy Reid, supported his players unanimous vote of Vick by adding, ''Our players recognized Vick for what he's been through.'' What the Eagles' players and coach fail to understand is what Vick did wasn't courageous.
What would have been courageous, is if Vick passed on the Eagles multi-million dollar offer, passed up a chance to do we he truly loves, and taken a job for $10 an hour working at an animal shelter. He could have spent every minute of his day talking to people like Larry King and Oprah about the horrible acts he committed and gone on a one man crusade to ensure dog fighting is not only outlawed in every state but the perpetrators would suffer far greater consequences that he did. While that act of courage wouldn't compare to what Pat Tillman did, Vick would have earned a well deserved pat on the back. For Vick to come back for 1.6 million dollars and to deal with flying middle fingers in the face and what must be an endless assault of F-bombs from intoxicated football fans, wasn't an act of courage. It was an act of greed. No surprise-considering the source!
The Ed Block Courage Award exemplifies "commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage." So, what did Vick do to earn the honor? When asked, Vick said, "I've had to overcome a lot, more than probably one single individual can bear. Take a look at what I've been through. You ask certain people to walk in my shoes, they probably couldn't do it. Probably 95 percent of the people in this world -- because nobody had to endure what I've been through, situations I've been put in, situations I've placed myself in, decisions that I've made -- whether they were good or bad." Wait, the ludicrous quotes get even better. Eagles head coach Andy Reid, supported his players unanimous vote of Vick by adding, ''Our players recognized Vick for what he's been through.'' What the Eagles' players and coach fail to understand is what Vick did wasn't courageous.
What would have been courageous, is if Vick passed on the Eagles multi-million dollar offer, passed up a chance to do we he truly loves, and taken a job for $10 an hour working at an animal shelter. He could have spent every minute of his day talking to people like Larry King and Oprah about the horrible acts he committed and gone on a one man crusade to ensure dog fighting is not only outlawed in every state but the perpetrators would suffer far greater consequences that he did. While that act of courage wouldn't compare to what Pat Tillman did, Vick would have earned a well deserved pat on the back. For Vick to come back for 1.6 million dollars and to deal with flying middle fingers in the face and what must be an endless assault of F-bombs from intoxicated football fans, wasn't an act of courage. It was an act of greed. No surprise-considering the source!
David Brody is the owner of Broadcaster Marketing Services and co-owner of USSportsPages.com.
You can read more of his blogs at www.ussportspages.com.
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Blue Goo Medicine Minute
Head and Mouth Protection: Think about whatever sports you're into these days and be prepared to take a shot to the head or mouth somewhere, some time, or some how. There are several ways to protect your precious cargo. Click below to listen.