Michael Vick’s Debt: The Price of Irresponsibility Continues

When Michael Vick was with the Atlanta Falcons, he was narcissistic, rash and irresponsible.  Now with the Philadelphia Eagles, he is now narcissistic and irresponsible with more subtlety. Even on the field, he remains a one-man show for the most  part, disregarding some of the talent around him since it is his show to run. As an Eagles fan, I am one of those fans who still don’t believe in Vick’s stiff showings for the press nor approve of his behavior of the past.  However, he does have significant talent, and it has helped the Eagles win games.

Despite earning $4.1 million, Vick owes significant amount to his creditors, which include banks, former business colleagus and former endorsement partners due to filing Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2008. Most of his current salary goes to these creditors, and a 112-page report details the tenants of his bankruptcy. Just touching on the major points of this document:

• Two-thirds of every dollar that Michael Vick makes goes to his creditors.
• The rest of the money is strictly regulated.
• His creditors will receive $12 million through 2015, provided that Michael Vick will still be earning a multi-million dollar salary.
• Vick’s essentials are regulated, including his rent, utilities, mortgage and other payments.
• Vick’s business essentials are also regulated including his fee to his agent (who will get $800,000 through 2015) and his tax lawyers (who will get $2.6 million).

Prior to his entrance to prison, he also gave $5 million to family and friends so that creditors couldn’t get to it .  Now the court-appointed trustee is attempting to recover this money through a lawsuit.

Michael Vick was irresponsible in the past, but in my honest opinion, now he just does it with more subtlety on and off the field.

Minnesota Vikings Brett Favre Blasted by the Buffalo Bills: It’s Time for Tarvaris Jackson

Minnesota Vikings Brett Favre got blasted by Buffalo Bills linebacker Arthur Moats on his first pass play, and it appears that Favre won’t return for next week’s game due to a sprained shoulder. (However, it may be more Brett Favre drama, but I’ll withhold judgement until Wednesday’s practice report.) Since the change from head coach Brad Childress to Leslie Frazier, the Vikings had a renewed sense of urgency, and now it’s time for a quarterback change as well.

Tavaris Jackson fared decently for starting, but he only managed the game.  However, the Vikings won over the Bills 38-14.  Jackson initially had an interception returned for a touchdown from Bills cornerback Drayton Florence from 40 yards out.  He settled down and connected with Sidney Rice for 2 touchdowns and for 105 yards.  It also helped he had Adrian Peterson in the backfield.  Peterson was impressive and returned to his original form with 107 yards and 3 touchdowns on the day. Overall, Tarvaris Jackson ended the day with 187 yards, 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions on the Bills defense nonetheless.

I believe it’s time for a change in quarterback, despite Tarvaris Jackson’s lackluster performance. Jackson can’t mature as a player grow without starting and making mistakes.  Brett Favre has outworn his welcome with the Vikings, and his statistics, gameplay and drama all should culminate for his departure by the close of the season.