Detroit Lions’ Offense Fueling Team Drive with Personal Drives

Selfishness is a powerful force.

It can turn record-setting performances into pedestrian numbers.

It can land healthy Pro Bowlers on injured reserve with “undisclosed conditions.”

It can turn Super Bowl favorites into Week 17 chokers who miss the playoffs (not mentioning any Texas-based names in the Fort Worth area).

It can give a six-time Pro Bowler an early release from his contract. Again.

Or, when harnessed properly, it can motivate.

It can be the inner drive that provides the difference between fourth and one and first and 10. The extra inch of height needed to block a field goal attempt. The cut back across the middle of the field instead of running out of bounds.

This is the perfect storm; when player desires and team desires overlap. Too often, we see it in a player’s contract year, when the player’s energy level on the field corresponds almost directly to the percentage increase in their next paycheck.

For the Lions in 2009, there are enough chips on shoulders to put a Lay’s factory to shame.

From overlooked rookies looking to make a name for themselves, to veterans fighting the “washed up” label, to second and third-year players trying to avoid the magical “bust” word, to snubbed would-be Pro-Bowlers, a good portion of the Lions roster is heading into this season with something to prove.

We’ll begin with the offense. Next week, I’ll highlight the same types of players on defense.

Michael Vick: Detroit Lion?

If ESPN reports are true, Michael Vick will be free to sign with any NFL team in the coming days.

Even if they are not true, it seems that Commissioner Goodell’s best option is to conditionally reinstate Vick to allow him to join training camp. It’s really a win-win. The NFL gets a boost of publicity (good and bad.)

Vick gets back the only job he’s really qualified for, and a second chance.

The only question is where.

Jacksonville has been mentioned…and denied. Oakland has been mentioned only because they surely must question JaMarcus Russell as a starter. Additionally, they don’t have qualms about character flaws.

What about Detroit?

Let’s lay this out there. I don’t want to debate the merits of Vick’s rehabilitation. I don’t want to anger the PETA fans out there. I love dogs as much as the next person.

What Vick did was wrong. Period.

But second chances happen every day. Whether you believe he deserves one or not, for all intents and purposes, he’s coming back. 

Why not Detroit?

 

 

Michael Vick will energize the fanbase

 

I chose my words carefully.

I’m sure any team who signs Vick will find angry letters on their doorstep the next day, emails from season ticket holders wanting refunds, and a few “grass roots movements” to boycott.

Energize can be for the better or for the worse. After 0-16, any energy is better than a complete lack thereof.

In Detroit, I believe the negative energy will be less. Perhaps I’m wrong—I can admit that possibility. I think Detroit needs a comeback story.

 

 

Nowhere to go but up

 

No one in the NFL has fallen farther than Vick and has such opportunity to get back up.

Kinda like Detroit.

No team as ever had to come back from 0-16. It is one of the rarest feats in sports.

Another rare feat is coming back from a felony conviction and subsequent jail time, at nearly 30-years old.

If Detroit and Vick are going to both rise from the depths, why not do it together?

In Detroit, there is no pressure to be successful in 2009. In Detroit, no one has to be “the man.” It is a team still searching for its identity.

If Vick and Detroit fall together? No one will hear it.

Does that mean it won’t make a noise?

 

 

Schwartz/Linehan/Cunningham

On a team searching for a personality, three of the strongest personalities are the coaching staff.

Schwartz has shown himself to be more than the “stat nerd” fans anticiapted. Cunningham is renown for his boisterous attitude. Most importantly, Scott Linehan is a coaches’ coach—not a players’ coach

If Linehan stood up to Steven Jackson and Marc Bulger, why would he give a longer leash to Michael Vick?

Vick wouldn’t need to be a leader and would need to acclimate quickly to the team concept.

As coaches, Schwartz and Linehan are among the most fundamentally sound and creative men in the league. For years, Vick was a square peg in the round hole of the West Coast Offense.

 

 

Rookie QB’s need help

What kind of role would Vick have on the Lions?

In the end, this is still Matthew Stafford’s team as soon as possible. Michael Vick could not, and should not change that.

However, what is the one thing all rookie QBs have in common? Vanilla offenses.

Picture this.

First, Daunte Culpepper and Drew Stanton become irrelevant. Any money saved on getting rid of them could be used for Vick.

Second, Matthew Stafford is given the keys to the team, today. Give him 25-50 percent of the playbook to perfect—like most rookies.

Finally, commit a portion of your playbook primarily to Michael Vick. Give Linehan the opportunity to design wildcat or spread attacks which play to Vick’s strengths.

Vick could easily take up to 15 snaps a game and be on the field as a decoy for even more.

This allows Stafford to step into a role right away. It also guards him from needing to do too much too soon. Most importantly, it gives the Lions a better chance to be competitive and (even better) watchable.

 

 

Future Trade Bait

Worst case scenario? Infighting and failure by both Vick and Stafford—leaving the Lions with two prima donnas they have commitments to and no viable option at QB. 

Best case scenario? Two extremely successful QBs and an inventive offense which is fun to watch and equally as unstoppable.

Remember, it’s still Stafford’s team. In two or three years, he can’t be splitting time at QB.

At that point, if the Vick experiment has failed, the Lions can cut bait. If Vick has succeeded, he would be a valuable trading commodity.

 

 

Conclusion

This is a low risk, low reward solution to a few of Detroit’s nagging questions.

From a business standpoint, I cannot fathom any blackouts with a team having Michael Vick run the wildcat/spread offense.

On talent, Vick is still a very physically gifted individual. This coaching staff can get something out of him.

What do you think? Comment below and vote in the poll!

Heading into Training Camp: The Reigning Champion Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been sitting on top of the world for the past five months. 

 

This team has helped surpass every other NFL franchise in overall success, and now comes the time to defend that success. 

 

The Steelers do not have as tough a road as one might think.

 

First of all, they do not have a rough schedule. In fact, this might be the easiest schedule I’ve seen for a defending champion in a long time. 

 

The Steelers really only have three, possibly four, tough games before a convenient Week 8 bye. They see Tennessee the first game of the season, followed by a possible challenge at Chicago. The next tough game comes two weeks later against San Diego, but they get the Chargers at home. 

 

The final week before their bye, the unstoppable force meets the immovable object when Adrian Peterson goes head-to-head with the Steel Curtain. This could be the marquee game of the first half of the season if both teams manage to stay undefeated, so circle this one on your calendars.

 

The second half of the season is a relative breeze, with the only challenges coming from Baltimore (twice) and Miami at the very end. Because of that, the Steelers should steamroll right back into the playoffs. 

 

Regular season prediction:  13-3 (losses at Baltimore, Tennessee, and Green Bay).

 

Pittsburgh needs to do very little to restructure its roster, as the Steelers didn’t lose much in free agency and added depth from the draft and injury returns. 

 

Obviously, the turmoil surrounding Ben Roethlisberger’s alleged rape case is a huge issue. But I won’t go in depth about that, considering the already heavy media coverage.

 

One issue that isn’t touched on enough is the replacement of Bryant McFadden. OK, so maybe he wasn’t Darren Perry, but he could hit hard. 

 

Believe it or not, a good free safety is hard to replace. Right now, Ryan Clark, who basically worked nickel and dime packages for the Steelers last year, figures to be the starter come game day.  But, we will see exactly how good he is—otherwise, the team may have to go get someone.

 

Another issue is lack of depth at two positions: Outside linebacker and offensive tackle.  The Steelers will have a huge problem if either LaMarr Woodley or Lawrence Timmons go down early in the season, because the options left are young and rough around the edges. 

 

When you look at the depth chart, offensive tackle may look safe, but Max Starks has a history of injury and Trai Essex is wildly inconsistent. I do not think they need to look for someone else, but team management needs to watch some of these guys closely.

 

One thing that will drastically improve is the depth in the backfield, which rivals that of Baltimore and Miami. Rashard Mendenhall is finally healthy and looking good going into training camp. That leaves Mewelde Moore as third man, but what a third man he is. 

 

Carey Davis has emerged as a quality replacement for Dan Kreider, and Pittsburgh drafted a backup for him in Frank Summers.

 

Some smaller issues to keep in scope are the development of Limas Sweed in his second year as a pro, Heath Miller’s touches, and what the team should do if Roethlisberger is unable to perform during this court case.

 

Sweed has shown much promise, and he has the benefit of working with arguably the finest mentor (Hines Ward) and the fastest up-and-comer (Santonio Holmes) in the league. Heath Miller, now in his fifth season, deserves more touches with Holmes and Sweed spreading the field. As far as Big Ben goes, it would surprise me if the court case affected his play much, but Charlie Batch is a fine option if Roethlisberger has problems.

 

Lastly, and this is from a personal standpoint, all you diehards out there should keep an eye on A.Q. Shipley. He’s a rookie out of Penn State and the backup center. 

 

I played against this guy in high school, and he is a behemoth. As much as I hated him then, this guy is born and bred Pittsburgh. He is the future anchor of that offensive line, so watch him closely over the next few years.

 

I think the Steelers have a great season ahead of them. My preseason prediction (pending the Big Ben fallout) is at least a return to the AFC Championship game, likely against the Patriots. 

 

If I could pick an ideal Super Bowl matchup, I would say Pittsburgh and Minnesota.  Feel free to disagree, but I think the rematch from the regular season would be phenomenal.

Alex’s 32 Teams In 32 Days: Introduction To My First Series

I’ve been a part of this site for just one month.  I’ve experienced many new things, learned a lot, and met a lot of great people.

Bleacher Report has opened up many opportunities for me to express my opinions like never before.

I love sports, and I love writing about sports.  It’s a great passion.

I’ve written everything from breaking news, to opinion articles, to bold predictions.

I was even lucky enough to be cited in the New York Times for an article I wrote about Manny Ramirez.

Now, I’m ready to take the next step on my Bleacher Report journey.  A step that will let my passion shine.

I’m here to introduce to you my first series: Alex’s 32 Teams in 32 Days: The countdown to NFL opening kickoff.

The series will consist of 34 entries: the series introduction, 32 NFL team previews, and a conclusion.

I have put together my very own power rankings (doesn’t everybody this time of year?) and for the next seven weeks, beginning next Tuesday, a new team will be featured every week day until the much-anticipated matchup between Pittsburgh and Tennessee on September 10.

The countdown will begin at team No. 32 and finish off with the top team.

Each team preview will include key additions/losses, a 2008 review, a 2009 preview, and of course, a very bold prediction.

I’ve been planning this out for the last few weeks, and I’m excited to get started!  I hope you’ll join me on the ride.

Be sure to look for the unveiling of team 32 next Tuesday, July, 28.

 

 

AFC: Conference Rankings

The ranking of each division to find playoff teams has reached its conclusion, but it doesn’t end there.

Now that playoff teams have been decided, who will win the conference?

All teams that make the playoffs are talented, and so it gets harder to predict. Also, schedules become unclear, but it is not impossible.

To make it easier, I am not going to try to compare individual games. Instead, I will go round by round, determining who drops out and who moves on.

I have not picked the two wild card teams yet, but have decided that the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins will become the remaining two teams. This brings the team count to six.

So in the first round it will most likely be Miami, Baltimore, New England, and Denver. Miami is a solid team so makes the wild card. Baltimore is denied a pass only because the Steelers are great. New England might not get a bye because of Brady’s injury and questionable comeback.

The AFC West is weak, so a bye is foolish to even think of.

I believe the two wildcard teams will move on. Denver (or as so many angry people have told me, San Diego) is not strong enough to defeat a team like Miami. New England, questionable enough from Brady, could struggle against a defense like Baltimore, and will lose a close game.

So the second one will be either Miami, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, or Tennessee. Since it is questionable who plays who, I will just declare the winner. I believe that the strongest team in the division will be Tennessee.

Pittsburgh may have won it all last year, but it is very hard to repeat. Tennessee has a solid defense and has improved the offense enough that they should become the winner of the Conference.

So the Tennessee Titans are going to the Super Bowl.

Can they win it? Is this their year?

Tell me what you think. I am sure many of you disagree or have opinions. So let me hear them.

My next article will be about the NFC. Watch for it to see who the NFC representative will be in the Super Bowl.

New York Giants’ 2009 Offense: Expect a Three Wide Receiver Tandem

After a few millions of articles written about the Giants’ wide receiver corps, including a handful elaborated by yours truly, this article presents a new perspective to the matter.

 

I have always defended that the Giants should use more short passes, even inquiring if we really needed a big time wide receiver. Adding to the point, I have been a keen supporter of the Giants’ current wide receiver corps.

 

Furthermore, there is the fact that I have defended all year long (and before that, as a matter of fact) that Eli Manning is going to step up brilliantly for the Giants.

 

“Where is the new perspective?”, one might ask, but to reach it, I actually needed to bring all of this to the table.

 

Entering a milestone year, this offense is up against a great amount of pressure. Most previews highlight the fact that the level of play of these receivers will determine the outcome of the season.

 

As a preacher of the short, high percentage passes, spread field, and three or four wide receivers sets, while worrying about whether Kevin Gillbride would implement this type of passing scheme, I have actually overlooked the big picture.

 

So, what exactly is the “big picture“? Well, the big picture is exactly that. The Giants will grant my wishes (not that my opinion was consulted, but who cares?).

 

While drafting Hakeem Nicks, who fit the Giants like a glove, Jerry Reese and Tom Coughlin placed this offense in a position of doing exactly what I have been brainstorming about all year.

 

With the addition of NFL ready talent and big play ability in Nicks, as well as a great red zone target in Ramses Barden, the number of play possibilities reach the sky.

 

Not to forget Sinorice Moss and “Super” Mario Manningham, who will both be given legitimate shots to show their real value in this league, and the probable day one starters, Domenik Hixon and Steve Smith, who are poised to have breakout years of their own.

 

By now, you are probably still thinking, “Yeah, I know that, but where is the new perspective?“, so here it comes.

 

With so many targets, most of which still unproven, the odds are that all receivers will be given significant playing time, at least until it’s clear who should be on the field every downs, who will emerge as a legitimate threat for Manning to use.

 

That being said, albeit not knowing who will step up, Coughlin has set the tone for a three wide receiver tandem.

 

Steve Smith has surfaced as Manning’s favorite target, thus, he will probably see even more balls thrown his way, and, with his amazing hands and crisp route-running ability, he will probably produce very well, moving the chains for Big Blue.

 

Domenik Hixon is back, his fifth NFL season, and now he had an entire offseason to prepare for stepping into the No. 1 WR spot. With blazing speed and excellent vision, I see Hixon hanging onto his job, and being very effective, while at it.

 

Now, with the above mentioned two receivers as the projected starters, what comes to mind next, is: “What about Hakeem Nicks?”. This is why Coughlin and Gilbride will use more three and four wide sets this year.

 

The physicality Nicks brings to the table is unique on this team. His routes are perfectly run, and his hands are in the “cream-of-the-crop” category. The skill set Nicks brings to the table is powerful, which makes it pretty hard to keep him off the field.

 

Moreover, there is the fact that, if the Giants’ brass did not believe in Nicks’ ability to make  an immediate impact, they would have never drafted him in the first round.

 

Why? Simple, with the need to replace one of the best athletes in the league, the Giants chose this path for a reason.

 

Reese could have gone with a trade, snatching Anquan Boldin or Braylon Edwards, or even trade up in the draft, (remember that we had 10 picks this year), but still, they went with Nicks.

 

I’m not one for making bold predictions, but here comes one: Smith, Hixon, and Nicks will combine for more than 2,500 receiving yards in 2009.

 

Disagree? Than go ahead and tell me why.

Didn’t See This Coming: Changing My Stance On Vick!

There is one lasting image of former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick that plays over and over in my head whenever his name is mentioned. 

It’s not that inconceivable game-winning scramble he pulled off against the Minnesota Vikings, the diving touchdown in the corner of the end zone while leading an average football team to a playoff victory at Lambeau Field against the Packers.  Nor is it the replay of Vick flipping-the-bird at Atlanta fans as he left the field after a poor performance or the helicopter fly-bys of his Virginia Beach home where so many dogs met their uncontrollable demise.

The image I can’t seem to shake regarding Vick is the one when he was hounded by reporters who followed him into a hotel lobby as the dog fighting story developed and evidence mounted against him.

“You can’t touch Mike Vick,” a frustrated but cocky Vick shouted straight into the camera as he finally dodged the reporters. 

I don’t think you need to say anymore about how he perceived himself at the time he was charged for fencing a dog fighting operation.

I am not psychologist, so I dare not try to delve deep inside the mind of Michael Vick at the time he made that comment.  However, you can’t help but think Vick saw himself as being above the laws of our society.

Since he was 13 years old, he was told how great he was.  From the five to six thousand local Virginia Beach spectators singing his praises as phenomenal high school athlete, to a few hundred thousand Virginia Tech supporters, culminating in millions of NFL fans worldwide placing him on a pedestal.

Why are we so shocked that a dirt poor kid who grew up to realize he possessed super human abilities—and was told so by nearly everyone he met—showered with money, cars, woman, and attention thought he was anything less than a god amongst mortals? 

Sure, many of us believe that we would have taken a different road upon realizing these gifts, but we were never raised in Michael Vick’s shoes.

Before you jump on that holier than holy bandwagon of yours, hear me out.  I am not a Vick supporter and never was.  I saw all the signs that Michael Vick’s life was spiraling downward. The “Ron Mexico” cover-up, the arrest for possessing marijuana at an airport that was dismissed, and the middle finger incident after a loss to name a few.

I was bothered by the fact that the NFL and Nike were promoting him as their poster child knowing he had some off-the-field issues.  My distaste for Vick grew to the point that I found myself rooting against him and the Falcons every game.

When he was ultimately charged and arrested, so many emotions surfaced.  Relieved was my first and foremost feeling as it pertained to the Vick saga.  He would no longer be king of the NFL nor worshiped for the false god he was. 

Sadness was another emotion that immediately worked its way into my train of thought. 

Sadness for all those dogs trained to kill.  For all the dogs killed fighting or put to death. 

For Vick and his family, that such a talent would go to waste when he had the ability to earn enough money to care for the next three Vick generations. 

For Falcons owner Arthur Blank, who treated Vick like a son and handed him the keys to the franchise.

When Vick received his sentence and was sent to jail, I thought for certain he would never surface again in the NFL.

Now some two years later, Vick is a free man and just met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who will determine if Vick is rehabilitated after paying his debt to society for the heinous crimes he committed. 

If you had asked me two years ago if Vick should be allowed to participate as an NFL player ever again, without hesitation my answer would have been a definite, “NO!”

But you see I felt the same way about Kobe Bryant.  Something about his entire rape case rubbed me the wrong way.  Not that I thought he was definitely guilty of anything outside of infidelity, but the fact that his accuser was—for the lack of a better word—“bought off” not to testify left a very unsettling taste in my mouth for Bryant and our judicial system.

Without getting into too much detail on Kobe Bryant, let me just say he showed the same character flaws as Vick prior to being charged.  He thought he was, “untouchable.”  But Kobe changed his character after nearly losing everything, fighting back to rise to the top.

Since, I have softened my stance on Kobe Bryant and I believe an individual’s character can change for the better if they want it to change.

So I say, give Vick a chance to change.  I am confident Commissioner Goodell will clearly lay down the groundwork for his return and, in no uncertain terms, let it be known that Vick will be playing with a two strike count for the remainder of his career.

If Vick clearly wants to change, he can start by volunteering at local animal shelters.  He should insist on speaking to young kids publically in areas where dog fighting is prominent and preach ”respect all living creatures.”  And finally, stay at home a majority of the time and be the best father he can be to his children.

Should Vick slip along the way even slightly, I am certain he would no longer be welcomed by Goodell and the NFL.

I am no longer rooting against Vick the player if he gets a chance to perform in the NFL.  Rather, I am pulling for Vick the man, the father, the role model (a few remain dedicated), and the example he can become for so many who we believe cannot change their character as adults.             

Buccaneers Defensive Depth Chart: Who’s In, Who’s On The Bubble

This is the fourth installment of a four-part series. Today, we look at the Buccaneers defensive depth chart and special teamers with a pre-camp forecast of the best bets to make the final 53-man roster.

The Buccaneers report for camp a week from today. Here’s a check of the defensive players to watch.

LOCKS TO MAKE THE 53-MAN ROSTER:

LEFT END: Jimmy Wilkerson.

LEFT TACKLE: Chris Hovan.

RIGHT TACKLE: Ryan Sims, Roy Miller.

RIGHT END: Gaines  Adams, Stylez White.

LINEBACKERS: Barrett Ruud, Jermaine Phillips, Quincy Black, Geno Hayes.

DEFENSIVE BACKS: Aqib Talib, Ronde Barber, Tanard Jackson, Sabby Piscatelli, Will Allen, Torrie Cox.

PUNTER: Josh Bidwell (uncontested).

PROBABLES TO MAKE THE 53-MAN ROSTER:

DEFENSIVE END: Kyle Moore.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE: Greg Peterson, Dre Moore.

LINEBACKER: Angelo Crowell, Adam Hayward.

DEFENSIVE BACKS: Elbert Mack, Kyle Arrington.

PLACE KICKER: Winner of Matt Bryant vs. Mike Nuggent battle.

LONG SNAPPER: Andrew Economos.

GUYS ON THE BUBBLE TO MAKE THE 53-MAN ROSTER:

DEFENSIVE END: Louis Holmes, Jarriett Buie.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE: Chris Bradwell, Rashaad Duncan.

LINEBACKER: Matt McCoy, Niko Koutouvides, Rod Wilson.

DEFENSIVE BACKS: E.J. Biggers, DeAngelo Willingham, C.J. Bryant, Donte Nicholson, Marshall McDuffie.

Total current defensive players on roster:  35

Roster spots available: 23.

There you have it. Fifty-three men. On Offense there will be perhaps 27 with 23 on defense more or less and three specialists. The numbers can vary based on camp injuries and performances.

It all starts next Saturday. The morning practice is sold out, as is the Sunday practice.

Rejoice in knowing that this is your last weekend without football.

 

Vote: The NFL’s Best Pre-Game Theme Song

I was driving in my car the other day listening to a local sports radio show when it happened.

The NFL on Fox pre-game theme song started playing from the speakers.  I had not heard a pre-game NFL theme song in a long time, and it was magical.

Immediately, I texted our fearless leader at The Hazean to describe the feeling.  Then I started to wonder which NFL pre-game theme song is the best.

This is where we need your help.  Vote in our latest poll and pick your favorite pre-game theme song of the NFL. These are current songs only and not the songs sung by Hank Williams Jr./Pink/Faith Hill. Orchestra-esque theme songs only.

Peep the candidates and pick your favorite after the jump!

Fox NFL Sunday pregame theme song

NBC Football Night in America pregame theme song

ESPN Monday Night Football pregame theme song

NFL on CBS pregame theme song

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post’s poll.

Thank you for reading the latest post from The Hazean. Please visit our website for more great fantasy content!

Color Me Confused: Does Race Play in the Way Sports Media Treats Athletes?

Before I begin, allow me to state that this article will include words about race. Please enter with an open mind and a willingness to see the other side of the argument. – Management

 

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is having the offseason of a lifetime. He led his team to their second Super Bowl since taking over as starter during his rookie campaign.

 

He has a burger named after him, posted a score in the 80s at Bethpage Black during the week of the U.S. Open, and played pretty well this past week at the Lake Tahoe celebrity golf tournament.

 

Things were going pretty swimmingly for Ben, at least until a few days ago.

 

Big Ben has been accused of rape by Andrea McNulty, a casino host at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe and claims that Roethlisberger sexually assaulted her.

 

Ben has called the allegations “false and vicious” and has promised to fight the pending lawsuit.

 

Mistakenly, ESPN ran the story on its bottom line stating that Roethlisberger raped the young lady instead of being accused of the deed.

 

During a press conference held by the quarterback, he had his coach Mike Tomlin, agent Ryan Tollner, and attorney David Cornwell by his side.

 

This story regarding Ben has traction, but not as much as you think it would. ESPN has it listed on its web site, but it’s not front-page news.

 

In completely contrasting but similar situations, former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was accused of dog fighting around the same time two years ago.

 

Vick was immediately demonized by animal activists and dropped from corporate sponsors. While I disagreed with the severity of his punishment, Vick did lie about his involvement with dog fighting.

 

He also lied to his boss, the commissioner of the NFL Roger Goodell, which in turn caused a very harsh penalization to be handed down.

 

However, Vick spent two years in prison for dog fighting and is still on indefinite suspension from the NFL. According to NFL sources, Goodell is likely to extend Vick’s suspension four more games into the new season.

 

So I’m guessing doing two years of hard time isn’t enough to warrant a second chance to play football? What Vick did was wrong and most of all it was stupid. But everyone that lives in this nation is entitled to a second chance at life.

 

The point of serving time in prison is to pay one’s debt to society, which Vick has done.

 

NBA baller Kobe Bryant was accused of the same crime as Roethlisberger a few years ago. He lost corporate sponsors, fans, and was an endorsement nightmare for the NBA.

 

Kobe was eventually acquitted of his supposed crime. Turns out the woman that accused him of rape was telling a lie and actually had consensual sex with the four-time NBA champion.

 

Bryant was wrong in the fact that he committed adultery by sleeping with the young lady. Kobe was demonized by the media and some of his fans for what he did.

 

Eventually Bryant bounced back to win another NBA championship and eventually gain corporate sponsorship.

 

The blaring difference between these three athletes is the obvious, skin color. I’m not crying racism or bigotry in the case of Ben Roethlisberger, but there is a media bias for Ben.

 

Kobe was front page news for ESPN, CNN, and any other news outlet willing to tell about his story. Same thing for Michael a couple of summers ago when he couldn’t get away from the radicals that call themselves PETA.

 

Ben on the other hand seems to be flying a little under the radar.

 

A small article on ESPN, a mention on SportsCenter, and a crawl on CNN is all that Ben’s getting so far. Maybe the media is trying a different approach with Roethlisberger, giving him the benefit of the doubt before he’s judged.

 

By no means am I stating that Ben is guilty. In fact, from what I’ve read I believe that he’s probably telling the truth. However, if it were Dwight Howard or Ryan Howard the story would probably have more legs.

 

For some odd reason it seems that black athletes behaving badly receive more attention than a white guy that plays quarterback for the Super Bowl champions.

 

In light of “Skip” Gates being arrested for breaking into his own home, it seems that African-Americans are still better for bad news than good.

 

-JH

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