Forget that the Phillies are the reigning World Series Champs and that the Eagles and Flyers made it to their respective playoffs last season. It seems that sports thrive on negative press. Then again, as the marketing industry says, no press is bad press.
This week’s fodder is brought to you by a Cubs fan, who prefers
showering an All-Star with his $9 beer instead of drinking it (talk about throwing your money away), and the Eagles franchise, who signed a felon to quarterback when the team already has a hometown favorite (McNabb) in said position along with an heir apparent (Kolb) and backup (Feeley).The Cubs fan, who attacked the Phillies’ Flyin’ Hawaiian as he made a catch on the warning track, is lucky he didn’t commit his crime in Philadelphia territory. Phillies fans won’t take the high road if one their own is assaulted. There are times when I’d love to hurl a beer, bottle and all, at prima donna celebrities, but not while they’re working and not at someone as down to earth as Shane Victorino.
Kudos to Lou Piniella, the Cubs manager, and the Cubs franchise for apologizing and filing the complaint. If our teams can act civilly on the field, why can’t we off of it? And props to Victorino for handling the situation with class when he probably wanted nothing more than to deck the guy.
In other news, Eagles’ fans have drawn a line along the 50 yard mark. One camp stands strong against Vick for his past sins (aka you served your time, but don’t deserve a second chance in the game); the second willing to give him a shot at redemption.
For me, the Vick challenge is more of a social issue. Kids look up to athletes, especially celebrity athletes. While Vick may be a solid player (though he’ll need to re-prove himself before any Eagles fan stands in his corner), he’s got to realize that serving time behind bars is one thing, but having people, kids specifically, idolize you brings with it a whole new territory of responsibility.If Vick wants my approval, he needs to shed his image by doing PSAs, working in the Philly community—not because he has to, but because he wants to, and truly showing fans and kids that taking responsibility for your mistakes is admirable. I get this wish list is lengthy and totally unrealistic, but only Vick can change his own image and public perception.
I’m in no way condoning what he did, but the justice system doled out its punishment and he served his time. Now, he needs to rebuild what was lost. I just don’t want my kids looking up to someone like him unless he proves his worth off the field and outside of a jail cell.
Philadelphia fans are renowned for their obnoxious, albeit passionate, behavior. They’ll turn on their hometown golden boy if he turns in a shoddy performance just as quick as they are to defend their team from others. Though they may bicker amongst themselves, Philly fans stick together. [A word of advice: If you’re not a Philly sports fan, then don’t pick a fight with those who are. You won’t win. Seriously, you won’t.]
The true test will come in February. Will Philadelphia fans forgive and forget Vick’s shady past if we walk away with rings?
Sources: Victorino Pic (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Vick Pic (Barry Williams / Getty Images)
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