Eagles asking groups to call off march for Vick
August, 26, 2009
Aug 26
10:22
PM ET
Jonathan Ernst/Getty Images
The Eagles are worried that a rally in favor of Michael Vick could lead to some bad publicity.
Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley
In an effort to prevent a potentially "ugly scene" outside Lincoln Financial Field, the Eagles have asked the leaders of several local civil rights groups to cancel a Thursday rally in support of quarterback Michael Vick, according to ESPN's Sal Paolantonio.
Earlier in the day, the president of the Philadelphia chapter of the NAACP had this to say:
"We believe Michael Vick has served his time, paid his debt to society and deserves a second chance and the animal rights groups want to hold him hostage for the rest of his life," J. Whyatt Mondesire said. "We think that's patently unfair. It denies Michael Vick's basic civil rights, denies him his ability to make a living."
The Eagles haven't heard about any planned demonstrations by animal rights groups for Thursday's game and it sounds like they're doing everything possible to make sure there are no altercations outside or inside the Linc. The Beast will be catching a flight to Philly in the morning, so we'll be your eyes and ears for Vick's debut with the Eagles. I think there will be a few interesting homemade signs in the stands, but I'd be surprised if this preseason game turned into an all-out spectacle.
Vick will probably play a couple series in the third quarter and them get off the field. My prediction is that he'll speak to reporters after the game, but there's always the chance the Eagles choose not to make him available. Should be an interesting day in Philly. Something tells me there will be a full house for Vick's debut.
Update: J. Whyatt Mondesire told the Associated Press on Wednesday evening that his organization and the Black Clergy of Philadelphia are planning to proceed with their plans to march in support of Vick.
The Eagles are worried that a rally in favor of Michael Vick could lead to some bad publicity.
Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley
In an effort to prevent a potentially "ugly scene" outside Lincoln Financial Field, the Eagles have asked the leaders of several local civil rights groups to cancel a Thursday rally in support of quarterback Michael Vick, according to ESPN's Sal Paolantonio.
Earlier in the day, the president of the Philadelphia chapter of the NAACP had this to say:
"We believe Michael Vick has served his time, paid his debt to society and deserves a second chance and the animal rights groups want to hold him hostage for the rest of his life," J. Whyatt Mondesire said. "We think that's patently unfair. It denies Michael Vick's basic civil rights, denies him his ability to make a living."
The Eagles haven't heard about any planned demonstrations by animal rights groups for Thursday's game and it sounds like they're doing everything possible to make sure there are no altercations outside or inside the Linc. The Beast will be catching a flight to Philly in the morning, so we'll be your eyes and ears for Vick's debut with the Eagles. I think there will be a few interesting homemade signs in the stands, but I'd be surprised if this preseason game turned into an all-out spectacle.
Vick will probably play a couple series in the third quarter and them get off the field. My prediction is that he'll speak to reporters after the game, but there's always the chance the Eagles choose not to make him available. Should be an interesting day in Philly. Something tells me there will be a full house for Vick's debut.
Update: J. Whyatt Mondesire told the Associated Press on Wednesday evening that his organization and the Black Clergy of Philadelphia are planning to proceed with their plans to march in support of Vick.
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Matt Mosley
Mosley, an award-winning writer for The Dallas Morning News for seven years, joined ESPN.com in January 2007. Mosley, a Baylor graduate, writes columns, features and blogs for ESPN.com.
