Johnny Manziel likely out Saturday vs. Buccaneers
August 26, 2015Tim Couch: Johnny Manziel should rest his elbow as much as possible
August 27, 2015Hello, Thursday! So nice to see you again.
As Jacob mentioned a few weeks ago, he and I will be splitting some time here at WWW. My calendar tells me that I’m up, well actually, it was Jacob who told me. (Thanks, Jake) But, let’s get to it, shall we?
Michael Vick signs with the Pittsburgh Steelers on the eve of what is apparently #NationalDogDay. Oh my God, you guys. This headline reads like it should be from The Onion and it is unfortunately not. As you’ll remember, Vick pleaded guilty to federal charges for his role in a dogfighting ring back in 2007. He went on to serve 21 months in prison before rejoining the NFL in 2009 with the Philadelphia Eagles. He’s played six seasons since, five with the Eagles and one with the New York Jets. And now, as of Tuesday evening, he’s the Steelers’ backup quarterback behind Ben Roethlisberger.
I’ve been staunchly anti-Vick since the dogfighting scandal broke almost 10 years ago. In fact, to prove my point, here’s a picture of my dog, Ollie, when he was a puppy. What’s that he’s chewing on? Oh, that’s just a Michael Vick chew toy I purchased on the wonderful Internet:
But seriously, I’ve never been able to wrap my head around the horrible things Vick and his associates did, and I think a lot of people share in that. So, obviously, Vick joining the Steelers has raised a lot of questions—and created a lot of feelings for Steelers fans. Since the announcement that Vick signed with the team, the Steelers have been faced with backlash, protestors at the team’s practice facility and a rapidly growing online petition that had surpassed 18,000 signatures as of this morning. From the petition:
Michael Vick is a convicted felon and no-class piece of crap. He is also a terrible QB which is why he has no team. Let’s united as Steeler fans – as NFL fans – and stop him from playing on our team! Steelers fans united! Sign to keep Vick from ever wearing the coveted Steelers uniform!!
I’d like to think that if we were ever in this situation, God forbid, a petition representing Browns fans would be better written and properly punctuated. But I have to say—I kind of feel for Steelers fans on this one. I’d be horrified if the Browns ever signed Vick, and I honestly don’t know what I, as a fan, would do.
I guess we’ll see what happens when Vick first sets foot on Heinz Field clad in black and yellow. The Steelers’ last preseason game (September 3) is at home against the Carolina Panthers, but I think the real test will come on September 20—the Steelers’ first regular season home game—against the 49ers. That is, assuming the passionately written fan petition is not enough to keep that “no-class piece of crap” out of Pittsburgh.
Clevelanders: Get down to the East Bank. I know that, for those who don’t live here, Cleveland can be more of a state of mind. But, if you do live here, I strongly recommend you make your way down to the newly revamped East Bank of the Flats—like now, you guys. Get down there.
The transformation along the Cuyahoga is nothing short of amazing, with world-class restaurants and bars popping up at every turn. In my experience, you really can’t go wrong. If you’re looking for a bite, try Alley Cat for seafood (I’m still dreaming about the lobster roll), Ken Stewart’s for steaks, or The Willeyville for just about everything else. And for what really matters (drinking), try Portside Distillery for a chill night or, for something a little livelier, head over to The Big Bang Piano Bar (which is way more fun than I ever remember Howl at the Moon being). Still to come are Punch Bowl Social Club, a trio of concept restaurants from the team behind Ohio City’s Crop Bar and Bistro, and much more.
The weekend is almost here, after all. Sounds like I just made plans for you.
What happened yesterday in Virginia. I’ve been fighting with myself as to whether or not I was going to go here. But I think it’s important to talk about what’s going on around us, even if it gives me a heavy heart to do so.
I don’t want to talk about the politics of it all or that one despicable front page. I just want to say—what happened in Virginia was horrific and terrible and absolutely heartbreaking. If it upset you, if it angered you, or if it opened your eyes to what seems like a terrifying epidemic in this country, I urge you to take action. Call your Congressmen. Write to your Senators. Talk to your friends and family and about it. You have a voice—use it for change, please. And then, say a little prayer or think a warm thought for the victims and their loved ones. Stories like this are becoming way too frequent.
OK, Cleveland, that’s it for me. Enjoy your Thursday, you guys!
44 Comments
From a purely football analysis, the Steelers signing Vick tells us how difficult it is even for good orgs to find competent QBs. They tried to groom Landry Jones for 3 years and that’s apparently not working – with Pouncey out and expected pressure up the middle they want an option of Vick scrambling away from trouble rather than relying on Jones trying to make a correct read.
Agree and it is puzzling why there hasn’t been more competent guys. I understand not everyone is Aaron Rogers, Tom Brady, or Peyton Manning, but where are the guys that can be average starters. It will be interesting 5 years from now to see who the top tier QBs are after Brees, Rivers, Manning, Rothlesberger, Ryan, and the second/third tier guys Romo, Flacco, and Manning, are gone (and Cutler, Palmer).
Can’t wait to see Vick rocking the yinzer jersey! lol
The irony of the outrage from Steelers fans is so delicious. How delicious? I’ll let Dr. Cox tell you:
“This is so very delicious and filling I don’t think I’m going to be able to eat the rest of the evening. In fact, I honestly don’t think I can have one more bite of your painful humiliation. I find I’m just a little stuffed.”
In the words of the Humane Society, Vick paid a severe penalty. He has expressed sincere remorse. He currently does good work for the Human Society and other organizations. Is there ever a point where the good work that he now does can ever overcome the horrible things that he did? I think so.
Oh, and that’s a really well-written petition for a Steelers fan. Probably a lawyer.
Not touching the murders yesterday, or the political undertones, with a ten foot pole, as much as I want to do so. Or maybe I just did.
I’m not sure I understand the backlash against Michael Vick. He’s served his time in prison, apologized publicly, and was mentoring under Tony Dungy, who I think we can all agree is a pretty great human being to mentor under. I really didn’t find his claims of reformation to be hollow… he has not been in trouble with the law since that time and has devoted his time and money to try to make things right again. It’s a shame that there are still people who won’t allow him to repent.
The shooting in Roanoke hits close to home. Virginia Tech is only 45 minutes from Roanoke and a number of my friends knew Adam Ward, who grew up there. It’s just awful what happened and I hope the families and friends of those two are well taken care of during this time.
There is also the little fact that Michael Vick was funding and running an interstate gambling operation, but that seems to get dusted under the rug.
I do agree that he paid his price to society though.
except that it is the same team that made Charlie Batch look like a semi-competent backup QB for years and years.
I’m not up to speed on the gambling angle. Was that included in his conviction/sentence?
It was one of the original charges. If memory serves me well, then it was one of the things that his lawyers fought (along with the tax evasion charge) the hardest and part of his plea deal was to exclude those original charges from the final sentence.
Also, I think Steeler fan forgot a word here though it was a valiant attempt for a Yinzer.
“Let’s united as Steeler fans – as NFL fans – and stop him from playing on our team!”
Roethlisberger did worse things than Vick, and the Stillers fans love him.
Not only did Roethlisberger sexually assault one woman, he treated others like dirt. According to an article in SI a few years ago, the millionaire QB ran out of a diner without paying for his breakfast, leaving the poor minimum-wage waitress on the hook for the bill. She chased him out to the parking lot and pleaded with him to pay his bill, and she shamed him into doing it.
LMAO … good post !!
https://media.giphy.com/media/UvwI1X7XkbXq0/giphy.gif
LMAO at “… like now, you guys. get down there.”
I went to BG for a time and know several people from Findlay who have nothing nice to say about Ben
You beat me too it.
It was two women. One in Lake Tahoo, one in Georgia.
Yes x 1000000 on the East Bank. Had dinner at Ken’s a week or so ago. Love everything that the EB has already become, and there’s still so much more in store.
Did anyone at any point ever mention that Johnny Manziel has an elbow injury that he has been dealing with since high school? Did I just miss it?
Splitting time with Jacob AND me? I don’t even get a shoutout?
But seriously, though. Great job. #FireKyle #KyleSucks
I have mixed feelings on the East Bank development . . .
On one hand: the Cleveland-booster and diner in me is thrilled to have a cool place to go in one of my favorite Cleveland locations and find good food, drink, and entertainment. The Cuyahoga river with colorful lighted bridges and buildings above it makes for a wonderful backdrop.
On the other: It all just feels a bit . . . fake. It’s too new, too shiny, and doesn’t have a feel of place or permanence. Those are 2 things I love about Cleveland vs. “Any Shiny New Town” (Columbus, Charlotte, etc). I wish there were character-filled old buildings down there that could have been renovated instead of the structures that could be found in Anywhere, USA.
Lastly, I wish that more than one developer was investing in the area. Single-developer projects like that make me nervous.
Oh well. Let’s all hope for it’s success. It sure has the potential to be a lot of fun.
He’s probably had a few things wrong since HS but sssssshhhhhh don’t tell Ray Ray!
Looks like Derrick Rose may be joining the long list of athletes with female problems: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/derrick-rose-accused-of-rape-in-civil-lawsuit-162745436.html
Chicks dig the statistical analysis!
Shoutout to the random C&HSotD!
Cleveland’s issue with development has always been sustainability and connection.
We love to build, light up, burn down and move on.
…….oh that and THE 50 ACRES OF LAKEFRONT PROPERTY TAKEN UP AN AIRPORT FOR DUDE’S WHO REFUSE TO FLY IN TO THE REAL FREAKING AIRPORT.
I’m rooting for Mike Vick because I root for people who turn their lives around. He paid his debt to society, unlike so many – SO MANY – other professional athletes (specifically NFLers) out there. For me, he is just a regular guy with some really bad stuff in his past that I won’t hold against him on the gridiron.
Go ahead and google your five favorite players of this era in the NFL. I bet there is a good chance that at least one of them has spent time in jail for either hitting a woman or beating a dog.
i erased this comment
Joe Thomas, Joel Bitonio, Alex Mack, Phil Dawson, and Josh Cribbs.
Danny Shelton looks like he’ll be added soon though.
and Bubby Brister 20 years ago. They do a nice guy of helping limited QBs stay in their lanes.
I was thinking about this situation last night.
1. Luck
2. Wilson
3. Newton
4. Tannehill
5. Kaepernick?
I agree 100% with him paying he debts and it being time to move on.
It drives me crazy that people harp on Vick, but let the whole Ray Lewis thing slide under the rug.
I often think we live in an upside down culture where dogs’ lives are more valuable than childrens’, and where we collectively outrage over a single lion in Zimbabwe while thousands of humans are slaughtered in numerous other places without so much as a collective groan. Ah, but I’m about to rant . . . maybe I’m already there . . . somebody link me to a Jenner/Kardashian story so I can be numb again . . . . . . .
Oh. I see how it is.
https://usatftw.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/863978211.gif?w=640&h=360
We heard ALL about those. We were never not hearing about the other stuff that’s wrong. But the fact that a highly touted quarterback has always had a bad elbow on his throwing arm? Not a peep. In this day and age – HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE?!?!!!?
Bridgewater?
Not sure if this is worthy of an up-vote or a down-vote.
Probably an up-vote, followed immediately thereafter by a moderator’s deletion (and a stern warning).
Yeah, that’s where it gets tricky. I didn’t want to project a 2nd year starter. And some of those guys will still be playing in 5 years (O/U 3.5?). It just seems like we’re headed towards a bit of a cliff.
I forgot Stafford.
I don’t want to get banned for encouraging you.
Maybe I’m just pessimistic/burnt out on the Browns, but I would be shocked if Manziel was with the team in 5 years, and would not be surprised if he was out of the league.
Not news, but maybe it will help.
http://www.businesscat.happyjar.com/
At last count, only 7 commenters have been banned for encouraging me. You’ll be fine.
No idea but it does seem kind of suspect. I just find it ironic that a guy who really hasn’t played a lot the last year suddenly is experiencing a problem with his arm. But maybe, just maybe, this is an example of how when you don’t have the size and strength that a QB position demands problems can develop. But at least he has large hands.
Thank you.
http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view/166760/steve-martin-o.gif