myerstownherald.com

By ERIC FISHER
Two homecomings. Two different reactions – at least from me.
Allen Iverson and Michael Vick made their respective homecomings this week, with Iverson returning to Philadelphia, where he spent the bulk of his NBA career, and Vick returning to Atlanta, where he became a star quarterback for the Falcons.
The return of Iverson brought a smile to my face. Vick’s return to Atlanta left me snarly.
Last week’s column made it clear that I wasn’t in favor of the 76ers bringing back Iverson. From a basketball standpoint, it makes no sense. It takes playing time away from young players and, in a “best-case” scenario, may even cause the Sixers to get a worse draft pick.
Given my objection to re-signing Iverson, you might be surprised that I enjoyed his return. From his tearful news conference to his kissing of the Sixers logo at midcourt after he was introduced Monday, Iverson’s return was outstanding entertainment. Even seeing his mother, Ann, holding up a sign stating “My Son is The Answer” during Wednesday’s game against Detroit made me laugh.
Iverson made a lot of mistakes during his career with the Sixers. Hey, he missed a flight coming to Philly last week for his news conference and didn’t show up until 5:55 p.m. for Monday’s 7 p.m. game against Denver.
Still, Iverson is so genuine that you can’t help but feel good for him. He feels like he’s home. He feels like he’s wanted. Watching him spill his guts during his emotional news conference and bounce around the court like the “little kid” Larry Brown calls him instead of a 34-year-old veteran were heartwarming moments. Regardless of his past mistakes, you couldn’t help but feel happy for Iverson.
The same can’t be said for Vick. Unlike Iverson’s return, which has included two straight losses, Vick returned to Atlanta with an emphatic victory. Not only did the Eagles flatten the Falcons, 34-7, but Vick ran for one touchdown and passed for another.
Vick led the Eagles out to the field, receiving a mixed reaction from the Atlanta crowd. Midway through the game, the reaction had changed to mostly cheers. By the latter stages of the game, the fans were actually chanting “We want Vick!”
Sitting at home, however, I didn’t share that sentiment. I didn’t rejoice with the crowd and Vick’s teammates when he scored his touchdown.
The Vick touchdown didn’t warm my heart. I didn’t view it as a wonderful moment of redemption. Contrary to how I felt about Iverson, I wasn’t even happy for Vick. I wanted to vomit.
Please understand that I’m not saying Vick shouldn’t have received a second chance. He served his prison time. He has the right to earn a living. He has a right to play in the NFL.
But I have the right not to be happy about it. I have the right to wish Vick was making his return in a uniform other than the midnight green of the Philadelphia Eagles.
The difference between Iverson and Vick is the nature of their transgressions. Iverson didn’t practice. Vick sponsored unspeakable cruelty to dogs.
Iverson showed up late. He blew off fan appreciation night. He stabbed coaches in the back. He didn’t always conduct himself professionally away from the court.
Vick ordered the murder of dogs.
I simply can’t get past the heinous nature of Vick’s crimes. Maybe that’s because I still haven’t heard Vick take responsibility for what he’s done. Yes, he says he’s sorry for what happened. He always says that. But he always seems to deflect the responsibility.
He’s sorry he was influenced by that culture. He’s sorry he allowed himself to be sucked into dog fighting. He’s sorry he allowed himself to be led astray. What we never hear, however, is Vick taking full responsibility for his actions.
Vick wasn’t an innocent bystander. He bankrolled the dog-fighting business. And he wasn’t an absentee owner. He visited his property that was home to his dog-fighting venture. He even ordered an under-performing dog to be electrocuted.
Even if he took full responsibility, I don’t know that I could ever fully embrace Vick. I question the character of a human being who could order a dog electrocuted or beaten to death.
Maybe I should get over it. But I can’t. Having seen the images from Vick’s dog-fighting operation and read the accounts of incidents of cruelty in which he was personally involved, I won’t ever be able to root for Vick.
I don’t care if the Eagles are in the Super Bowl and Donovan McNabb is injured. I wouldn’t feel good about Michael Vick leading the Eagles to a coveted Super Bowl triumph.
On the other hand, I find myself rooting for Iverson. The chances of Iverson leading the Sixers to an NBA championship are virtually nil. Right now I’d be happy to see Iverson lead them to a victory. Just one. Eleven losses in a row force you to adjust your goals.
But I find myself rooting for Allen Iverson. I can’t – and won’t – root for Michael Vick.