Michael Vick to lobby for law protecting pets left in hot cars

Michael Vick may seem an unlikely enforcer of animal rights, but the NFL quarterback is now heading to the Pennsylvania statehouse to lobby legislators on a bill that would help protect pets against the torture being left alone in hot cars.

Vick was a star quarterback for the NFL's Atlanta Falcons when he pleaded guilty in 2007 to being part of a dog fighting ring and ended up serving 21 months in prison. 

A spokesman for the 35-year-old backup quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, says Vick plans to meet with Democratic lawmakers Tuesday about legislation nicknamed the "Pets in Cars" bill.

PA House Bill 1516 would allow first responders to break into cars to rescue dogs or cats in distress without fear of being held liable for damages.

"I know that I'm an unlikely advocate," Vick said through a spokesman to ESPN. 

"I was part of the problem. Now, my perspective can help reach people that activists can't reach. I can help others become agents of change." 

Vick will be accompanied to the state legislature by a group of schoolchildren from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, according to his spokesman.

Since his 2009 release from prison, Vick has worked on a number of animal rights issues. Even so, a local animal advocacy group protested Vick's signing with the Steelers outside of the team's facility in late August. 

"All animals require kindness and respect," Vick said. "They depend on us, like children depend on us. Many animal welfare bills across the nation do not get enough attention to pass. We can change that."

Vick publicly supported the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act, which President Barack Obama signed in 2014. 

Michael Vick shows Brice McCain he still knows how to break some ankles (VIDEO)

Even at 34-years-old, Michael Vick can still break some ankles, something Brice McCain found out the hard way on Sunday.

On a second-and-11 play in the first quarter, Vick dropped back to pass and couldn't find anyone open, so he took off scrambling. That's when he left the Steelers cornerback feeling a little wobbly.

Ex-fan's tweet captures Jets' situation in one image (PHOTO)

It didn't take as long for Geno Smith to get benched against the Bills Sunday as it did against the Chargers a few weeks back and, while his backup, Michael Vick, inserted a little life into the Jets offense yesterday, his spark couldn't hide the fact that this Jets team just plain stinks.

After the 41-23 blowout loss, they now have the worst record in the NFL, they're in the midst of a seven-game losing streak and will likely be looking for a franchise quarterback in next year's draft.

And one fed-up Jets fan summed up this season so far with this creative tweet:

I'm outta here. ✌ pic.twitter.com/lXO3lL1cxM
— Cuffs The Legend (@CuffsTheLegend) October 26, 2014

 And he probably isn't the only one.

Jets' Jeff Cumberland in a lot of pain while getting finger popped back into place (VIDEO)

That snap, crackle and pop you heard on the sideline of MetLife Stadium Sunday wasn't just the whole Jets team falling apart against the Bills, it was also the sound of their tight end, Jeff Cumberland, having his dislocated finger twisted back into place.

Cumberland had his finger popped back in by a member of the Jets' medical staff after an incomplete pass from Michael Vick. The moment was captured by CBS cameras as Cumberland winced in pain:

Still not as painful as watching the Jets.

Geno Smith missed team meeting because of time change: Report

It sounds like Geno Smith needs to work on his time management skills — before and during the game.

The Jets quarterback, who was benched at halftime, missed a team meeting on Saturday night, the team confirmed.

A team spokesman said it was an “honest mistake” and Smith got "messed up" by the three-hour difference between Eastern and Pacific time.

He arrived 5-10 minutes after the meetings ended, a team spokesman said, after Smith and a few teammates went to a movie.

The quarterback caught up on the missed information later that night with offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg and quarterbacks coach David Lee, according to the team. 

This was the first time Smith missed a meeting, said the Jets. It is not clear whether he was disciplined.

Smith was replaced by Michael Vick at halftime after going just 4-of-12 passing for 27 yards with one interception in the first half against San Diego.

“You’re down 21-0 and you haven’t converted a first down, you haven’t done anything,” Jets coach Rex Ryan said. “If not then, then when? Let’s try to give a spark.”

Ryan quickly said after the game that Smith would start against the Broncos this week.

Someone remind him to pre-set his watch.

Michael Vick believes he can take Jets to Super Bowl: Report

Michael Vick may have been talking like a backup quarterback this past week, but that doesn't mean the Jets' new acquisition isn't making predictions like a starter. 

Taking a page out of the Rex Ryan book of eye-rolling prophecies, Vick said he can take the Jets to the big game — contradicting what he said earlier the same day about conceding the opening day spot to Geno Smith.

“I just feel like I can help any football team, any organization, particularly this football team, get to a Super Bowl,” Vick told the New York Daily News on Thursday. “It’s tough at this stage of my career because I still feel like I’m a fairly young player and I can still keep up. People make it seem like I’m getting older and things are not the same. I beg to differ.”

The explosive and injury-prone Vick will be 34 next month still believes he has what it takes to get the Jets to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1968.

Kind of like what Kurt Warner did with the Cardinals in 2008 after he was considered washed up and had to win back his starting job from Matt Leinart.

“Kurt was blessed with unbelievable talent and uncanny intelligence,” Vick said. “That helped him get to where he was. Most important, the Arizona Cardinals believed in him. People just got to believe in you. They gave him a shot. He got his opportunity and he took advantage of it.”

Vick didn't mention that Warner had All-Pro receivers Michael Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin catching the football during that magical run.

The Jets have bolstered their skill players in the offseason with wide receiver Eric Decker, running back Chris Johnson and rookie tight end Jace Amaro. Vick says in the past his teams didn’t have it together in all three phases to help him get to the Super Bowl.

“Sometimes, I feel like I’ve been dealt the short end of the stick because I haven’t had all those components over the years,” he said. “I never complained because this is an unbelievable league, it’s a great league and I’ve been blessed to play in it. Of course, I wish I had a Super Bowl and wish I could have accomplished more things. But, hey, I still got an opportunity and that’s what I am thinking.”

Despite Vick's apparent confidence, he still sounds like a backup.

“I think Geno is going to be the starter. I think he is going to start this season off,” Vick said. “I think Geno has every opportunity to go out and have success. He is going to get that opportunity.”

Maybe it's reverse psychology.

Marcus Vick gets into Twitter war with PETA over brother Michael

Marcus Vick, the older brother of the New York Jets' newly signed quarterback Michael Vick, is once again making news for the wrong reasons.

Following the Jets' signing of Michael, PETA took the opportunity to send out a tweet reminding the world of the controversial quarterback's infamous dogfighting past. Marcus responded with some choice words of his own directed at the animal rights group..

'y’all still on that bulls–t???? Smh #Peta,' Marcus tweeted back.

Vick, who served 21 months in a federal prison for his involvement in a violent dogfighting ring, was the target of a virtual jab from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals in the form of a comment posted on Twitter Saturday afternoon.

At least Michael Vick can't drown, electrocute, hang, or shoot a football the way he terrorized "man’s best friend." #smh #Jets
— PETA (@peta) March 22, 2014

'At least Michael Vick can’t drown, electrocute, hang, or shoot a football the way he terrorized "man’s best friend." #smh #Jets,” the organization tweeted, after it apparently got word of his new contract in New York.

The Jets signed the former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback to a one-year deal Friday, and released Mark Sanchez, the one-time face of the franchise.

The younger Vick — who since being released from prison has been a vocal animal rights advocate — seems more interested in playing football than he does with starting a Twitter war with PETA.

"Anywhere I go, or any team, I'm always going to compete for the No. 1 spot," Vick said last week of his upcoming battle for the starter job with quarterback Geno Smith. "And I will encourage any other quarterback behind me or in front of me to always compete for their job, for the No. 1 spot.

'That's how champions are made."

The 33-year-old Vick, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, was once considered the most dynamic player in the NFL, particularly during his first six NFL seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. 

Michael Vick set to start against Giants on Sunday: Report

The New York Giants got their first win against the Minnesota Vikings and Josh Freeman Monday night. But if they're going to get their second win in Philadelphia on Sunday, they'll need to handle one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in the NFL.

According to a report on Philly.com, Michael Vick, who has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury, is expected to start. Vick was first injured late in the first half of the Eagles' Week 5 win over the Giants at MetLife Stadium when he was run out of bounds. He was replaced by Nick Foles, who came off the bench to throw two TD passes against the Giants to seal the game.

Foles started the last two games, but before leaving Sunday's loss to the Cowboys with a concussion, he had struggled mightily in that game, completing just 11-of-29 passes.

Vick has often been a confounding matchup for the Giants, and he's the kind of quarterback who has given them trouble all season — a scrambler who brings an added dimension to the field. 

Vick ran through the Giants defense for 79 rushing yards in less than a half before exiting in Week 5.

Michael Vick named 'Most Disliked NFL Player' again: Report

It shouldn't come as a complete surprise that Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick made the list of most disliked players in the NFL, according to a survey by E-Poll Market Research and released Monday by Forbes.com.  But, even four years removed from federal prison for animal cruelty, it's a little stunning that the rehabilitated Vick still topped the list.

Vick was followed by San Diego Chargers rookie Manti Te'o with Detroit defensive end Ndamukong Suh finishing third.

Ben Roethlisberger and Mark Sanchez rounded out the top five. Accused murderer Aaron Hernandez wasn't even included.

Forbes conducted the survey to see who the most hated player in the NFL. Vick has been at or near the top of the list for a while due to his dog fighting incident. 

The Te'o selection is strange. How in the world is the catfished Te'o the second most-hated player in the NFL over players that have done all kinds of stupid things. According to the survey,  Te'o was cited for "Not enough playing time as a rookie yet to erase memories of the bizarre fake girlfriend episode at Notre Dame last year."

Detroit Lions linemen Ndamukong Suh (43% dislike), known for the occasional cheap shot, might be more deserving of the second spot.

The scientific surveys are conducted as representative samples from people age 13 and up. They counted only currently active NFL players whose awareness registered a minimum of 10% with the public. Out of the 1,100 people asked, 53 percent of them said they disliked Vick the most. According to the E-Poll numbers, 48% disliked Te'o.

The Top Ten list is rounded out by Jay Cutler, Tony Romo, Tom Brady, Carson Palmer and Reggie Bush.

With Brady, E-Poll’s numbers show that woman love the guy, but a lot of men see him a metro-sexual pretty boy.

Vick says he won't hide from death threats

Michael Vick claims that he won't let a few serious death threats keep him from making public appearances and vowed to continue working with various community service organizations despite the haters.

Vick — who cancelled dates in Atlanta and Philadelphia on his book tour after "credible" threats were made to several Barnes & Noble stores across the country — will not let the calls control his life, reports TMZ.

"Regardless of the past threats, he has millions of fans around the world and has been receiving countless messages of support," a Vick representative told TMZ. "He will continue to keep an active schedule working with charities."

The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback — who spent 19 months in prison for animal cruelty among other charges — will continue to work with the Team Freedom Outreach (recreation and visitation for youth detention centers) and the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization even in the wake of the threats.

TMZ reported that Vick will have security measures in place in case more threats are made.  He also plans on giving local police a heads up before he makes appearances at the centers.

Vick has stared down plenty of Philly fans — and probably more than a few inmates — during his life on the field and in the can, but the anonymous threats might be a little unsettling.  He just wants to get on with his life.

"Mike is committed to helping make his community better place," the rep said ... adding, "[he] is determined to continue his work with charity and helping others."

DeSean Jackson: Keeping Vick is 'no-brainer' for Eagles

DeSean Jackson sounded thrilled at the prospect of playing under new head coach Chip Kelly but what would make him really happy is for Michael Vick to return as the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback.

The Eagles wide receiver even went as far as to call it a "no-brainer" during an interview with the NFL Network on Friday.

"For sure I can see it," Jackson told the network at the Super Bowl in New Orleans. "Now that Chip Kelly is our offensive coordinator, I mean our head coach, Michael Vick I think it's a no-brainer to keep him here.  It fits his playing style and what he's done perfect."

The 33-year-old Vick, who has the second-highest base salary of any NFL quarterback, is coming off his worst season ever and the Eagles don't have to pay his $15.5 million salary if they don't want to. That is unless Kelly convinces the organization that Vick would be a perfect fit for his explosive offensive style.

Vick warns Giants defense: 'I can switch it up'

Michael Vick may have 32-year old legs and his coaches are telling him to resist scampering down the field at the first white of a defensive lineman's eyes. But that doesn't mean the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback still can't run.

The Eagles' scrambler has a warning for anyone who thinks his best days as an athlete are behind him and he can't make a big play with his legs.

"Any time, I can switch it up," Vick told the New York Daily News on Thursday.  "I can put on them light shoes and run around still. And you never know when.  It could be this week."

Those words sound like they are directed straight at the vaunted defensive ends of the New York Giants — who take a ride down the Turnpike into Lincoln Financial Field this Sunday night.

It's curious that Vick — a quarterback who's been sacked nine times and endured 27 QB hits — would tempt fate by running with the ball.

The 10-year veteran insists he can still take a pounding.

"I take care of my body," he said.  "I'm careful what I put into it.  The hits don't hurt any more than they used to."

Vick might be in for more than a pounding from the Giants front line.  Jason Pierre-Paul, Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck will go full force at their familiar No. 7 target that is protected by an offensive line that will start backup left tackle Demetress Bell and second string center Dallas Reynolds.

The Giants can almost taste blood already.

Vick says he is hardly concerned that he is on pace to throw 32 interceptions, fumble 11 times and get sacked nearly 50 times.  This is a game that could set the tone in the NFC East early in the season.

"We have the same record as the team we're going against," he said.  "We're playing for the division."

Vick should do the math.  Ten years as a scrambling NFL quarterback is like 70 as a pocket passer.

Justin Tuck: Real referees are going to be 'rusty'

The New York Giants don't exactly expect a smooth transition going from the replacement referees to the real ones this week.

Despite the regular referees returning Thursday — after reaching an agreement between the NFLRA and the league — Giants defensive end Justin Tuck thinks the officiating on the field may still be a little tentative.

"It's still going to be an issue when the real guys come back," said Tuck.  "They are going to be rusty; they haven't had a preseason to practice their craft.  It would be like me coming to play a regular-season game, having not practiced or having a pre-season game."

The Giants are probably hoping that the real refs have, at least, been practicing on their Madden '12 as the team heads into the unwelcoming confines of Lincoln Financial Field to face the Philadelphia Eagles in Sunday's nationally-televised game.

We all know how well the last nationally-televised NFL game ended.

The Giants face their division rival in a important early season game and are thankful they will have a strong and experienced — if only a little out-of-shape — officiating crew calling the game.

"It is especially difficult with a running quarterback like [Michael] Vick; it creates problems," said linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka.  "You don't know if he is running the ball.  Is he looking to pass?  Is he defenseless player?  Is he a runner?  Those kinds of plays are difficult for anybody in real time and they are not always revealed in plays."

The Giants players won't blame the rent-a-refs for affecting how they played any games but some claim that the players could help persuade how the replacement refs called some.

Tight end Martellus Bennett claims it's not only the controversial rulings like Monday night's highly-publicized Packers-Seahawks fiasco that affected the quality of play, it was the intimidation of the fill-in refs by the players and coaches throughout the game.

"Nobody really respects the replacements.  Guys get in their face and do things guys wouldn't do to regular refs they do to these guys," Bennett said.  "They go up to the replacement refs and say, 'Hey, he's holding. You need to call that.' With the regular refs, they would just go up and say, 'Did you see that holding?'

"It works a little bit, if you're persuasive — and a star.  If (Cardinals receiver) Larry Fitzgerald comes up to you and you're a replacement ref and he says, 'Hey, this guy is holding me the whole time,' it's Larry Fitzgerald.  What's a replacement ref gonna do?"

Worst Soccer Flop Ever...By The Referee!

Whether it was a phantom head butt or just a player's garlic breath-- you can't tell, but this referee took soccer flops to a amazing new low.

Over the weekend, this Brazilian ref holds up a red card and when the offending player gets in his face, then the official drops like a bikini top on Ipanema beach.

 The ref goes down,  grabs his head like Michael Vick after a push and writhes in pain while the unbelieving players look on at the embarrassing display of over-acting.

New York Giants defense also take note.  This is known as excessive flopping-- even in the world of soccer.

Since When Did Eli Manning Owe Plaxico Burress Anything?

Since when did Eli Manning become the villain when it comes to his relationship with Plaxico Burress?  There was a lot of talk criticizing the Giants quarterback for not reaching out to his former-wideout after Burress was released from prison and looking hook up in the NFL again.  Get over it, Manning owed Burress nothing.

Last night, the New York Giants and New York Jets played for the first MetLife trophy at MetLife Stadium in the Meadowlands, although most fans were billing it as The Plaxico Bowl as if the former-Giant is the real prize.

The MetLife Trophy has cute Snoopy wearing an old-school helmet on top of it.   The comic strip seemed appropriate because the game was as flat as Charlie Brown on his back after trying to kick the seductive football yanked away by Lucy.  It's like a Matt Dodge punt.

Manning threw two interceptions and Burress was a non-factor while being held to zero catches.

The Plaxico Comeback Tour stalled against his former team.

Final score of the game, Jets 17-3.  Final score of The Plaxico Bowl, 0-0.

Even Jets coach Rex Ryan tried to hype the yawner afterwards.

"It was a fun game, man.  It was two good football teams going at it," he said of the game after his team was outgained 239-113 in total yards during the 17-3 win.  "Obviously, it's a preseason game, but it's good competition."

Much was made of what the first face-to-face between Manning and Burress, leading up to the game and since the latter was sprung from the joint, would be like.  Well the meeting last night was anti-climatic.

Funny thing, they unexpectedly reunited two days earlier outside a movie theater where Burress was coming out of "The Smurfs" (no Big Blue there) with his family and he ran into Manning and former-Giants center Shaun O'Hara.  Burress said they laughed about the coincidence last night.

The highly-publicized preseason tug-of-war for the services of Burress was ultimately won by the Jets. Many Giants fans faulted Manning for not reaching out to Burress when he was a free-agent.

Sure, it's easy to make fun of Manning's "Aw, shucks" interviews, his less than flashy play on the field and how he tucks his jersey into his pants, but don't lay the blame on him.

So Manning didn't visit Burress when he was in stir or call him once he got out.  Some Giants fans thought that Manning's cold shoulder contributed to the former-Giants player to jumping over to the Jets.  He had no obligation to guide Burress.  That's what parole officers do.

Plax went to the Jets was all money--plain and simple.  A guaranteed paycheck, after you haven't worked in almost three years, will do that to a man.

While Manning represents team play and character, Burress is the prototype of how fans perceive pro athletes these days-- and it ain't all good-- unless he's pulling in touchdown passes.

Burress was Manning's favorite go-to guy leading up to their Super Bowl XLII upset victory over the New England Patriots and the wideout  caught the game-winning touchdown, but a lot of bumps came on that ride.

There were too many instances, with the Giants, where Burress boycotted practices over contract demands, didn't show up on Monday or answer his phone for days at a time.  It all culminated with the self-inflicted gun-shot incident outside a Manhattan nightclub in November 2008.  After 20 months of three squares and a bunk, Burress was ready to make his comeback and the MetLife Stadium roommates were first in line.

Suddenly, it was up to Manning to do what head coach Tom Coughlin and owner John Mara's little dinner party couldn't do-- convince Burress he was coveted by the Giants.

Maybe Manning didn't want the 34 year-old Burress and the baggage he drags along.  Even though the Giants lost All-Pro receiver Steve Smith right after Burress' defection, Manning seems happy throwing to his youthful and talented receiving corps of Mario Manningham, Hakeem Nicks and Domenik Hixon.  Burress, so far, seems like a good decoy for Santonio Holmes.

Manning has to back up this boast of being in Tom Brady's class and prove he isn't the 25-interception quarterback of last season.  He has done little this pre-season to prove or disprove any of that so far this summer.

Meanwhile, Burress has to keep on the straight and narrow and the Jets hope he doesn't revert back to his gangsta persona.  Michael Vick's second chance $100 million contract has to be a good incentive.

The "real" MetLife Trophy will be awarded when the two teams meet on Christmas Eve.  Hopefully, all the hype about Eli vs. Plaxico will have passed by then.

"I don't know if there are any tickets available for that Dec. 24 game," said Ryan.  "But I think we just sold them because that was typical Jets-Giants slugfest right there."

Tony Dungy and Justin Tuck Think Giants Would Be Good Fit For Plaxico

It looks like Plaxico Burress' two former teams, the New York Giants and the Pittsburgh Steelers, are the front runners for the talented wideout's services this season.  Former Colts head coach, Tony Dungy,  said New York would be a " great home" for Burress' new start.

The New York Daily News reported that Dungy believes, if Burress and Giants head coach Tom Coughlin can put aside their past differences, New York would be the ideal fit for the 33 year-old Burress second go-round in the NFL.

Dungy, acting as Burress' mentor, said his charge needs a "good support system" to get back on track and the troubled wideout already has built a strong foundation with the team owners, Steve Tisch and John Mara.

"I think Mr. Tisch, Mr. Mara, he has a good relationship with them," said Dungy.  And he has a great, great relationship with a lot of the other players that are still there."

Giants defensive captain Justin Tuck agrees. He believes the two men can hammer out their differences.

"Anytime you have a dispute between two people, both people need to talk it out like men," said Tuck.  I think that's what we have on schedule, so we'll see what happens."

It looks like Burress' affection for Rex Ryan and the Jets has faded and now Burress is set to meet with the Giants tomorrow night before heading to Pittsburgh for a meeting with Mike Tomlin and the Steelers.

"I think [the Giants] would be a great kind of family organization for him," said Dungy.

The Giants have already reached out to Burress, even after he was let go by the team for his 2008 arrest for gun possession, subsequent conviction and stint in prison.

Mara drove up to the upstate New York correctional center to pay Burress a visit behind bars and quarterback Eli Manning was one of the first players to welcome his former-favorite target back after his release this spring.

Manning must be drooling at the prospect of throwing to Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham and possibly Burress.  Can you say Air Eli?

Now Burress has to bury the hatchet with his former coach and antagonist, the disciplinarian Coughlin.

I can only imagine how Friday's night meeting will go.  It's hard to imagine how Burress, just released from almost two years in stir, is going to thrive under the strict Coughlin.  It's like going from life under one prison warden to a head coach who is sometimes called one.

Forget the steak and potatoes, the real main dish on Friday night's dinner table is the thousands of dollars in fines, benching and two-week suspension for a rules violation handed down to Plax by Coughlin in the past.

Can Burress abide by Coughlin's tough love rules and avoid the suspensions and fines he accrued in the past?  Until last week, there was a perception that Coughlin didn't even want Burress back, now they are breaking bread together.

The "mellower" Coughlin just signed a one year extension to his contract and the Giants are notorious for not releasing a coach during the final year of a deal so, if this relationship gets stormy again, the old man isn't going anywhere.

The post NFL lockout has left teams scrambling for stability.  The Giants are familiar with Burress and Burress still has a veteran's knowledge of the Giants playbook. 

To Dungy, familiarity will be important to Burress' comeback.

"People need to understand that it is a little bit different," said Dungy.  "It's not just kind of like a free-agent coming into your team.  He has to regrow and redevelop.  You just want that support there, and I think the Giants would be one of the good teams for that."

Whether or not the Giants become Burress' halfway house to resuming a life on the outside remains to be seen.  Maybe the Giants just want to keep Burress' slim chance of hooking up with another "second-chancer," Michael Vick and division rival the Philadelphia Eagles at bay?

It won't be easy for Burress in New York.  You'll probably see more photos of Burress on the street than on the field and night out at a restaurant will be in every gossip page in New York.  Even if people don't hit the floor every time he reaches into his sweatpants pockets, every paparazzi will hit their camera shutter release.

How those scenarios fit into Dungy's theory is speculative at best.  Maybe New York isn't he best place to quietly return to society. 

The Giants team leaders don't think so and have given Burress a vote of confidence.  Manning confirmed speaking with Burress about coming back.

"I don't know what's going to happen with that," said Manning.  "I know he and coach Coughlin might meet sometime.  We'll just see what happens after that."

Tuck says Burress would be welcomed back by everyone.

"I can't speak for Coughlin or Plax," said the defensive end.  "It's well documented they've bumped heads in the past.  Hopefully a little time apart has rekindled the love they share for each other."

Wow.  The words 'Coughlin, Plax and rekindled love' in a quote.  I'm going to tear up.

Plaxico Sports New Phillies Cap After Release From Jail And It Means Nothing

Plaxico Burress is planning to play in the NFL, but only after getting to spend lost time with his family.  The former-New York Giant's was headed home to Florida to hold his daughter who was born during Burress' 20-month prison sentence.  Burress sported a brand new Philadelphia Phillies baseball cap when he walked out of the gates of the Onieda Correctional Facility on Monday morning and it got people wondering about it's significance.

The first person to greet Burress was his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, who jumped into his client's arms during his walk to freedom.  Rosenhaus told reporters there were a lot of NFL teams interested in Burress' services.

"I just want to thank God for bringing me through one of the most trying times in my life," said Burress.  "It's a beautiful day to be reunited with my family.  I want to go home and spend quality time with them."

Burress has a wife and two daughters living in Florida.

The NFL lockout prevents Rosenhaus from speaking with any teams , but expect quite a few to take a chance on Burress; who was considered one of the top NFL wide-outs before he was sent to prison for a gun charge in 2009.

The 34 year-old was released by the Giants after his November 2008 arrest for shooting himself in the thigh outside a New York City nightclub.

The Giants later reached out to Burress while he was locked up.  Owner John Mara visited his former player in prison last year and Giants quarterback, Eli Manning made a public statement last month saying he would welcome back one of his favorite targets.

Burress, who caught the winning touchdown in the Giants last minute Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots in 2007, will be on parole for two years.  One of the stipulations of parole is getting work.  That should be no problem for a high-caliber wide-out, unless the lockout shuts down the season.  Most teams will be lining up for the services of Burress, even though he is not in game shape.  The lockout means most NFL players aren't in game shape either.

The Baltimore Ravens, St. Louis Rams and Philadelphia Eagles all seem like logical fits and front-runners for a game-breaker like Burress.  Rams coach Steve Spagnuola worked with Burress when they were both with the Giants.

Right now every one is concluding that Burress might be joining another ex-con, Michael Vick, in Philly.  Burress' transition back to football will be a little less controversial than Vick's.  Burress won't face the protests and scorn Vick endured when he rejoined the NFL after his conviction for animal cruelty.  Burress' crime was onto himself.

Burress is anxious get back on the field.  "As far as football is concerned, if and when everything gets settled, when they get back on the field, I'll be ready," he said this morning.

Eagles fans shouldn't get too excited about the symbolism of the Phillies cap.  Remember, LeBron James was spotted many times, and criticized for it, flaunting a New York Yankees hat like it was a Miss USA crown right before he was a free-agent.  Knick fans took that hat as a sure sign that King James was headed to Madison Square Garden. 

Little did they realize, it was just a hat.

Judgment Day 2011; Athletes Who Will Be Left Behind

The End is Near.  No, it's not a proclamation by either the NFL regarding the lockout or the GM of the Phoenix Coyotes on the hockey team's future.   It's the Day of Reckoning for Mankind, so say the lunatic members of a doomsday group who predict the world will cease to exist after the earth is rattled by series of earthquakes and tidal waves tomorrow between 5 and 6 p.m. 

New York City has been plastered with ads warning if the upcoming Apocalypse on Saturday July 21 and how God will only spare those who are pure of heart.

So people, you don't have to fret over overdue library books or the vig to your loan shark.  Go ahead, make that nasty, drunken text to your ex because, after tomorrow, it won't matter.   It'll all be over soon.

This presumed "Rapture" will spare the souls of the pure by whisking them into heaven while the rest of mankind will be left to face their doom on the crumbling earth.  Professional athletes--however adored on earth--are not an exception and some won't be making that trip up to eternal happiness.

I believe the world must be coming to an end because how can you explain Jason Giambi jacking three home-runs the other night.  Who even knew he was still around?

And what about the Cleveland Indians?  Best team in the majors?  Come on. We're talking about Cleveland here.  That's enough evidence for me.

Tomorrow's Doomsday is just more bad luck for Cleveland all around.  The Cavaliers finally get two top-four draft picks to make up for the left-at-the alter move by LeBron James and BOOM!   No more Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or Dawg Pound.  It's over.  If it makes Cavs fans feel any better, James will be one of the fateful ones slated to be left behind--with no championships.

The Apocalypse will bring some good things.  We won't have to wring our hands about the NFL owners and the NFLPA hugging it out.  They're all on God's naughty list anyway.

Giant Loss and Cowher Talk Are 'Ridiculous'

Philadelphia Eagles Michael Vick said he wanted a puppy and the New York Giants obliged the quarterback's wishes and became his lapdog.  Yesterday's epic Giants loss was the latest in a long line of mega-meltdowns against the Eagles and the murmurs of 'Fire Coughlin' are starting to get louder--especially after Super Bowl-winning coach, Bill Cowher, said the Giants are number one team he would like to coach.

Enough of putting the blame on the Giants punter Matt Dodge for yesterdays dog-fight ugly 38-31 loss to the Eagles.  The collapse of the whole team rests on the shoulders of head coach Tom Coughlin.  Funny, it looked like the Philadelphia head coach Andy Reid's head was on the block after the Giants took a 31-10 lead with seven and a half minutes left and then, in a series of Giants bungled plays, missed tackles and a heavy dose of Vick's passing and running, Reid was revered and Coughlin reviled.

Giants owner John Mara shook his head at rumors the Giants were interested in Cowher.  The former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach announced he was interested in getting back to the coaching game and whittled down his team choices to the Miami Dolphins, the Houston Texans and at the top of the short list, the New York Giants according to an ESPN report.

Mara called the stories, "Ridiculous.  We were writing Bill Cowher stories two months ago and now we are going to write them again?  That's ridiculous."

Cowher spent 15 seasons with the Steelers and won two AFC titles and the 2005 Super Bowl under him.  Cowher left the Steelers in 2006 and works as an analyst for CBS.  He is one of a small group of prized free-agent coaches available.

Last January, Cowher's name was bandied about for the Giants head coaching position after Coughlin and the Giants miserable December losing streak eliminated them from the playoffs.  Two months ago the calls for Cowher got louder from Giant fans after the G-Men were reeling from consecutive losses.

Former Steeler running back Jerome Bettis thinks Cowher will wait for the Giants job to open up.  On SiriusXM's Mad Dog Radio, Bettis said he feels that New York was "Where he always wanted to be.  The Mara family, he's always been close to them."  Bettis said these were his opinions and admitted he had not talked with his old coach.

Coughlin's repeated berating of his punter on the sidelines has become a all too common sight-- but the loss was a team effort and it starts at the top.  Coughlin's defense--which held Vick in check for fifty-two and a half minutes broke like a wet paper bag.  The offense couldn't even work the clock in the second half.  Don't even mention the special teams.  Which team lines up five yards further than it should for an obvious on-side kick?  The Giants, that's who!  Coughlin and his staff deserve most of the blame for this monumental loss.

The Giants control their own playoff destiny.  They are hanging on to wild card by a a thread thinner than a fan's patience with Coughlin.  They must win the remaining road games against the Green Bay Packers and Washington Redskins to be assured of at least a wild card.

Coughlin's tough-love style of coaching is well known.  It will take more than a firm hand to help this band of second-half underachievers.  A loss of Sunday's magnitude can damage a weak team's spirit beyond repair or drive a superior team to once attainable heights. Let's see how old Coughlin handles it.

Coughlin has a Super Bowl ring and one year left on his contract.  Another December slide from the playoffs for the second year in a row could mean Cowher could getting his dream job in New York.

New York Giants Will Have Dogs Ready For Vick On Sunday

Michael Vick better watch out what he wishes for because sometimes you get more than you want.  The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, who is enjoying an MVP caliber season after doing time for federal charges of dogfighting said, in a surprising request, he would like to have "another dog" as a pet.  The New York Giants defense may grant Vick his Christmas wish early this Sunday.

In an unbelievable year, after serving 19 months at the Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary, the troubled QB has taken over the Eagles starting job and is the front runner for Comeback Player of the Year.  All the talk of redemption means nothing to the Giants as they battle the Eagles in another "Turnpike Tussle" for a playoff spot.

The Giants will get a second chance at stopping the scrambling Vick.  The two teams meet Sunday at the New Meadowlands Stadium tied for first place in the NFC East and, pardon the poor cliche, and expect the Giants to come out like a pack of mad dogs.  The Giants can clinch a playoff spot by beating the Eagles and the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers all lose.

During their first meeting on Nov. 21, the Giants pressured the Philadelphia QB with a variety of blitzes and held the free-wheeling QB to a total of 34 yards and he didn't account for any of the touchdowns in a 27-17 Giant loss to the Eagles.

Philly head coach admired Big Blue's defensive scheme.  He said they "had a great game plan."

That wasn't good enough for the Giants.  It just showed they could contain the speedy QB and keep him in the pocket.  They plan to prove they aren't scared of the dangerous Vick and charge him with increased safety blitzes.  The Giants D has 31 sacks this season and has already put six quarterbacks on the sidelines. Vick has been slowed down by a cracked sternum in recent weeks.

Giant safety, Deon Grant said, " A defense never plays scared."

Vick is not your typical offensive weapon.  He has thrown for 2,513 yards and rushed for an additional 483 yards.  "I'm just trying to be a leader," the re-invented quarterback said.

The Philadelphia offensive line's game plan is to offer added protection for their much-maligned QB.  On a wall in the Eagles locker room are six photos with the inscription "illegal helmet hits against defenseless players."  Below the images is the word "PROHIBITED" in red ink.

It is to remind the team about the number of questionable "hits" Vick's body has absorbed after he leaves the pocket and scampers for the sidelines.  Eagle players believe, even with all of the NFL's tough talk about illegal hits, there is a double-standard for Vick.  They are frustrated by the lack of calls from the referees and, among his teammates, believe it all leads to Vick's well-publicized past.

The Giants are going into the game with a shortened rest week, due to last Sunday's postponement and relocation of their winning game against the Vikings.  Expect them to hit the field with more than just bark.

Vick has made appearances on behalf of the Humane Society since being released from the pen, but is prohibited form owning a dog due to the conditions of his release from prison.  Vick claims he owned a beagle-mix while growing up in Virginia and said, " I could take care of an animal in my household."

On Sunday, he will be staring into a pack of eleven crazed animals in their household.