Michael Vick vs Mike Sweeney, a Grunt and a Grant

I don't usually delve into the Wide World of Sports, but recent events have forced my hand.

In yesterday's season opener, the Philadelphia Eagles lost to the Green Bay Packers. The Eagles also lost Kevin Kolb, their starting quarterback, to a concussion. The backup QB, Michael Vick, was handed the pigskin.

This is not going to be a diatribe about Vick's stint in Leavenworth, you can take as given my strong disapproval of his canine abuse. Rather, this is a rant about his utter lack of sportsmanship, respect for his injured teammate and petulance in the face of a strong personal performance in yesterday's game....in essence, a flagrant violation of The Etiquette Code.



Impressive, right?


But watch what he said about it.

The thing is, Graces, that he didn't need to mention that had he started the game the Eagles would have won. If you watched the game, that is obvious--whether Andy Reid will take his oversized head out of his holy playbook long enough to realize that remains to be seen. But that's not the point. Vick sounded like a bitter, spoiled malcontent who is sorely in need of a reminder that there is no "I" in Team. Not Nice. Almost makes me miss T.O.

Compare Vick's Gruntly comments to another Michael's, a Grant to be sure....Sweeney, a backup utility Phillie started at first base when a slumping and frustrated Ryan Howard was deemed in need of a day's rest by the incomparable Charlie Manuel. Despite the fact that Sweeney had a spectacular game, he behaved like the utmost Grant in his post-game interview....




Now THAT'S what I call living by The Code.