Rollins Says Vick `Good For The City¿

PHILADELPHIA - The outspoken Phillies leader Jimmy Rollins is a Michael Vick supporter, and has some controversial comments about newest Eagles player.

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In an interview with the Delaware County Times, Rollins had some blunt comments when asked Saturday about Vick’s arrival in Philadelphia.

"It's good for the city," Rollins said. "More entertainment."

Link: Read Full Delco Times Article

Rollins spoke with reporter Ryan Lawrence about the uproar over the Philadelphia Eagles’ signing Vick, a convicted dog abuser, to a two-year contract.

"He served his time; now he can go play," Rollins said. "I like it that the Eagles gave him a shot to get playing to football, obviously, but are also brave enough to take the chance, and strong enough to (go through the controversy) because they see the bigger picture.

To say Rollins has a conflict of interest would be an understatement.

His on-field partner is second baseman Chase Utley.

Utley’s wife is Jennifer Utley, a local SPCA leader who claims Vick and the Eagles have not reached out to her group.

"I think if you're planning on being conscious of a very sensitive issue it might be positive to (contact us)," Jen Utley told the Delaware County Times. "I don't work for the Eagles. I don't know what their (public relations) department does. I only know that reports said they called us. They didn't."Philadelphia animal welfare organizations say no one - not the Eagles, not Vick himself - has gotten in touch with them, and local animal lovers are furious.

Fox 29 was there when the top leadership of the Pennsylvania SPCA tried to drive into the Novacare Complex on Friday morning.

The group wanted to attend the Michael Vick press conference and to kick-start a dialogue with Eagles management.

But they never got past the gate and security turned them away as the newest - and most controversial - Eagle made his press conference debut.

A small but dedicated group of dog lovers stood outside, protesting Eagles' stunning decision to give Vick a second chance.

“We fight animal cruelty every single day in this city,” said Jennifer Utley.

“I think if you're planning on being conscious of a very sensitive issue it might be positive to do that.”

Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said he was horrified by Vick's behavior two years ago. But Lurie says he did plenty of soul searching and spent hours interviewing Vck.

He says the player displayed enough self-hatred to convince Lurie he deserved another shot. Lurie says Vick has a chance to help many more animals than he hurt.

“If we don't have an extremely proactive player here off the field, then this is a terrible decision.”

Fox 29 has heard some animal rights groups are making plans to picket at Eagles home games as the season gets underway.