Vick Plays Early, Gets Standing O in Philly Debut

He'll pitch for equipment company Unequal Technologies

(NEWSER) - Big milestone in Michael Vick's comeback: He's landed his first national endorsement deal since the dog-fighting scandal that landed him in jail. The Eagles quarterback will be the spokesman for Unequal Technologies, a maker of sporting equipment—including the rib protection he wore this season, notes Yahoo Sports . The company says it's a "sizable" deal but didn't disclose details. To read about Vick's stellar year on the football field, click here . More»

But he believes in second chance for those who've 'paid for' crimes

(NEWSER) - Yes, President Obama did applaud the Philadelphia Eagles’ owner for giving Michael Vick a chance—but the White House is soothing any ruffled feathers by clarifying that he “condemns” the quarterback’s crimes, a spokesman tells the Huffington Post . Obama “does think that individuals who have paid for their crimes should have an opportunity to contribute to society again.” His call to Jeffrey Lurie, however, was chiefly about alternative energy use at the Eagles’ stadium. More»

... to help his rehabilitation

(NEWSER) - Michael Vick gives an interview to the Grio in which he talks about his reformed ways and his campaign against dog-fighting, but one quote is grabbing the attention: "I would love to get another dog in the future," he says. "I think it would be a big step for me in the rehabilitation process. I think just to have a pet in my household and to show people that I genuinely care, and my love, and my passion for animals." A judge would have to approve. More»

Forbes list of most disliked athletes has a new name: Tiger Woods

(NEWSER) - Michael Vick has been out of federal prison for almost a year , but the Eagles quarterback still has some image-polishing to do: For the second straight year, he tops the Forbes list of most disliked people in sports . New for 2010 are Ben Roethlisberger and how-the-mighty-have-fallen poster child Tiger Woods, the only non-football figure in the top five:

1. Michael Vick: Disliked by 69% of 1,100 poll respondents, "Vick was a popular and dynamic player before the dog-fighting episode" and "still appears poised for a recovery with the public."

Redemption is there in spades, but little talk of horrid crime

(NEWSER) - Critics agree BET's The Michael Vick Project is conveniently focused more on the NFL star's comeback than on the horrid crime that laid him low in the first place. Still, some find the 8-episode "quasi-documentary" appealing:

• Vick presents himself as reformed, Robert Lloyd writes in the Los Angeles Times , but in visiting his old dogfighting compound, he " seems more nostalgic than contrite." No matter. "For many, his redemption will be strictly a matter of his playing football well. And if he doesn't, well, at least he won't be shot, drowned or hanged for it."