Bleeding Green Nation: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Around SBN: Has Kentucky Improved Since the Non-Conference Season?

That's the smell of capitalism

Gordon_gekko_medium

Upon the Eagles' signing of Michael Vick, a number of animal rights organizations tried to organize boycott's of Eagles and NFL sponsors. Some groups wrote to sponsors of the NFL in an attempt to show their displeasure for allowing Vick back into the game. While I can't say as though I agree with the need for such a boycott... I respect their right to do so and understand their motivation.  I don't think they're wrong for what they've tried to do.

I say "tried to do" because it seems the almighty dollar has won out... Click after the jump for a healthy dose of good ole American capitalism.

Star-divide

Modell's was kind of thinking about not selling Vick jerseys but....

Mitchell Modell, owner and CEO of Modell's Sporting Goods, said he initially had reservations about selling Vick jerseys. But it didn't take long to see there was "pretty high demand" for No. 7's replica sports apparel - especially at his Philadelphia-area stores.

"We weren't planning on selling it until the customers started coming into the stores demanding it," Modell said. "As long as the customers are coming in, we'll sell it. We're in the business to serve our customers."

Modell's is just one step ahead of Dick's sporting goods who didn't initially plan to stock Vick jerseys. But don't take that as a sign of their morality or anything...

"Right now we don't know how much of a demand there is for [the jersey]," Dick's chief marketing officer, Jeff Hennion, said in a prepared statement. "If there is a demand for it, we'll sell it."

One animal rights group wrote to Pepsi, a sponsor of the Eagles and the NFL and actually got a response. In short, the response was "Yeah what he did was wrong but... whatever."

The NFL has said that Mr. Vick has been reinstated to the league on a conditional basis and will be considered for full reinstatement by mid-October based on the progress he makes in his transition plan. As sponsors of the NFL, we have the utmost confidence that the senior leadership at the NFL will continue to appropriately address this issue.

None of the Eagles' corporate sponsors have pulled their support.

The Eagles had prepared for a backlash after signing the convicted dogfighting ringleader last week. But while Vick is disgraced in the court of public opinion — the one that drives lucrative endorsement deals — his addition has not jeopardized the team's corporate support.

None of the more than four dozen Eagles sponsors had pulled out as of Wednesday, said Marlyse Fant, Eagles vice president of sales and service.

WYSP, who carries Eagles games on the radio also reported almost no sponsor reaction.

Reaction from Eagles sponsors has varied. Radio rights holder 94-WYSP said it has had "little to no reaction" from the station's sponsors.

Don't take this article as any sort of criticism of these companies either. Were I running them, I wouldn't do anything different from what they are now.

I think this is another component of what has been an interesting reaction to the return of Mike Vick to the NFL. Corporate sponsors seem fine with it, NFL management appears to have been instrumental in bringing Vick to the Eagles, NFL players are overwhelmingly happy about it(it's a fraternity so no shock there) with even Giants talking about how they're "proud" of the Eagles, and honestly I've found the national media reaction to be rather positive. ESPN especially, who would probably love to see Vick regain his former star status, seems to filling their airwaves with talk of what a great idea it was for the Eagles to sign Vick. It appears that the only segment of the NFL machine to have reservations about the move are the most important part, the fans.

The question is, do the feelings of the NFL/ESPN/corporate sponsors influence the way the fans feel or do they reflect the way the majority of fans feel?

0 recs  |  Comment 9 comments |

Story-email Email Printer Print

More from Bleeding Green Nation

Rams the favorites to land Vick?

Feb 2010 by JasonB - 45 comments

Around SB Nation

To QB or not to QB

Feb 2010 from Turf Show Times - 26 comments

Rams planning roster cuts?

Feb 2010 from Turf Show Times - 52 comments

Manufacturing controversy

Feb 2010 from Turf Show Times - 34 comments

Comments

Display:

The question is, do the feelings of the NFL/ESPN/corporate sponsors influence the way the fans feel or do they reflect the way the majority of fans feel?

Yes and no. For those that are too stupid to think for themselves, ESPN/NFL/sponsors definitely have plenty of pull. This is basically the reason FOX News has such high ratings. However, those that think for themselves will have already formed an opinion, and will most likely stick to it, despite what the pundits may say.

For example, I dislike Brett Favre for his retirement antics, and that won’t change no matter how much ESPN or NFL sponsors might praise him. I think he has overstayed his “legend” status, and should have left the NFL the first time around. The guy treats professional sports like his own little sandbox. Now Madden on the other hand…

"THIS IS NOT COLLEGE NO MORE. THIS IS THE BIG MAN SPORT." ~Crazy Lady on BGN forums

by southjersey89 on Aug 20, 2009 12:54 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

But its Brett fuckin Farve, what else would you expect from him??? Also there are many people who watch espn and be like look at this jackasses talkin about a game that is long past them and then there is the people who are like these washed up players and coachs are right…There are people I do and dont like(like everyone else) in the sports world. For instance I like Chris Berman but others may think he is a over-excited, excetric fuck boy. Everyone else on espn can kiss my ass after a fresh shit. But back on the subject its not a matter of who thinks for themselves because everyone who thinks for themselves gets slammed(see. JIBTA)(hold up someone needs to make a wikipedia thang about JIBTA….haha…o bs). Its all about what eveybody else is feeling and I’m the opposite of that. But anyway I’m drunk and I’m ranting about Vick and Farve but if we didnt have an established QB then we would happy to have his ass too. Cuhz we gotta dog cruxifier, I mean whats so wrong with a indecisive legend.

by birdsflyinhigh2590 on Aug 20, 2009 1:11 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

ya damn right

I’d say about 98% of tha USA would say comment about how terrible Vick’s deeds were. But of that about 90% are forgiving and understanding of the fact that he did he has paid for what he was done and wouldn’t mind seeing him in the NFL again. What really kills me is how people talk shit about Vick not as a person but as a player. Before all this shit went down Vick was one of the biggest icons in the NFL and all these people down talk like he isnt a playmaker. He only went I think(I’m not sure) like 37-31 as a starter in ATL but he made them year to year contenders anyway and it was still winning. Then people get on the whole if that was me I wouldn’t get my job back or whatever. Vick was one of the highest paid QBs in the league at the time and someone else already said this but I’m not sure who it was. But Vick did lose his job, ATL was the first to say they didnt want Vick back and now is making around 100x less than he made before and has dropped from starter to 3rd string/situational player. Just because you lost your high paying job doesn’t mean you cant get a lower paying one in the same field. Also ofcourse the coperate guys are gonna go with what sells, if Vick is what they want then hot damn it Vick is what they will get. It’s called supply and demand! I don’t live around philly but if you dont want your season tickets I will buy them and I will take a 45 min flight up there every sunday that I can damn it.

Got my Vick jersey on the way!!!!!

by birdsflyinhigh2590 on Aug 20, 2009 12:55 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

where is EvilBanner

by Bleediots on Aug 20, 2009 1:14 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

preparing his assault.

"THIS IS NOT COLLEGE NO MORE. THIS IS THE BIG MAN SPORT." ~Crazy Lady on BGN forums

by southjersey89 on Aug 20, 2009 1:14 AM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

lol

E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!

by Joe_D on Aug 20, 2009 6:26 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

It’s hard to cage local fan reaction because the media has been dead-set against it and has been banging the anti-Vick drum repeatedly. WIP might as well become WIPETA for the way the hosts have responded.

by Tracer Bullet on Aug 20, 2009 9:20 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I talked some shit on Vick – the player but who doesnt talk crap on opposing teams quarterbacks?….. now he is with us so it would be counterproductive to talk shit. Hopefully the guy comes out and makes some plays and if he sucks now…. (which i doubt, he DID run for 1000+ yards as a starter) its not like we are taking a huge hit on the cap or anything.

by Qu1nTeR on Aug 20, 2009 9:36 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Yea im pretty worried about our front line being injured/not playing together.. It doesnt matter whos in there, Vick Mcnabb or Kolb someone is gonna take a beating unless we got something special in the 7th round last year (dunlap)……..not unheard of.. But the guy is going against dwight freeney

God help us no more injuries tonight or the rest of the season

by Qu1nTeR on Aug 20, 2009 9:42 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Welcome to the SB Nation blog about Philadelphia Eagles.
Start posting about the Eagles »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

Comcast NFL RedZone Moments from SB Nation

Music City Miracles
Tennessee Titans Red Zone Report
Bleeding Green Nation
Comcast NFL Red Zone stat of the week - Something doesn't have to give
Niners Nation
49ers Red Zone numbers: How effective are they?

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recommended FanPosts

Kitty_small
Why the Eagles need to sell out to draft David Sills in 2018
Giggs_small
The Overlooked: The 2010 Eagles Special Teams (Part 1 of 2)-Punters
Cryto_small
Your Official Off Season Predictions
Reid_small
The Official BGN Bowl Recap...
Sadie_eagles__small
Our QB brought us to the FREAKING SB!!!!!!!!

Recent FanPosts

Dog_tupea_small
Why does Manning not get bashed as bad
Westbrook-is-concerned_small
Payton, Reid, and unexpected onside kicks
Dsc02832_small
The Future 40, Prospect 5: Joe Haden Scouting Report
Djackson-1280x800-players_small
3 Teams have asked Eagles about Mcnabb, other teams asked about all 3 of the QBs
Small
Merrill Hoge wears a thong
Small
If 2011 is a bust due to the lockout?
Small
With the 65th pick of the 2010 NFL draft...
Drj_small
Where Vick Will Go: The Breakdown
Small
Super Bowl
Dsc02832_small
A Former Eagle Helped the Saints Win the Super Bowl

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

Latest NFL Headlines from SB Nation

Niners Nation
Golden Nuggets: I promise
Acme Packing Company
Replay: Tracy Porter's Super Bowl INT Return
Revenge Of The Birds
Arizona Cardinals Weekly Flock

SPONSORS