Feature Story Post: Michael Vick

The story I chose was about Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, Michael Vick. This feature article comes from Sports Illustrated written by S.L. Price on November 29, 2010, and is titled, "Is It O.K. To Cheer?" The article goes on to talk about Vick's crime and punishment for the abuse of dogs and being affiliated with the dog fights. Also, it talks about his redemption and second chance he received with the Philadelphia Eagles.

I would say this feature falls under profile and issue/idea. Not only do you get a sense of who Michael Vick is as a person, but it mainly deals with a snippet of his life. It does not fall under a typical profile feature which generally talks about someone's full life.

The conflict and tension in the story is Vick's time in jail and how he used it to turn around his life. It is resolved with a positive ending and shows that even in the worst of times, you always can improve and be given a second chance. This feature's theme, in my opinion, is discover. Vick was heralded as such a high-prized commodity in college and early on in his NFL career. But due to the crime he committed, he then reevaluated his life and turned it in a complete 180.

It is told in the third person view and the writer's voice is very professional. He tells you the facts, but also wants to portray Vick as a good guy. Mistakes are a part of life and it's unfortunate that Vick had to go through this, but ultimately it made him who he is today.

Having already heard parts of this story, it was nice to finally fill in the missing parts. I have always been a big fan of Vick and still am to this day. I think it is unfair for him to have been punished the way he was compared to other NFL players who have gotten away with murder and rape, but I guess that's just how it goes sometimes. Overall I really liked this piece and it was nice to see that a role model I had as a kid was able to turn a bad situation into a life-altering style change.

News Round-Up: 9/26

Ozzie Guillen to accept managerial job with Florida Marlins: According to ESPN, Chicago White Sox manager, Ozzie Guillen, walked away from his job to accept a job in South Beach. The Florida Marlins will be happy to receive Guillen and his eccentric personality. The contract is yet to be determined and more details will surely be available in the next couple days.

Tampa Bay Rays tie Red Sox for Wild Card: The Red Sox were shoe-ins for the playoffs, right? Well not if you have one of the worst collapses in the month of September like the Sox are having. They lost again to the Baltimore Orioles and the Rays defeated the Yankees. Now both the Rays and Sox are tied with two games remaining and if both teams end tied, the Rays have the edge due to a better head-to-head record against Boston.

Braves drop another game, lead over Cardinals is one: The Atlanta Braves lost 4-2 to the Philadelphia Phillies but hold on to the wild card lead by one game because of a St. Louis loss as well. If the Braves can get victories in the next two games against the Phillies, they will have held on to their lead and barely squeaked into the playoffs.

Cowboys edge past Redskins by 2 thanks to six field goals: America's team defeated the Washington Redskins by the score of 18-16. Kicker Dan Bailey booted six field goals for the Cowboys  including a go-ahead 40-yarder with 1:42 left to seal the deal. Quarterback Tony Romo played even though he had a broken rib. Romo was 22-36 for 255 yards and threw an interception.

Tennessee's Kenny Britt out for season with torn ACL and MCL: Kenny Britt was carted off the field in Sunday's win over the Denver Broncos and was even see limping into the locker room."He was off to a great start this year as we all know, and he's a special player," head coach Mike Munchak said. "He's got a lot of work ahead of him. But he's young. We know that he'll be back next year."

Could Manny Ramirez Return to MLB?

Manny Ramirez was entering his 18th season, playing for the Tampa Bay Rays, then decided to retire due to the 100-game suspension he would have to serve for a second violation of MLB's drug policy.


Ramirez told ESPNdeportes.com on Thursday that he wants to be reinstated upon formal request.

"I would comply with my pending sanction and I would be available for any major league team," Ramirez told ESPNdeportes.com's Enrique Rojas via telephone from Miami. "I already informed (agent) Scott Boras of my decision to return and begin the process.

"If any team wants to sign me, I would play. If no one does, I would look to play in Japan or any other place. I was not prepared for retirement."

I really hope Ramirez does not come back and play in the majors. He left on bad terms and should not be reinstated. Also, I don't think he would help any team. He is already 39 years old and is way past his peak. 

Just stay out of the country, Manny! No one wants your shenanigans on or off the field anymore. 

Tucson Sentinel: Dylan Smith

Dylan Smith, editor and publisher of the Tucson Sentinel, was a great speaker and gave a lot of information about his job and experience with the website. He came to our class on Thursday, September 15.

The Tucson Sentinel is a " mix of online news and civic dialogue on a website dedicated to bringing you the best in reporting, analysis and debate" in Tucson. The most interesting thing he talked about was how everyone who writes for the website primarily does not get paid. He basically funds the entire website and takes it out of his savings account. That is a very daring feat to set out and accomplish, but Smith said that someone needs to do it.

Also, it was interesting to hear that most of the viewers who read and browse the site are in the Tucson area. I expected that for the answer, but was hoping he would say that others from around the United States would visit just to see what is going on in another part of the country. The followers also comment on many of the stories and Smith tries to keep in contact with them through the Tucson Sentinel website.

Brian Urlacher Questionable for Bears' Game (Update)

Brian Urlacher returned to practice on Thursday, says ESPN.

It is still unclear whether he will play on Sunday.

Brian Urlacher Questionable for Bears' Game

According to Sports Illustrated, Bears' linebacker Brian Urlacher left the team to return to Texas to be with his family due to the death of his mother.

Lavoyda Urlacher died unexpectedly in her home and was only 51 years old.
"My first priority right now is to be with my family as we mourn her loss and make the arrangements to lay her to rest," Urlacher said. "This is a very difficult and emotional time for us and I sincerely ask that you respect our privacy."

The timetable for Urlacher's return is unknown and if he is to miss Sunday's game the Bears defense will surely be hit with a blow.

Chicago takes on New Orleans, who has a very explosive offense, and the Bears will need to be in full force if they want to stop Drew Brees and company.

Urlacher cannot be replaced and only time will tell if he is present or not in the game. 

Saints-Packers kick off NFL season

Tonight embarks the season opener for the 2011-12 NFL season. The defending champion Green Bay Packers host the New Orleans Saints.

This should be a shootout with two high-powered offenses and top-tier quarterbacks looking to out duel each other.

I like Green Bay by six in this game. The Packers won the Super Bowl last year, missing two key starters: Jermichael Finley and Ryan Grant. Look for the already thrilling GB offense to get better with both back and healthy.

It is also going to be interesting to see who New Orleans throws out at the running back position. Many think Pierre Thomas will get the start with Mark Ingram getting the goal line carries. Whatever the case, the Packers front seven will be looking to shut Ingram or Thomas.

Last but not least, Saints' wide out Lance Moore is not suiting up for the Thursday game. He is always a great receiver for Drew Brees to have and a valuable possession receiver.

Final score: Green Bay 27-New Orleans 21

Peyton Manning out for season?

According to Peter King, Sports Illustrated columnist, Indianapolis Colts' quarterback Peyton Manning will most likely miss week one and may miss the remainder of the season.

Peyton Manning

This is a huge hit to the Colts' offense and without a healthy Manning, the Colts will probably go from being a 10-11 win team to a six to seven win team. Veteran Kerry Collins will start in Manning's absence and will look to lead the Colts all season if Manning cannot recover in time.

In my opinion, this Colts' offense goes from top-tier to mediocre. Collins is proven, but you cannot replace Manning behind the helm.

Wildcats' star receiver absent for Oklahoma State

Juron Criner

According to Arizona Desert Swarm, Arizona Wildcats' senior receiver, Juron Criner, will not play Thursday at Oklahoma State. Criner missed two days of practice earlier in the week and did not even board the plane for Oklahoma. Much speculation could be made as to why this is, but, like Arizona Desert Swarm, I'm not looking to make any assumptions or guesses.

Well, this just means that the rest of the receiving corp has to step up. Guys like Dan Buckner, David Roberts, David Douglas, and Richard Morrison have to rise to the occasion and present themselves when quarterback Nick Foles needs them. In my opinion, this isn't as big of a blow as it sounds. With the style of offense that Arizona runs, anyone can perform at a very high level. Yeah, Criner is leaps and bounds above the rest of the receivers and arguably one of the best in the nation, but Foles will hopefully be able to tear apart the Cowboys' secondary.

As for the long run, let's just hope we will see Criner back and healthy for the Stanford game the following week.

Arizona Cardinals sign RB Chester Taylor

Chester Taylor

Being an Arizona Cardinals fan, this was a big story for me. Veteran running back Chester Taylor was a huge signing for the Cardinals due to the loss of rookie Ryan Williams whose season ended after a knee injury in the second preseason game. After Beanie Wells, there was a massive talent drop-off at the running back position, and Taylor is a solid veteran to fill in for the year. LaRod Stephens-Howling is a great third-down back and brings great energy onto the field, but in my opinion he is not a backup running back. Stephens-Howling thrives as primarily a return man and is given sporadic carries throughout the game.

The article continues to talk about other signings and cuts the Cardinals have made, but none are as important as the signing of Chester Taylor. For the full story, click here.

The Arizona Cardinals first game is this Sunday as they face Cam Newton and the rest of the Carolina Panthers. Good luck, guys!

Welcome

This blog was created for Journalism 186 and will cover new and interesting topics in the sports world. I love when people comment on my posts, so don't be shy. I will happily respond to what you have to say, whether it be positive or negative. Anyways, looking forward to a great semester filled with exciting sports action.