Michael Vick ripped the referees following the Eagles' loss to the Giants on Sunday, complaining they didn't do as much to protect him as other quarterbacks in the league:
Michael Vick Takes Back Criticism Of Referees
“Looking at the replays, I’m on the ground every time, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t frustrated,” Vick said in his postgame news conference. “The refs have got to do their jobs. And I mentioned it to the refs in training camp when I talked to them. I’m on the ground constantly, all the time. Every time I throw the ball, I’m on the ground. And I don’t know why I don’t get the 15-yard flags like everybody else does.”
One day later, Vick thought better of his criticism. Speaking with reporters as he left the Eagles’ practice facility on Monday, he softened his stance:
“The refs have to do their jobs and they have tons of things to look over,” Vick said Monday. “I was kind of out of character and being too candid in that aspect. Ultimately I have respect for the referees and their decision to make calls. You won’t hear me complaining about it no more.”
Whether he’s sincere or not, it’s the smart move -- publicly shaming the officials was never a good strategy for trying to elicit their protection. But while this mini-controversy resolved, the big question still remains: will Vick be healthy enough to start in Week 4? Or will the hand contusion that sparked his outburst put him on the shelf? Stay tuned.
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