After dumping Michael Vick's brother as VA Tech's QB after he stomped on an opponent, followed by the campus killings last April, this latest news just adds to the university's sadness.Virginia Tech's Uncomfortable Vick LegacyPosted Aug 21st 2007 10:53AM by Charles Rich, AOL
There is a certain obligation to speak of how closely Michael Vick and
Virginia Tech are identified, and stress that perhaps no school's rise to national prominence is tied to one player in recent memory. Vick doesn't simply have his number retired. There is a flag with his jersey number flying atop Lane Stadium. It is his name on the the second floor of the Merryman Center. Vick and VT are synonymous. Before the announcement yesterday, that Michael Vick was pleading guilty to the dog fighting charges, Virginia Tech Coach Frank Beamer could speak of supporting Vick and wanting to avoid any real comments until after all the facts were in (Who knew coachspeak for a player in trouble could continue even after the player left the program?).
After it was announced that Vick would be pleading guilty, Beamer could only issue a brief statement maintaining the lack of facts. "I, like all people who know and care about Michael Vick, was very disappointed and saddened by the news," Beamer said in a statement released by the university. "Although all the details are not known at this time, I am greatly concerned that Michael has put himself in this position."
VT Athletic Director Jim Weaver doesn't appear to be ready to hide the Michael Vick connection. Weaver said that although he doesn't condone Vick's actions, he doesn't see a need to lower No. 7 from a place of honor at the Lane Stadium. "He earned that when he was here, before he ever was involved in these activities," Weaver said Monday.... Tech athletic development director Lu Merritt said Tech is not required to keep Vick's name on the hall. Weaver, though, sees no reason to take Vick's name off it. "I don't think we do anything at this point," Weaver said.
Weaver is right not to try and hide or whitewash Vick's legacy at VT. They can distance themselves from the man, from his actions. They can't and shouldn't try to pretend he wasn't a player and student at the school. His achievements at VT are as much a part of his legacy as the brutal and disgusting acts for which he will be going to jail.
