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by joejlitz » Sun Aug 16, 2009 6:09 am 
This article goes on to say how Reid is a much different man than when he came to the Eagles - those differences led to him being open to sign Vick:
Phil Sheridan: Young Reid would have passed
By Phil Sheridan
Inquirer Sports Columnist
If Andy Reid was anything when he got to Philadelphia, he was certain. The Eagles' coach was certain about how to build a team, develop a quarterback, run an offense, and discipline players who ran into trouble off the field. He was certain he could win a Super Bowl doing things his way.
Funny how much easier it is to be certain when you're young and life hasn't quite started working you over yet.
That Reid, the one whose three-ring binder was stuffed with answers to every conceivable question, would never have signed a convicted felon like Michael Vick. That Reid would never have introduced the swirl of controversy and potential for distraction into his own locker room.
That Reid selected a running back named Thomas Hamner in the sixth round of the 2000 draft. A year later, when Hamner was cited for beating his pit bull in public and failed to show up for a court appearance, Reid released him.
No second chances, no shot at redemption. Hamner's football career was over without intervention from Tony Dungy or meetings with the NFL commissioner.
That same season, 2001, Reid released defensive back Terrence Carroll after Carroll was arrested for possession of marijuana. The other players in the car with Carroll, running back Correll Buckhalter and defensive back Darrel Crutchfield, were suspended for a game. Buckhalter, the only one who went on to have a significant NFL career, also saw his playing time reduced after the incident.
How did That Reid become the Reid who introduced Vick as the newest member of the Eagles on Friday morning? Based on 10-plus years of covering the man and his teams, there seem to be three compelling factors.
Rest of Article: Philadelphia Inquirer
