I have mixed emotions. Vick is a terrible person, however he served his prison term and I am not sure what purpose it serves to not let him do what he does best. I'm glad he's not on my team though.
While dog fighting is a despicable "hobby" and the way in which those dogs were slaughtered was beyond inhumane, I am very happy that Michael Vick is getting a second chance. In a society that forgives presidents that are unfaithful to their wives in the White House, a society that forgives many people who make life-altering mistakes that can often lead to loss of life, and even, in some cases, forgive those that rape, molest, and even murder others; I find it inconceivable that so many are outraged by Vick getting a second chance. Now, maybe all of you here do not so readily forgive those that I mentioned but, as a whole, our society does tend to do just that. I personally think it is absolutely ludicrous that Michael Vick received 23 months in jail for killing dogs when Donte Stallworth received 24 days in jail for making the mistake of driving under the influence which led to the loss of an innocent man's life. Something is wrong with that picture. To suggest that Vick doesn't deserve an opportunity to pursue his career is just as ridiculous. I am so sick of hearing about PETA and their views on the Vick situation. PETA is an organization that should not be, IMO, legitimized by the media by publishing their statements. The Humane Society has reached out to Vick in an effort to garner his support to raise awareness of the horrific practice of dog fighting. The idiots at PETA should look into following that model.
Do I remember correctly that he was supposed to testify before congress and "missed his plane?" Wasn't there an incident at an airport where he threw away a bottle with a controled substance in it at security? Despite all the millions he made, he filed bankruptcy and stiffed a number of creditors. If anyone deserved a second cance it's Mike Vick. :evil:
I probably just have a different outlook on this than most that post here and that is fine, I can agree to disagree. I don't think that Vick is a saint by any means and, in fact, I think he was/may still be quite a thug. However, I personally believe that people should be able to have every opportunity to change their lives. Perhaps I am just naive. However, I've done many things in my life that I'm not proud of. Things that went directly against the way I was raised. I am ashamed and embarrassed of those things but, at the same time, they made me who I am. In some ways I am better off as a result of those things. In other ways, I still face the consequences of my actions. Simply put, I'm glad everyone around me doesn't write me off every time I make a mistake. Some mistakes are bigger than others and Vick made some big ones but I hope that he has truly turned his life around. Time will tell...
I'm sorry, buy why do I have to do anything with him? There were, I'm pretty sure a number of franchises that didn't want to insult there dog loving fans by taking Vick on. But just like that ahole Pacman Jones got another chance from Jones in Dallas, the Eagles are going to pay Vick 1.6 million to stand on the sidelines. What would I do with him? Ignore him. BTW if what happend to Vick occurred to someone in law inforcement, they would be out of a job without a second chance. If it happened to a lawyer, he'd lose his license. Not everyone gets a second chance.
I started this discussion so I should weigh in. I'm a life long pet owner and have always had dogs. I have always thought that animals may be a higher form of life than humans; incapable of the kind of atrocities that we perpetrate on one another daily. Dogs are at the top of that chain because, in spite of their interaction with humans, they almost always exceed our capcity for selflessness, loyalty and reliability. Vick stands convicted of killing dogs by fighting them against one another for sport. To get the dogs that way they are starved, forced to pull around heavy weights, beaten, cattle prodded, fed live small animals etc. Dogs that lose fights are not simply shot. They are hung, electrocuted, drowned. This is the sport of mental midgets, of psychotics. There is something very wrong with anyone who partakes of this activity and Vick was knee deep in all of it. So he was caught, tried, convicted and served 18 months in Leavenworth. He lost tens of millions of dollars. He made a very contrite speech yesterday. Can he be denied his opportunity to earn a living? Can he turn his life around and be an advocate against this activity? Maybe, but his track record suggests otherwise. This was not his first step outside the legal boundaries, only his worst. By the letter of the law he cannot be denied the right to pursue his career, I suppose. And we all know that in sports, particulary at the pro level, memoriews are short. I only know that if I were a talented pro LB and Vick was lined up across from me, I would write the check in advance to the NFL for the hit I would put on him. I'm sure there are real players who feel the same way.
I'm OK with it. I am a lifelong pet owner and lover. I'm a believer in second chances where appropriate. IMO this situation is appropriate. If Tony Dungy is mentoring him and believes in him, that's good enough for me.
George, I think you've pretty well summed up the mixed feelings I have. Gipper, I understand your thoughts also. My question wasn't really meant as if you had to do something with him, but if you were the football commissioner what would you have done? We will be hopefully be getting our new little Poodle puppy in November or December and as dog lovers like others here can't understand people who do what Vick did. I am just not sure he should be denied being able to play football. Basically I'm glad I don't have to make the decision.
I'm all for second and third chances. However, in our society, those second and third chances are coming quicker and with less real consequences as every year passes. Yes, Vick went to prison... make that the Forced Country Club. He had weights to stay in shape, basketball courts to play on, three meals each day, and a warm bed to sleep in. When people go to prison, there should be hard labor and rights lost. It should be a place where criminals fear to come back. Once they get out, they should have to flip burgers and live a meager life for at least a few years before they are allowed to live a lavish lifestyle again. My thoughts are not just pointed at Vick. Instead of making it easier for them the fact is that we should be making it harder. The White collar crime of the Presidents in the White house down to the bum on skid row. They should all pay for their crimes in a way that they will remember and not want to repeat!
George.. <t>I never need another reason to dislike anything related to Philly so the felon ended up in the right place.<br/> I wish him the best with his life but the guy is shameless.</t>
The guy did the crime...served his time..as dictated by our system. If he screws up again,then you lock him up and throw away the key. :evil:
Not going to get a response from me on the gun issue Jiffy... I've already written you off as one of the lambs being led to slaughter. You're a hopeless lost cause not worthy of my attention.
The guy served his punishment, even though it may not have been fitting to the crime. I don't really care if he plays in the NFL again. The truth is, there have been worse people employed by NFL franchises.
My comments were based on punishment of criminals in general, not just Vick. I watched a special the other night about life inside prison. There was a guy in there for double murder charges who had also killed a cell mate. Sure, he is going to spend the rest of his life behind bars. He will be in a private cell doing nothing but eating his three hots with one hour out of his cell each day for individual recreation and/or shower. We pay to support this guy and he does nothing to repay society. With the amount of incarcerated people in this country, there shouldn't be a speck of trash anywhere. They should be out picking up trash if nothing else. Let them put in 8 hours each day in the hot sun, or the freezing cold. Let them work their arses off and see if they become repeat offenders.
Then T T..do you have a guilt complex or something? Why even read my foolish posts? You dont know me, you never did and never will. jif