John and I debate the Michael Vick topic pretty regularly. Why? Because every time I see something on a blog or in the news, I get all riled up. John, always the logical one, regularly (and correctly, I suppose) points out that this is a country built on second chances, that he served his time, and shouldn’t he get a second chance, just like his dogs are getting? I know a lot of his victims are getting excellent care and are doing beautifully, and for that I am eternally grateful for all the fabulous organizations working for their welfare. In the meantime, I can’t help but hope that something good comes of all this, that it somehow affects change.
I came across this post, Philadelphia Eagles Launch TAWK, which summarizes the Eagles’ new TAWK program. Yes, it seems pretty contrived; with all the controversy, they had to do something, right? But maybe something good can come of this. Maybe a kid somewhere will see one of his football-player role models and it’ll change his attitude toward pit bulls and dogfighting? Here’s hoping…
For the record, I think Vick got off too easily. He’s entitled to a second chance, and while he’s being a spokesperson, who knows if he’s remorseful. As far as the law goes, there are too many gray areas to say whether or not he should be able to go back to a multi-million dollar job or if he should have to move down a few income classes. Regardless, I’m thrilled to hear that a lot of those dogs are being rehabilitated and are starting the adoption process. Unlike Vick (I feel), those dogs are able to completely change their state of mind and behavior. Even after all they’ve been through, they’re still better ‘people’ than most people.
Yes, everyone deserves a second chance. And yes, he’s a spokesperson for HSUS, but how credible, reliable, believable can he be? He’s never said or shown remorse, plus is he even setting a good example in this role? He gets out of jail, gets a new NFL gig, a reality show on BET… it just seems too imbalanced, too unfair.
I’m somewhere in the middle, I suppose. I whole-heartedly believe that he served his time (even if I disagree with the sentencing – it should have been more harsh), and as far as the judicial system is concerned, he’s suffered the consequences of his actions. Good for him!
He claims to be remorseful (I’ve seen several press conferences where he spoke — I’m local, so it’s a popular topic here), and if that’s true, then good for him for that too.
Still, I think that you should only get one opportunity to be a celebrity slash superstar athlete. (A second chance to do good is also a second chance to do bad.) I have no problems with him rejoining the work force, but I think he doesn’t deserve a multi-million dollar contract, and regular attention on Sunday/Monday night football. Let him get a normal job – like the rest of us. The only way I see any good coming out of him still being in the NFL is if he donates a serious percentage of his income (over 50%) and a lot of his time to an animal friendly cause (Humane Society, et al). It’s not like there’s a shortage of talented people trying to break into the game.
Just my $0.02.
Thanks for weighing in, Adam. I agree that he should donate both time and money to animal welfare causes, though I think his cushy “spokesperson” job for HSUS doesn’t cut it… I wish he’d walk or foster shelter dogs, clean out shelter kennels, etc.
I wonder what Big Ant, Joey Panz, and Batso think of Mr. Vick…