At one point in time, Michael Vick was one of the NFL’s most skilled and dynamic players. He carried a name so recognizable that it was hard not to have heard about him. Many would even argue that Vick’s accomplishments as a player have revolutionized the position of the traditional quarterback and have changed the game forever.
Vick’s lethal combination of speed and football sense earned him an Archie Griffin Award in 1999, when he played for Virginia Tech.
His sensational NCAA career opened the gates for his NFL career, and at the 2001 NFL Draft in New York City, after being selected by the Atlanta Falcons, Vick became the first African-American quarterback to be picked first overall in an NFL Draft.
As a Falcon, Vick saw limited action in his first year with the team, but by the 2002-2003 season, he had begun his first season as their full-time quarterback. Vick’s first full season with the Falcons saw him play in 15 games, make 421 pass attempts, 231 of which were completed, and run for 777 yards.
The same season, Vick also broke an NFL record for most rushing yards by a quarterback in a single game with 173 yards against the Minnesota Vikings, Dec. 1, 2002.
His career-highlight year also earned him a spot on the 2002 NFL Pro Bowl team, as well as being crowned as one the NFL’s brightest stars and the Falcons’ marquee player at 22.
After his first season with the Falcons, Vick’s resume has pretty much spoken for itself. Breaking new records almost every season, being named to two more Pro Bowl teams, a Best NFL Player ESPY Award, as well as appearing on various sports magazines, television talk shows, and even on the cover of the 2004 edition of the popular video game series Madden NFL.
Everything was going Vick’s way, and it seemed that he’d be on his way to the NFL Hall of Fame in no time at all, until the unthinkable happened.
As Vick’s 2006-2007 campaign came to an end, a memorable one at that, he disappeared into the offseason, living the million-dollar lifestyle as an NFL megastar.
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However, in April 2007, all that would change after police received a tip that there was some strange activities going on at Vick’s 15-acre property in Surry County, VA, and what they found was something so horrible that the NFL star went from fame to shame in a matter of days.
Police found over 70 dogs, mostly pit-bull terriers. Some showed signs of serious injury, and they were immediately seized by authorities, as Vick became the center of a public outrage and media frenzy.
It was discovered that Vick served as one of the ringleaders of an interstate dog-fighting ring known as “Bad Newz Kennels,” where dogs were forced to fight in high-stakes gambling matches and then brutally executed.
Media outlets released details of the operation, which included the dogs being hung, drowned, electrocuted, and/or shot. In July 2007, Vick and three other men were indicted on federal felony and misdemeanor charges relating to the six-year criminal enterprise, and soon after, Vick was sentenced to 23 months in prison.
Currently serving his sentence at the United States Penitentiary (USP), Leavenworth in Leavenworth, KS, Vick has also been suspended by the NFL until further notice, becoming a disgrace amongst professional athletes and role models the world over.
During his prison stint, Vick has engaged himself in a prison football program and keeps in touch through letters with Falcons owner, Arthur Blank. Memories of a future football legend have been replaced with thoughts of a deeply disturbed human being with a sick and twisted view on what he believed was entertainment.
So where do you go from here, once Vick comes home from prison and is let back into society, what happens? Should he be made an example of and not be able to ever play football again, or should he get a second chance?
The topic of Vick’s future as an NFL player has been controversial ever since his arrest, and it’s only going to get more and more heated as his release grows nearer.
There are some who believe what he has done is unforgivable and the NFL would be making a big mistake letting a player like him return and set an example for others to think that it’s okay to commit a horrendous crime, go to prison, then get out and make millions again.
On the other hand, while surely not as extreme cases, Barry Bonds can take steroids and still be labeled as one of the greatest baseball players of all time, and Mike Tyson can act like an absolute lunatic, go in and out of prison, and could still be able to box professionally, then why can’t Vick have a second shot at his career?
NFL players such as Tank Johnson, Adam “Pacman” Jones, and Ricky Williams all had legal issues in their careers, and yet they are functioning members of the league today.
Maybe the question should be: Where do you draw the line?
The NFL has a prime opportunity to show that this type of behaviour won’t be tolerated because being a member of a national league is a privilege that shouldn’t be taken for granted.
The money, fame, and praise you get as an athlete is the closet thing to actual royalty anyone who’s not in the bloodline will get. I’m not arguing the talent part of football, or any sport for that matter, because I can’t say that I can go out and do what these men do because I would be lying.
What I can say is that I believe being a professional athlete brings a huge amount of responsibility, and if you’re not able to handle it, then you shouldn’t be able to reap the rewards.
It’s only a matter of time now before Vick is released and is back on the streets, and you have to ask yourself a difficult question: Does he deserve a second chance?
Maybe the answer isn’t as simple as yes or no, but maybe it is. Speculation is speculation, but essentially, it’s going to come down to the perception of everyday people that will decide his fate.
If the public wants Michael Vick, then the public will get Michael Vick, and if not, write him off as having nothing to do with football in the future.
So, in other words, you be the judge.
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2 months ago
Off course he deserves a second chance. People act like dog fighting is the worse thing anyone could ever do.
We let pacman come back, who did all kinds of stuff to HUMAN BEINGS. If you ask me, shooting someone and leaving them paralyzed is worse than dog fighting.
We hear about athletes assualting their wives or someone else all the time and they are allowed to play.
How come people don't go outiside NFL stadiums and protest wife beaters, but we did it for Vick for dog fighting?
from 2 months ago
I agree Michael. I think that Vick should get a second chance.
Even though what he did was wrong, he did do his time for it.
from 2 months ago
Michael,dogs are better than some humans.people like you are as sick in the head as VICK is. hope you dont have any animals. jackie
from 2 months ago
A second chance? HA what happened to a second chance for these innocent animals? Vick made sure they wouldn't have one when he shot them and hung them. This man is a monster he is a killer. He deserves no more of a life than that of which he provided those animals with. He shouldn't even be allowed to move about freely in society clearly he has no common sence no compassion and no dignity. I HATE HIM and what he did in my opinion is unforgivable. The only reason he did his time is because he had no choice.
from about 1 month ago
i my self think mike vick did do bad but he paid for it i think he should get another chance
from about 1 month ago
i also agree with michael he does deserve a second chance....
he is one of the best players of all time...
if you can paralyize a person and still be aloud to come back and play in the nfl.....
then vick should be aloud back because you can buy another dog but not a new life....
2 months ago
No second chance. He showed his true character and that is it.
from 2 months ago
Dorthy, I pray that you or no member of your family is placed in a situation where they require seek another chance for a wrong committed. Will your response be the same. We make wrong choices. If God allows us another change then who are you to say another individual does not desire another chance. Be careful, the bible says he who has shown no mercy will receive no mercy. It also says let he who is without sin cast the first stone. Can you "truthfully" say that your outrage would be same if the individual were Peyton or Eli Manning. I don't know your heart, but maybe its time to stop lying to oneself. This saga is about MIchael Vick and not the abuse of "dogs". God will forgive Michael Vick regardless of whether you forgive him or not. I merely pray that God will forgive you for your unforgiveness. I am not a preacher. I am mere someone who believes in "equal" justice for all regardless of the color of their skin. Michael Vick has proven himself to be a stong individual. He has proven to be a humble individual who readily acknowleges the wrong choices he has made. What about you?
from 2 months ago
I do not want Michael Vick to ever occupy a place of prominence; I have grandchildren and I do not want them to ever view him as a role model. Sports figures should be honorable and worthy.
If you are religious show me where it says in the Bible that man should kill and torture animals. And would YOU feel the same if he had ONLY killed a child? Animals, epecially dogs are like children.
My sons have both done time and do not ask for or seek special favors. Both have paid their debt to society and do not expect to be given millions of dollars--the second chance you are seeking for Vick.
Vick is lucky he did not do time where my sons did as they hate people who abuse animals.
I will confess my sins to God. I believe in justice. I am color blind to skin (apparently you are not).
You do not know what is in my heart--don't presume to. I detest what Michael Vick did and am sure he did it knowing fully well it was WRONG. God has promised to forgive those who sin if they accept Jesus in their hearts. Too many like Vick do this when it serves them to do so. I have never promised to forgive anyone who abuses a child, animal or woman. I will pay for my sins and so should Michael Vick. Read my profile and then talk to me again.
from 2 months ago
Hey Dorothy,
Did Ron say you were bein' punished by God? No one said that!!!!!!! I am in NO WAY saying he had a right he is a wicked man. Also though you said all the men in the argument would be absent if it was a gay man being ousted...that is a lie!!!!!! I think those are both immoral issues, but if a person or player changes they're ways then they should be forgiven... not without penalty obliviously. If he had done that to a human then the judgment should have been harder, but it was a dog. It is amazing where our priorities are today...in Sweden there is a bill up saying if you kill a plant you are in a lot of trouble, but that same country allows babies to be killed each day!!!!!!!!!!!!
from 2 months ago
Micah, In my work as a psych nurse I can tell you that abusing animals is a sign of very dangerous pathology. Thank God this man was found out and taken off the streets for everyone's well being. People like him are never rehabilitated however, they just learn to suppress their urges or go underground to fool the authorities and escape future punishment. This is how the Dahmers and Gacys of our society are incubated.
from 2 months ago
Prison time is his punishment. The point of being released from prison is that one gets his or her life back. That includes football.
from 2 months ago
Let me tell you exactly why Vick will get a second chance.....because this is America......MONEY TALKS AND BULLSH*T WALKS.
What Vick did was horrendous to say the least, but you can bet your you know what that some NFL team owner (Al Davis of the Oakland Raiders in particular) will be willing to take the P.R. hit and put Vick on their squad. Someone like Davis would hire Saddam AND Bin Laden if they could help get Oakland to the Super Bowl. Its about winning games and making money. The NFL isnt full of choir boys Dorothy, so you might want to take of your morality blinders.
Pacman Jones has shown his "true character" to law enforcement on 6 different occasions and yet what's he doing right now? EXACTLY Dorothy, he's playing football and raking in millions. So you may not want Vick to play football again and I can understand why, but don't be disappointed nor surprised when he is reinstated.
from 2 months ago
Let me tell you exactly why Vick will get a second chance.....because this is America......MONEY TALKS AND BULLSH*T WALKS.
What Vick did was horrendous to say the least, but you can bet your you know what that some NFL team owner (Al Davis of the Oakland Raiders in particular) will be willing to take the P.R. hit and put Vick on their squad. Someone like Davis would hire Saddam AND Bin Laden if they could help get Oakland to the Super Bowl. Its about winning games and making money. The NFL isnt full of choir boys Dorothy, so you might want to take of your morality blinders.
Pacman Jones has shown his "true character" to law enforcement on 6 different occasions and yet what's he doing right now? EXACTLY Dorothy, he's playing football and raking in millions. So you may not want Vick to play football again and I can understand why, but don't be disappointed nor surprised when he is reinstated.
from 2 months ago
Dorothy, I find it ironic that you condemn Michael Vick so ferociously when MMA, your sport of choice, is nearly the same thing as what Vick sanctioned - only in human form. Even as the UFC has cleaned up its act over the past few years, tell me with a straight face that John McCain's "human cockfighting" is not an accurate description of the sport.
So why do you condemn a man for watching animals fight to the death, when you watch humans engage in strikingly similar combat?
from 2 months ago
I condone and fully support MMA because it is an art being practiced between human beings able to give their conset that they will fight--NOT TO THE DEATH, but until they are defeated or no longer wish to fight (Tap Out) to prove their ability to compete in the sport and prove their superiority over other fighters. Unless you have knowledge that is unavailable to me, animals are not capable of giving their consent to fighting, especially until death. It is ludicrous for you to suggest that there is a similarity at all. Animals depend on their owners to determine what is in their well being. Are you getting messages from your dog telling you to challenge me on this? If so, what luck! I am a psychiatric nurse and I am qualified to help you with that--you have truly found your way to the right place!
Any questions, CHRIS?
from 2 months ago
Yes, I do have a question. Is fighting not fighting when it's humans who willingly choose to do it or something? You tell me there's a difference - I don't see it.
An animal that sees another animal that it does not like, or perceives as a threat, will naturally attempt to neutralize that threat. If the animal is aggressive, it will fight; if it is passive, it will run. As such, an aggressive animal does, in a way, consent to fighting. Whether bred as such or naturally born as such, an aggressive animal will choose to fight another aggressive animal. It wants to defend itself from the perceived threat.
And your comment about hearing messages from my dog was rude and uncalled for. I asked you a simple question, albeit tersely worded, and for you to respond in such a manner was simply to insult my integrity and in poor taste. It's comments like those that are out of place on this site, and explain why B/R is not as well respected as a fully user-controlled community as it should be.
Either acknowledge my questions, as well as the questions of others, in a mature manner, as I'm sure you are able to do, or take your holier-than-thou, smart-ass attitude out of here. This site does not need that.
from 2 months ago
In other words, my point is that fighting is fighting, and I think that for you to support one kind and condemn another is hypocritical.
from 2 months ago
so what do you say to all the hunters and games people out there. Or the people who own race horses or greyhounds who will shoot these animals for not being fast or because they broke a leg. hunters that kill innocent deer for fun or for trophy purposes. or even zoo's that keep wild animals in captivity just so we can watch them for entertainment. I mean come on now, a 2 or 3 ton elephant kept in a little room so we can look at him.
from 2 months ago
What, Geno? What do you want me to say? That because Michael Vick is a monster the elephant should be tortured and killed? Do you know that an elephant was hanged in America? Yes. I wasn't there it was a long time ago.
I find this all rather humorous as my distant relatives used to be slave owners. I never could understand it. But today with some people acting no better than animals and acting so crazy when they get a taste of fame and have money it makes me wonder where they do belong.
People who act no better than animals should be caged. No I don't believe in the death penalty--I believe those murdering mo-fo's should be kept in tiny cages for the rest of their lives, in deplorable conditions eating baloney with an oil slick on it and cold eggs with hot milk for breakfast
And dog torturers should be drawn and quartered after they have been set on fire. Sounds like fun to me. A real old fashioned punishment. Is that what you need to get stirred up, Geno, so you can get off with your anger at me? Well different strokes, as the old saying goes.
from 2 months ago
I aggree with Dorothy, he shouldn't be allowed back into the NFL. he tortured these animals, didn't kill most of them besides 10-12.....he tortured 66 other animals...he used chains and whips....knifes....and metal crates....he used smaller dogs as bait to train his pit bulls......he uses drugs to beef up the dogs.....they don't get proper treatment after they get a cut....if they don't make it into the fighting cut to use in a fight....then they get shot at.....why on earth would you allow someone who broke an animal abuse law....and several other laws back into the NFL? he is not a person that you would look up to anymore.....he killed animals he tortured animals....he burned animals......i do not want my kids to look up to him and say this is what you need to do when you grow up son/daughter......you need to follow your dream get big.....then you need to fight dogs get arrested, get put in jail/prison and then get out and live your life again......and then mess up again......the people who say that he should go back into the NFL do not do the research on what the trainers do to the dogs.....if i could i would post a video that i made of it....but i cant....lol......learn about it!! see what michael vick did to these poor animals that are so helpless!!! for those who think he should go back....you are sooooooooooo shallow!
2 months ago
Michael Vick does not deserve, and will never get, a second chance.
My husband and I just talked about this again yesterday, after we read that "Animal Planet" aired a show on the Vick case and it drew the largest audience EVER for a single show on the channel. 1.2 million viewers, I believe. And "National Geographic" will be airing a special "Saving the Michael Vick Dogs" on Sept. 5, which is also sure to get a lot of attention.
Shows you how many people STILL have an interest in this case, many of whom, like my family, are willing to take that extra step to stop Vick from reappearing in the national spotlight.
We are certainly not "over-the-top PETA supporters", but we have signed every available petition in an effort to make sure a barbarian like Vick does not get another chance. Vick condoned and actively participated in the torture and killing of innocent creatures, who were unable to defend themselves against their tormentors -- and who pitifully died for the sake of "sport" and sick entertainment.
We will continue to speak out against Vick during his next trial in Virginia and we will rally against him, should any NFL team make the foolish decision to sign him.
from 2 months ago
God bless you and your family. it is people like you I call heroes.
from 2 months ago
So what's worse jan, animal fighting or shooting someone.
how about hitting your wife, or dog fighting.
Dog fighting is bad but they aren't human beings. People will stand outside the falcons faculity and protest against animal rights but they wont stand outside for rape victims, beaten wives or murder victims.
I guess dogs are more important than human beings.
from 2 months ago
So you deserve a 2nd chance? You have done people wrong!!!!!! you are not perfect!!!!!!!!!! Who are you to say he doesn't deserve a 2nd chance?????? The same to Dorothy.
from 2 months ago
Well don't sign too much, I wouldn't want you to get arthritis.
I guess you and your hubby will be moving to Oakland or Dallas cause those are only two teams I see Vick playing for so be sure to bring those protest signs. Keep up the holier than thou attitude, its funny.
from 2 months ago
Jan and Dorothy, you are both far too self righteous for your own good... Heroes? That is absolutely laughable. He got his jail time, if he can find a way back into the NFL, let him resume his career. Tank Johnson was caught with enough unregistered fire arms to kill a whole small North Dakota town, yet oyu aren't stopping him from rejoining the NFL. Cedric Benson was caught operating vehicles while intoxicated twice, thus putting him in the position to kill somebody, but you aren't condemning him. Chris Henry was arrested on DUI & Gun charges, why not go after him, he's back. Pacman Jones was involved in a shooting where a PERSON was killed, there is your target.
You need to get over yourselves. You could ask for Vick's jail time to be increased, but trying to ban him from the NFL is ludicrous, let him live his life.
from 2 months ago
YOu Go Dorothy
2 months ago
Jan - I think and feel just like you about this situation and I'm an outdoorsman, not an over the top PETA supporter. What Vick particiapted in and established as a role model for youth, goes well beyong acceptable societal norms. The suffering he caused numerous innocent lovable creatures that did not have a voice is more than despicable. We only heard about a small number of animals but this went on for many years. In my opinion he has gotten off far too light. I'm a white male but I'm not racist; in fact, I'm an Obama supporter.
from 2 months ago
How did he get off to light jim. He lost about 20 million dollars, all endorsements, his career, his reputation, and got the longest sentence of anyone envolved in the scandel.
Everyone deserves a second chance, especially if they have changed.
THe reality of the situation is he'll probably be suspended for next season and someone will take a chance on him in 2010 -2011.
2 months ago
This article is ridiculous. Leave the man alone. People have killed, raped, molested others and continue to walk around. If the readers want to cry and shout abuse let them consider the woman in West Virginia who was tied down anud butuallly raped and assualted by a "gang" of people including a mother and her sons. This woman was abused and she was not a dog, maybe there was no outcry because the woman was black and the people who abused her were white. Please don't lie and tell me there would be no reaction to this issue if the woman was white and the abusers were black. People, its time to stop lying. If you want to express your "hatred and resentment" of Michael Vick then don't uses the pretext of the abuse of dogs. I would be curious to know thepercentage of individuals writing these mocking blogs, etc. articles are white rather than other "racial" groups. This is not about animal abuse and has never been about animal abuse. This is about Michael Vick.
Michael Vick is a black man and will always be a black man. Let's stop the lying. Before this saga began I knew nothing about Michael Vick. His race meant nothing to me. I merely wanted to under stand the degree of hatred that was being expressed. I began to follow the saga and continue to follow the saga. Michael Vick sits in prison for the abuse of animals when individuals who raped and abused a woman walk around. These individuals have yet to be brought to justice. In America as the past has demonstrated these individuals will never be brought to justice because the woman was black and the individuals who abused her were white. Yet there was aN OUTCRY AND A DESIRE TO IMMEDIATELY BRING MICHAEL VICK TO JUSTICE BECAUSE OF THE ABUSE OF SOME ANIMALS. IS THE ABUSE OF A DOG """MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE ABUSE OF A "FEMALE REGARDLESS OF THE COLOR OF HER SKIN. A REVIEW OF AMERICAN HISTORY WILL ANSWER THAT QUESTION.
THE QUESTION "should MICHAEL VICK BE ALLOWED ANOTHER CHANCE SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN ASKED. PLEASE DON'T LIE AND TELL ME THE REACTION WOULD HAVE BEEN THE SAME HAD IT BEEN ELI OR PEYTON MANNING. Its time to stop the lies. After MICHAEL vICK COMPLETES HIS RIDICULOUS SENTENCE, HE SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO RETURN TO THE GAME IF HE DESIRES. THOSE WHO CONDEMN MICHAEL VICK SHOULD CONTINUE TO REMEMBER HE WHO SHOWS NO MERCY WILL RECEIVE NO MERCY. WE MUST FORGIVE OTHERS SO THAT WE MAY BE FORGIVEN. STOP ASKING SUCH FOOLISH QUESTIONS. YOUR NEGATIVE AND RACIAL REACTIONS TO MICHAEL VICK ARE EVIDENT. LET HE WHO IS WITHOUT SIN CAST THE FIRST STONE. I AM NOT A PREACHER. I AM MERELY AN INDIVIDUAL WHO BELIEVES IN JUSTICE FOR ALL REGARDLESS OF THE COLOR OF THERE SKIN. ANIMALS SHOULD NOT BE ABUSED. BUT IF YOU ARE GOING TO DEMONSTRATE SUCH OUTRAGE AB0UT THE ABUSE OF SOME ANIMALS THEN DEMONSTRATE THE SAME OUTRAGE WHEN A CHILD IS ABUSED, WHEN A WOMAN IS BRUTALLY RAPED, ETC.
from 2 months ago
It is you sir who is a racist. Playing the race card will not get Vick another chance. Put you misplaced faith in Vick someplace where it will do some good. Maybe you should be a mento and tutor black children. My black students loved me and I loved them. When I was a nurse I loved my black patients and one of them wanted to adopt me because she had a mental disorder and all the other nurses avoided her. I brought her books and played with her beautiful baby boy while she read. One of my best friends was a black young homosexual male who visited in my home, changed my son's diapers, rode horses with us and loved my 125# German Shepherd dog. I cried for a long time when I learned he had died of AIDS. Such a handsome young man, very talented with a beautiful singing voice and acting ability. I still miss him because he was the type of person I liked to have as an example of a wonderful human being whom I gladly introduced to my friends and family. What you are accusing those responding honestly to a question asked is very offensive, prejudiced and untrue.
from 2 months ago
Nope, that was stupid.
If Peyton or Eli had done that it would have been the same.
Those were dogs, not people. It's OK to do whatever to people but just don't do it to animals.
I was going to say give him a second chance...but thanks to your racist comment...he can hang.
from 2 months ago
Listen Z i agree with you but, don't make this a racist issue please!!!!!
2 months ago
wow... the outcry against Michael Vick is not related solely to the dog abuse. It is the fact that he partook in his shenanigans while he was a very popular and well respected professional athlete and a role model that many children looked up to. If Eli or Peyton Manning pulled this kind of irresponsible and moronic stunt than either of them would have been rightly imprisoned. And if any athlete... black or white, had gang-raped a woman than they would have been imprisoned and banned from the league. Vick is a black man but he was/is a representative of the NFL and he represented his league poorly, and he deserved to be disciplined. He should be given a second chance to redeem himself in my opinion, what he did was irresponsible, stupid, and wrong but anyone short of a cold-blooded killer deserves one shot at making it back to respectability. This whole incident was not about Vick or the animal abuse, it was about the PR hit taken by the NFL for Vick's idiocy.
2 months ago
this is a foolish society that we live in... if he can't be forgiven after spending 2 years of his life in jail then what was the purpose of him going to jail? most of you people who bash him claim to be God fearing people who beg God for forgiveness and to cleanse you of your sins but you don't forgive your fellow man. idiots.
from 2 months ago
The 'rehabilitation' was too short. A ten year sentence and I would forgive.
from 2 months ago
LOL, its always the BIBLE THUMPERS who are the biggest hypocrites. They speak to God only on Sundays or right before they by the lottery ticket.
2 months ago
This is ridiculous. Michael Vick is an amazing football player, and, while dog fighting wasnt probably the best past time he could of chosen, i dont believe he should be banned from the NFL, or even get a suspension. He went to prison for over a year, he is now bankrupt, and his reputation is destroyed, what more can u do to him? The Dogs he had were, essentially, bred for fighting, thats there whole point for them being. He didnt have labradors going at it in the ring. They were Pitbull Terriers. I dont here any outrage when a pitbull attacks someone and its put down. I think People should forget about Michael Vick, and let him try and find another NFL team to take him. He deserves another chance.
And to all those bleeding hearts out there who condmnen him, and watch those documentaries, Get over it. Pitbulls are born to kill.
from 2 months ago
I fee the same way about military combat troops of any nationality.
from 2 months ago
I am not a bleeding heart, but by your attitude I believe you are an ass.
from 2 months ago
He did these things to himself. Also, your comment about pit bulls being bred to kill shows just how ignorant you are.
I will never "forget" about Michael Vick. He will be the poster child for animal abuse for the rest of his life.
2 months ago
For anyone to say that Vick doesn't deserve a second chance needs to throw the first stone. I in no way, shape or form condone what he did, it's despicable. What is most despicable is that most of the people who say he doesn't deserve a second chance claim to be "God fearing" Americans who want to quote scripture and stuff like that.
Dorothy, you're grandchildren don't have to view Vick as a role model but that shouldn't be for you to decide. And dogs are NOT like children, they're animals and that doesn't lessen their importance to people but don't go overboard. Did your sons show their true character when they did time? They cannot ask for millions because they didn't make millions prior to their arrest.
But you chose to throw stones as a "Christian". My mother is an elder and my late father was an alcoholic, he passed when I was 20 and I had every reason to go the other way, but I knew it would break my mother's heart so I chose to walk the straight and narrow as best I can. I still make mistakes as we all do but I know I serve a forgiving and just God.
I really don't care what's in your heart, you have a holier than thou spirit, one that turns people away from the church in the first place.
Whether Vick chose to confess his sins to God when this all came to a head is between him and God. Would you rather him curse God in that situation because he was already in the wrong? Are we only supposesd to call on God in times of prosperity or in times of trouble. He deserves a second chance to make a living whether it's in the NFL or someplace else.
from 2 months ago
Great comment Ron! Well put...
from 2 months ago
Ron, There are people in the world who would say I am being punished by God because I have Multiple Sclerosis, and I am sure from your high and mighty condemnations that you are one of those. When I worked before MS stole every physical ability I had, I worked with the lowest of the low, I taught night school and my class was considered to be the rejects of society. As a nurse I have worked with prostitutes, abused by men and society, a 10 year old impregnated by her own father, I have seen things occur that society would not believe. I have lived my life as a testament of my faith, and I expect no less of others than I do of myself. I do not call myself a Christian, I model my faith in the way I live. The smallest most defenceless creature is safe with me. As to my sons, they chose drugs over family, which I am told is a common problem in black neighborhoods. I did not ever do drugs, smoke cigarettes and haven't had a drink since 1990 when my youngest son was found to be an alcoholic. My husband and I drank sometimes as much as once a year, if that during our long lives. If I was at fault for my sons sins I would do time for them, but I was a very strict mother, so perhaps they were rebelling against me. I have raised many kids for other people and they turned out exemplary--no one but me gave a damn, so you may judge me as you will. My conscience is clear.
from 2 months ago
Yes thank you. Somebody gets it she is a perfect human. Never done wrong.
from 2 months ago
Great Ron, thats exactly what I am talking about. It the holier than thou ones who are the most non-forgiving. Maybe what Vick should do is throw some money in the collection plate at Dorothy's church, let's see how unforgiving she is then.
2 months ago
Oh! And for the record he'll return to the NFL as a Dallas Cowboy.
from 2 months ago
Yes he will Ron. OR a Raider. LOL
from 2 months ago
As a Cowboys fan, I would be more than glad to wear his jersey. Jerry Jones like controversy so he would probably hire Vick. Vick has the speed to be a WR. Vick and T.O., thats a deadly combo right there.
from 2 months ago
Dorothy first let me say I do not think Vick should be given an opportunity to play in the NFL. Second let me say that you saying anyone is high and mighty is a laugh. You have the most inflated ego I think I've ever seen. You obviously think that yours is the only opinion that is right and no one else matters. I pity you. For a woman with such obvious intelligence you have many issues and character flaws that at your age you will never be able to correct.
2 months ago
Michael Vick should be forgiven and have another cahnce at his career. I DO NOT agree with what he did and believe he got what he deserves. Possibly more than he deserved. If you look at dog fighting cases you will see he has been made the poster boy for this already, had everything taken away (FREEDOM THE MOST IMPORTANT) and PAID A MILLION DOLLARS for the care of these dogs for the rest of their lives. How many other people have done this that were convicted of this crime? NO ONE. He has done his time, paid his debt to society and now I think we should leave him alone and let him get back to his life and redeem himself. There are other athletes who are playing right now that have done worst things than this, multiple times at that. Why are we not rallying against them to be terminated and banned from the league? Just to keep the record straight I am a white dog owner, not religious, not racist and believe in giving people second changes. Micheal Vick will play football again because he has a gift and talen that not very many people have.
2 months ago
Personally, I hope he NEVER returns to the NFL. What he was doing for 6 years is absolutely despicable, and I never want to see his face again. Of course after he serves his time he will be given a second chance at freedom, but that doesn't include returning to the NFL. That's a privelage, not a right, and he has robbed HIMSELF of that privelage. Yes, I see some want to see him return to football, but the majority do not. IF he ever steps on any NFL football field again, he will be booed and jeered so badly that it is doubtful his gigantic ego could take it. (Don't forget when he played poorly in a game in 2006 and was booed for that poor play, he gave his fans the finger)
Michael Vick is a monster, and going on and on about other crimes etc doesn't deflect from the fact that this man is a sadist, and has no business every being a celebrity again, except for the poster child for animal abuse.
from 2 months ago
In order for you to never see Vick's face again, you would have to move so some other country where football has no following. Other than that, you will wind up seeing his face again because I think he will be reinstated after being suspended for another year once he is out of Leavenworth. I will be shocked if Goddell reinstates him immediately. Vick has not peacked in terms of his athletic skills, he wont do so for another 5 years, therefore another NFL team, most likely the Cowboys or Raiders will hire him. As i said in an earlier post, this is America....MONEY TALKS AND BULLSH*T WALKS.
from 2 months ago
We'll see about that, Michael. Do you have a crystal ball or something?? LOL.. First of all the MV fans said he didn't do it, innocent until proven guilty. Then they said it was his buddies not him. Then once he admitted actually fighting and killing dogs himself, they went to "so what, its his dogs". Then they said he would never serve time for it. Their crystal balls were about as good as yours is now.
I hope I can find you in 2009 .... just to rub it in.
2 months ago
Wow, the vituperation and calumnation this topic generates is nearly unbelievable. In fact, I wouldn't believe it if I had not read it. I am embarrassed for us as people with some of the things said in this thread.
And sadly, we all know this is solely about neither dog fighting nor race. A few years ago several Trailblazers who also happen to be black were involved in a dog fighting ring. Quick, without looking it up, all you people so offended by the dog-fighting...name the players involved and the sentences they received?
It might be about scale since there were a large number of dogs involved. It might be about popular retribution. It might be about envy of success. It might be about the way American society has grown to equate animals as being of equal or greater importance than human beings. And for some people it unfrotunately is about race.
Regardless of what it is about for any given person, we know the subject turns people into snarling, angry, hateful monsters who manage to make Vick look good.
2 months ago
This isnt about God. This isnt about what other people have done in the past and have gotten away with. This is about what Michael Vick did to himself. He wanted to see all those dogs kill eachother and then kill them himself, so that shows how much he cared about his future and the "game" football. Why would the NFL want a player back in their league that doesnt care about what he represents as a player and as a human being. As much as you want Michael Vick's case to sound normal, IT IS NOT! What normal person does that? I dont think the NFL wants a player like that to represent their great league. He had his chance, and didn't simply lose it. He DESTROYED it.
2 months ago
Why are so many of us so willing to give athletes that screw up a second chance? Playing professional sports is a privilege that only a select few get to enjoy, not a right. Just like any other privilege, it can be taken away because of a single act of stupidity.
I lose a lot of respect for athletes that get caught doing stuff. Kobe Bryant, Michael Phelps (and his DUI), Stephen Jackson, the list goes on. And I won't pardon somebody because they play for my favorite team, either. I'm a Bengals fan, but did I want them to resign Chris Henry? No way. I hope Odell Thurman never finds his way back to the league.
How some of these people remain role models after their brushes with the law is beyond me.
from 2 months ago
ever made a wrong decision Joe?
Maybe not as big as dog fighting though . . .
from 2 months ago
If I did something to the extent of dog fighting, DUI, etc., my career would be over. There would be no second chances for me. I'm going to be a teacher, and they don't let people who commit felonies work closely with students.
That said, I'm a college student, and as a college student, have done some dumb things. Nothing that would ever put my career in jeopardy though.
from 2 months ago
So b/c they are famous they don't deserve a second chance? hmmmmm... if you mess up at your job should your boss fire you and ruin your rep. as much as he can?
from 2 months ago
He didn't mess up at his job, he committed a federal offense. He was a decent quarterback, but pretty much anybody who commits a felony loses their job and they most likely have a hard time finding another good one. I think the same thing should happen with him.
2 months ago
Dorthy please don't ever compare dogs to children again. You're way off base with that comment.
Weather it's dog fighting or stealing 10 dollars, everyone is forgiven and deserves a second chance.
Don't judge a man by his mistakes but rather the way he respones to them.
Even some of the greatest people to ever live have made mistakes.
from 2 months ago
What I find ironic, and moronic is that if this was an argument about the ouster of a GAY player all you MEN arguing for Michael Vick would be absent from the debate. This society is homophobic, but pity the fool who speaks out about that brave black man Michael Vick. You all disgust me. As for comparing children to dogs--with all the small babies that are abused and dying at the hands of grown men, and then are defended by the child's mothers--I would say they must not have had much respect for animals either. Why not rage about those tragedies too?
from 2 months ago
Did you think that Jeffrey Dahmer deserved a second chance? Or the BTK killer?
Michael, there is a difference in making a "mistake", which is speeding on the interstate, telling a lie, or such. 6 years starving, torturing, abusing, fighting, hanging, electrocuting, and beating dogs to death is a lifestyle, NOT a mistake.
2 months ago
Individuals such as Vick have a story to tell youth. Their message is simply please don't make the wrong choices that I made, but if you should, don't give up. Don't lose hope. If I can turn my life around then you can turn your life around. Who better to tell that message than someone who has turned their life around. Youth today are confused. They are making wrong choces. These choices need not be the final story. They have an opportunity to turn their lifes around. I hope that Michael Vick will become a spokeman for youth. He would be someone who could visit juvenile detention centers. These youth need to hear the voice of someone they admire.
The federaol government now uses individuals such as a recent rap singer ( I cannot remember is name) who is now visiting schools and talking to youth. They readily listen to him. These is a message that needs to be told and I pray that Michael will do this. I want him to become as advocate for today's youth who are often in trouble rather than a mascot for animals. Vick is a decent individual. If I remember correctly, Vick indicated that his major concern was about getting Vick the individual together rather than Vick the football player. From what I gather Vick was aware of the need for changes in his life. Vick also indicated that he would use the "down" time to engage in self examination. From all reports that is exactly what he is doing, As for as football is concerned the NFL is only one option. Another football team is on the horizon. Before you laugh stop and think about this, Others like me are excited because they have become disgusted with the arrogance of the NFL. Lets sit back and observe what the future holds. As far as those who proclaim Vick will never return to the league, I merely reply football is a business. Vick is an atttraction. Vick draws a crowd. That has not changed. If the NFL does not accept Vick I hope that the United Football League will accept him or Vick becomes an advocate for troubled youth. You might say what about the money. Need I remind you as a child Vick learned to live with little. Those lessons are never lost. Vick will be okay whether some agree or disagree. I suggest its time to move on. Vick is paying his dues. When he walks out of prison he will have paid his dues. Many will be there waiting to welcome him back.
from 2 months ago
Oh, a story to tell huh? Like DMX? He was charged with cruelty to animals because he had several starving pit bulls on his property, and he made public service announcements as his punishment to "educate" our youth in regard to the proper way to treat animals or pets. Not one year later, he was charged AGAIN with animal cruelty. Two starving pit bulls were tied up behind his home in over 100 degree temps with no food or water. Several other starving pit bulls were inside his home, that had NO air conditioning, with no food and water. A pit bull that had been burned to death was dug up in his back yard by the authorities. So much for the "message" he was sending out to the youths of America.
Those who commit animal cruelty intentionally for their "entertainment" are beyond rehabilitation. All signs point to the fact that anyone who is convicted of animal cruelty should receive therapy as well as be watched closely, because these type of individuals often go forward to abuse HUMANS. So, if you have no compassion for the suffering of the animals (as many of you appear to lack) then at the very least you should consider what the act of animal cruelty indicates in regard to an individual's likelihood of abusing or killing humans in the future. (Most EVERY serial killer abused animals before they moved on to people, look it up, its very easy to validate that fact)
You are waiting to welcome someone back, who listened to the dogs scream in pain, who took a dog he had raised from a puppy, who looked up to him for love and protection, and threw the dog into a pit with another vicious animal? Who looked in their eyes as he drowned them after they survived the hanging he subjected them to? Who pulled at least one dog/s teeth out with pliers, with NO anesthesia, so she could be bred? You want to welcome him back?????? You are as scary as MV. Bizarre that a game of football means that much to you, especially considering Vick was a mediocre QB at best. He was getting worse, instead of improving over the years.
Vick draws a crowd????Yea, before it was known that he was a sadist animal torturer. Your lack of empathy and compassion for all the animals he killed is blinding you, but you aren't alone. There are a handful of you out there, and you are speaking out. Likely the majority are Vick family members, afraid they are going to lose their meal ticket.
Yea, the UFL has mentioned Vick's name, and I agree, he may get a chance there. But you have never seen the likes of the trash thrown on any football field or the booing and jeering as you will hear the day MV every walks on ANY football field ever again. You'll see. There aren't as many heartless uncompassionate, monsters such as you and Vick around as YOU think there are.
2 months ago
No matter how many ways and for whatever reasons you try to spin this mess,three facts tell the truth about this creep. First Vick torched and brutally killed defenceless animals for his sick amusement with no risk or danger to himself.These are the actions of a COWARD of the most spineless kind. Second, When he got caught he tried to blame all his friends until he exhausted every lie availiable to save his own soulless ass. These are the actions of a PUNK of the lowest org ion. Third,when Vick finally admitted making some "poor judgements" and "bad decisions" after months of denial, He insulated himself as though he was barely a participant and went reluctantly along with "bad influences" beyond his control. These are the actions of a snake still trying to slither out of his responsibility even though he was the driving force behind all of it. This is not complicated. Its not about race. Its not about religion. Its not about all the other horrible things going on in the world.This is about a Rotten Guy who got caught indulging in cruel cowardly activities that He loved for years.I wish Vicks punishment would include experiencing the Fear, Pain , and Misery these animals suffered against their will for his entertainment.
from 2 months ago
Thanks for the recap captiain obvious.
from 2 months ago
Well then i guess you deserve the same bro. You sure as heck ain't perfect.
2 months ago
I honestly feel no NFL team will dare sign Michael Vick. Goodell will never reinstate him, but it's the fans who will never allow it to happen. Do you honestly think any team wants to see protestors outside their stadium and fans boycotting the team over signing this idiot.
Goodell respects our voice and knows it will effect the integrity of the league. Plus both Davis and Jones are to smart to even think about signing Vick. Heck they don't want us the fans to stop pumping millions in their pockets from merchandise sales from their respected teams
Plus what pisses me off more is that he kept dening it repeatedly, playing a game about it and we should always remember that.
Sure if he held a press conference admitted it, appointed one of the animal groups to provide care for the surviving dogs with the millions he greedily made off of false pretenses. Then sure give him a chance, but he didn't do that and he doesn't deserve a second chance.
No the bum doesn't deserve to ever wear a NFL jersey again. I also feel this way about Tank, Henry and Pac Man.
from 2 months ago
And just like Tank, Henry and Pacman, Michael Vick will play in the NFL again.
You're crazy if you think no NFL team will sign him and Goodell will reinstate him.
What else do you want from him? He served his time, lost all his money, reputation, etc but I guess that isn't enough.
Would you like the death penalty too?
from 2 months ago
Michael you didn't write this article and I could give a rat's a$$ about what you think about my opinion.
2 months ago
I’ve been unsuccessfully fighting the urge to comment on this post all day, as there is no response that can be given without some extremist bashing your ideas. It’s hard to keep some sort of neutrality.
After reading some comments people have left, I now feel the need to share my thoughts.
It’s interesting to me that to some this is a matter of “race” to some, and not about a man making a mistake and being caught. It’s as if people think he was deliberately targeted by “white America”, instead of bringing it on himself. I don’t blame people for making their mistakes, but I do expect them to pay for them, myself included.
Note: Comparing his crime to the crimes of others and insinuating that there are other criminals to pursue, other than he, is not justice!
2 months ago
Give the guy a break. We all know he screwed up, and screwed up bad. Who hasn't made mistakes in life, and in his case he took the lives of some innocent dogs. He may never be able to undo these wrongs but he can sure change. He's just been through so much, turning a football career with such promise into 23 months in prison, and as immoral as dog fighting was, he still got snitched on by his cousins and his very close friends..his cousins for peet sake, just so they could get less time in prison. You don't have to like him but just forgive him and let the hate you carry towards him go away.
2 months ago
VICK I LOVE AND SUPPORT YOU 150% AND GOD IS A FORGIVING GOD WHO HAS FORGIVEN ME TIME AFTER TIME. DON'T WORRY AB0UT WHAT MAN SAY OR HOW THEY FEEL AS LONG AS YOU KNOW YOU GOT IT TOGETHER WITH GOD THEN THAT'S ALL THAT MATTER. BELIEVE ME WHEN I TELL YOU NO WEAPONS FORMED AGAINST YOU SHALL PROSPER AND EVERYTHING MAN MEANT FOR BAD GOD TURNED IT INTO GOOD. GOD HAS ALL THE POWER IN HIS HANDS AND HE HAS THE LAST SAY IN OUR LIVES. I AM SO GLAD YOUR FAITH DO NOT REST IN THE HANDS OF MAN BECAUSE IF IT DID YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN BURIED ALIVE. WE ARE ALL GOD'S CHILDREN AND HE LOVES US ALL. KEEP YOUR HEAD UP AND ALWAYS STAND ON GOD AND HIS WORD. GOD WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN AND HE WILL NOT LEAVE YOUR SIDE. WHEN EVERYONE ELSE HAS TURNED THEIR BACKS ON YOU GOD WILL BE RIGHT THERE HOLDING YOUR HAND AND KEEPING YOU STRONG. THERE IS NOTHING TOO HARD FOR GOD. DO NOT CONCERN YOURSELF WITH ALL THOSE WHO ARE TALKING NEGATIVE ABOUT YOU AND WISHING BAD THINGS AGAINST YOU. MR. VICK YOU ARE GOD'S CHILD AND WHEN YOU MESS WITH GOD'S CHILD IT'S LIKE TYING A MILLSTONE AROUND YOUR NECK AND CASTING YOURSELF OUT INTO THE SEA. SO KEEP ON PRAYING BECAUSE PRAYER CHANGES THINGS AND PRAYER CAN TURN SITUATIONS AROUND. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR MOTHER AND THE REST OF YOUR FAMILY.
LOVE ALWAYS,
YOUR #1 FAN- 1ST LADY
from 2 months ago
Stacy,
i agree God is a loving God. Still though he deserves a penalty. Don't think Vick has it right with God though.
2 months ago
All you hateful people make me sick. You may be worse than Micheal Vick himself. Yes he did wrong, very wrong at that. But leave the man alone. He paid for what he did. He will never again have the endorsements that he had or a big contract. And if he does, god bless his sole. Yes it is a privilege to play professional sports for people who are talented. And he has talent that not many people have. If any of you did, you would be playing football and not blogging from your computer. He will play professional football again and all you people that say "I will never watch the NFL again" are lying to yourselves. One man is not going to make you stop watching a sport you love and if it does, you didn't love the sport in the first place. Justice has been served in this case, now loose the hate and move on.
from 2 months ago
couldn't have said it better myself.
2 months ago
I think it really depends on what you mean