Michael Vick: Should he be Returned to Pro Football?

Once again the Michael Vick story is back in the news. Last Monday, July 20 Vick completed serving his federal custody sentence for participating and promoting dog fighting. Vick, prior to his arrest and conviction for his involvement in the horrific activities in which his Virginia dog fighting facility, "Bad Newz Kennels", had been the highest paid player in the National Football League, (NFL). American Pit Bull Terrier Not only did Vick receive jail time, he was also released from the Atlanta Falcon's football team and an indefinite suspension from the NFL, but his stellar position in the game of football, of course, has been permanently tainted and his role-model status has been forever sullied, in my opinion. At the same time, the notoriety of this particular case has certainly focused on crimes of animal cruelty with the concomitant need for stricter laws and punishment for these crimes, which is the only silver lining connected with the Michael Vick case. But should Vick be permitted to once again earn his livelihood by playing professional football? Should he again be rewarded with a salary which can only be described as a "fantasy" for most working folks? Does he have the right to return to his stellar place in the world of sports? Recently, Mr. Ed Sayres, the President and CEO commented, "The question isn't whether he deserves to earn a livelihood. The question is whether Mr. Vick should be able to re-join the ranks of elite athletes in the NFL." Mr. Sayres continued by saying, ". . . the facts are clear: Mr. Vick participated in a six-year pattern of illegal activity. His plea clearly stated that along with these activities, he savagely electrocuted and beat dogs to death after they lost their brutal fights. This was not a one-time transgression or crime of passion--this was a multi-year pattern of behavior that demonstrates a startling lack of moral character and judgment. "Given the stature of what it means to be a part of the NFL, it is crucial that Mr. Vick first express remorse for what he has done--something that he has yet to do throughout his incarceration." There are, of course, supporters who feel that Vick should be reinstated to the NFL as quickly as possible. In fact, while Vick was in jail, according to "Breaking News 24/7 online", Vick was offered a one-year contract, by the New York minor league team, The Albany Firebirds as soon as he is reinstated by the NFL. His salary of course will be a fraction of what he is used to receiving. The contract would pay him only the league standard of $200.00 a week, plus a $50.00 bonus for a win. The contract also includes a provision that Vick make a $100,000 donation to a local Humane Society. I wonder if Leopards ever do "change their spots". Since Vick has not expressed the remorse to which Sayres refers, does that mean that he has not sufficiently changed his behavior and morals to enable him to return to the game of professional football? What are your thoughts about his future? Leave a comment and share them with us. Pit Bull Breed Profiles: American Staffordshire, Bull Terrier, Bulldog, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Miniature Bull Terrier, French Bulldog