Michael Vick Released from Prison
Michael Vick, the former National Football League star player for the Falcons, was released from a Kansas prison, early this morning. He will then begin home confinement in Virginia, according to one of his attorneys. Vick hopes that he will eventually be reinstated to his career as a professional football player and work toward restoring his public image.
Larry Woodward, one of Vick's attorneys said, "It's a happy day for him to be starting this part of the process. He looks forward to meeting the challenges he has to meet. His first priority is spending time with his children and his loved ones".
A former big time earner, during the completion of his home confinement sentence, he will be permitted to leave his home and work for a $10 per hour job on a construction crew, and other activities arranged with his probation officer. New rules will be set for him when he begins his three year probation period upon his release from Federal custody.
What I find fascinating is that Vick says that he wants to work for the Humane Society of the United States, (HSUS). Vick met with Wayne Pacelle, the president of HSUS after he requested a meeting with him while he was at the federal prison in Leavenworth. He wants to contribute to a program which is geared toward ending dog fighting among urban teens. What gets me wondering if this is an authentic desire to make a positive impact on these teens, or is it a way for him to be ease his return to his professional career in football.
Vick's fall from glory began in April 2007 raided his cousin's Surry County property in Virginia, during a drug investigation, with the resulting seizure of dozens of dogs discovered on this property. Some were seriously injured, and equipment used in dog fighting was found. Three months later, a federal indictment was issued, and three of his "Bad Newz Kennels" partners were charged with an interstate dog fighting conspiracy. At first Vick denied any connection with them and all pleaded "innocent". Eventually, however all four admitted their guilt and were given prison sentences. Vick received the longest of the sentences and received a three-year suspended sentence after pleading guilty to State dog fighting charges.
Outlined in the indictment were the horrendous details about the dogs that were hanged, electrocuted, drowned and subjected to other acts of cruelty. However, due to the public outcry and outrage which ensued after the Vick story was released, several states tightened their laws about dog fighting. This drew public attention to the horrors surrounding the dog fighting industry which all dog lovers pray will help to end this cruel and inhumane "sport" permanently.
Some loyal supporters still feel that Vick's punishment was more severe than deserved due to his celebrity profile and that people make mistakes in judgment.
What are your thoughts? Do you feel that Vick's punishment fits the crime? Leave a comment and share.
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Comments (10)
Ruth May 20, 2009 1:15 PM
I don't care what he says, he should have been locked up for good ! Or better still, treated like he treated those poor dogs.I have not one shred of sympathy or respect for anyone who abuses animals.
Vicki May 20, 2009 1:21 PM
I guess my thoughts on this are, does he want to actually educate teens against dog fighting, or does he want to teach them what it is like if they get caught. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
Jud May 20, 2009 1:40 PM
Do we, as a society, believe that after serving a sentence that he has paid his debt to society and deserves another chance, or is it something that should prevent him from his high profile (and salary) job in football? There is no question in my mind that if he did something to enhance his performance as an athlete, then he should indeed be prevented from returning. That isn't the case, and isn't an answer to your question. He served 2 years of 'hard time' at Leavenworth, which according to the court was appropriate. Who are we to disagree with the court's findings and judgements? No, I am not condoning his actions, but believe that anything he does to prevent it from happening again is worthwhile. Sure, he may be doing it to improve his chances of playing football again, an ulterior motive, but still, if it prevents just one dog from suffering, isn't it worth it?
jmuhj May 20, 2009 2:28 PM
No one but Mr. Vick knows his true intentions. Let's see what happens. People can and do change -- I have seen former KKK members interviewed who swear that they have renounced their racist hate and seen the light of tolerance. Let's see if Mr. Vick's actions match his words. If they do, this is exactly what I prayed for -- a high-profile inspiration to the youths, teaching the youths compassion and letting them know not to do as he did. That's how SOCIETIES change, and Lord knows, this society needs a sea change toward a compassionate ethic.
Diana May 20, 2009 3:47 PM
Michael Vick served the time the court ordered him to. He kept his mouth shut and has not been the source of any "poor me" interviews or articles. No purpose is served by his continued incarceration; quite the opposite. Once he is off probation, he will be earning money and paying taxes instead of using up tax dollars sitting in a prison cell. Let the man go in peace. I am quite sure that he will not be a repeat offender.
Amy May 21, 2009 12:12 PM
I was very upset when I saw that he was released from jail. I expect that he was kept in a seperate area away from the "real" criminals for his own safety. So I don't think he was ever in any situation that could cause him harm. Am I happy that he is free, not really but he did serve the time he was supposed to. In the process he lost just about everything he owned and filed bankruptcy. Will he ever play football again I think he will because some team will give him a "second" chance at fame and he will draw crowds.
I don't think he will ever be the "star" he was by anyones standards. As for him learning a lesson I don't think he has and never will.
Jessy May 21, 2009 12:39 PM
I just DO NOT understand this world as the MAN did WRONG!!!!! and now his home and will work a job that will pay 410 a hour.. if it was any one of us we would have the book throw at us for what he did...
I'm so angery about all this that its hard to write my feelsing down so forgive the spelling as there is alot of anger...
the MAN and i say that loosly as he stood by and took part in the killing of GOD"S creaturs that was give to us by GOD to love,to be loyal to,to learn from,NOT TO KILL FOR WHAT???? FOR MONEY,DRUGS!!! what has this world come to??? when there are people like him and one's that have Puppy mills' all in the name of Money....
GOD forgive us all..
William May 23, 2009 5:31 PM
He served his time and he made a stupid mistake, but he isnt the worst person in the world, this man has hit rock bottom, and who the hell r we to tell him he needs to be locked up forever, now mike and everyone out there knows how serious this is.He took his punishment like a man and did not deny it. God forgives ....if u cant then you just dont like mike vike and not what he did....i just pray that mike or anyone else dosent make this stupid mistake 2 animals or people...If u wish mike vick was gicin life what makes u better, I hope he changes and think b4 his actions and we see a changed positive man in the NFL.
Darlene May 24, 2009 5:46 PM
If it were a dog who tortured a human ...the dog no quetion would be put down. Michael vick should get a real punishment. Don't kid yourself he will do this again,but next time he will be smarter about it. IT"S IN HIS BLOOD. Just because he's a football player this no reason for him to have as i call it royal treatment. YES i am very ANGRY. One day i hope what goes around comes around you pathetic horrible monster MICHAEL VICK !!!!
k_9chic May 24, 2009 6:11 PM
I agree that he did wrong but people can change. maybe he had time to reflect on his actions and if he can inspire teens in a positive manner then let him. someone needs to get to them maybe a former star will do the trick, god knows half of the parents arent doing it.
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