Does Michael Vick Deserve a Second Chance?

Pajamas Media ^ | July 30 | Rick Moran

[AJKauf]

There's Michael Vick, former starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, cruel torturer of helpless animals, and sometime promoter of dogfights. Vick personifies the modern comeback story in sports. His horrific acts of barbaric cruelty visited upon dogs in his kennel, as well as his part ownership of a statewide ring of dogfighting venues, led to his conviction in 2007 on several counts of participating in illegal dogfighting activities and supplying money for the gambling operation. He was sentenced to 23 months and was released in May of this year.

After his arrest, Vick held what has become the obligatory mea culpa news conference for pro athletes who have been caught up in legal trouble. He apologized to everyone and promised to reform. A few months later while out on bail, he failed a drug test for marijuana, which even his supporters were forced to admit was a strange way to reform himself. Released by his team, he finds himself currently without an NFL home — although that is expected to change in the next few weeks.

None of us are granted the insight to look into a man’s soul and discover if he truly is remorseful and willing to change his ways. All we can do is judge someone based on our ability to interpret a person’s attitude toward their transgression and how they carry themselves from that point on....

[org.whodat]

YES!!

[edcoil]

He has paid his debt to society and should be able to play if he is still good enough to make it back in the nfl.

[MortMan]

Professional athletes heavily involved in illegal gambling doesn’t bother you?

[bgill]

No.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

The Vikings need somebody at the QB slot.

[Coldwater Creek]

I agree. Vick has served his time, and deserves to be able to make a living. His crime had nothing to do with his job.

[BertWheeler]

Some people may find dog fighting repugnant, but should a man have lost his livelihood and freedom over it?

[Snickering Hound]

I wouldn't watch a game that had him in it.

[pnh102]

They don’t call it the National Felons League for nothing.

[Filo]

Does Michael Vick Deserve a Second Chance?

No.

[OldDeckHand]

Michael Vick is getting a second chance. He's been released from prison, that's his second chance. Now, does he deserve another opportunity in the NFL? Not in my estimation.

The NFL has to decide if it wants to be known as an organization that pays violent felons millions of dollars a year to represent their league. I'm surprised the commissioner thinks that's OK. I'm guessing that there's a lot of season ticket holders that will take some issue with that belief.

[Brad from Tennessee]

If he has really repented, God will guide his way.

[dubie]

he did his time and paid his debt to society. Let him move on with his life.

[manc]

NO

[KSCITYBOY]

Yes he does, however at the halftime of each game he plays they should clear the field of everyone except Vick and release two or three angry & hungry pit bulls to chase his dumb ass around the field for 20 minutes.

[trisham]

Does Michael Vick Deserve a Second Chance?

***********************

No.

[wbones8765]

If I were a GM I would not want him. The bad press he could bring to your team would be a distraction. He has character issues, and poor judgement. Those are not qualities of a leader. That is exactly what a QB is a leader.

[ReneeLynn]

There was talk on local news about Vick possibly coming to the Steelers. NOoooooooooooooo! He ain’t Steeler material.

[Abathar]

"chase his dumb ass around the field for 20 minutes."

They would have to be playing the Benny Hill theme while this is going on also...