Michael Vick, who will be released from federal custody on July 20, doesn't deserve a chance to play in the NFL again.
He executed dogs and ordered others executed. He bankrolled a dog-fighting operation. He provided money for bets on the fights. And he lied to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell about all of it. Then, when his dogfighting associates turned on him and agreed to testify against him, he pleaded guilty to federal and state conspiracy charges.
On the day of his sentencing in December 2007, the former Atlanta Falcon All-Pro quarterback apologized for his bad judgment and his bad decisions, saying, "Dogfighting is a terrible thing, and I did reject it."
Yet, only eight months earlier, he and two associates in Bad Newz Kennels had executed about eight pit bulls that had not performed well in "testing" sessions, according to the federal indictment. The dogs were hanged and drowned, and at least one other dog's body was slammed to the ground to kill it.
This is a man we are supposed to cheer as he throws a touchdown pass?
Just to listen to the talking heads on ESPN talk about Vick's possible return to the NFL and which team might sign him, is demeaning to those poor dogs and others that were rescued from his 15-acre property in rural Virginia. In December 2008, a Sports Illustrated story reported what happened to the 51 dogs confiscated from Vick's property. Forty-seven were saved (two died in shelters, one was destroyed because it was too violent and another was euthanized for medical reasons). According to Sports Illustrated, some still have extraordinary fears, but other have thrived and one is certified for a reading program in San Francisco called Paws for Tales in which kids practice their skills by reading to dogs.After that unfathomable cruelty, could you even imagine Vick playing for the Eagles or the Ravens? Couldn't you see the protesters outside of Lincoln Financial Field with photos of the scarred dogs or dead ones on their picket signs? Couldn't you hear the boos as he was introduced or the catcalls aimed at him on the sidelines?
The talk of his return to the NFL is premature.
Vick's future rests in the hands of Goodell, the commissioner who has taken a hard line toward players who get into trouble with the police and especially with repeat offenders.
Vick has to answer for the lies he told Goodell just days before he decided to plead guilty and apologize.
He has to answer for the connection to gambling. The NFL's anti-gambling policy calls for a player to be suspended or have his contract terminated if he "knowingly associates with gamblers or gambling activity."
He has to explain his positive pre-sentencing test for marijuana in 2007, another NFL no-no.
He has to show true remorse - another Goodell requirement - and a sentencing day apology isn't nearly enough.
He has to look Goodell in the face and explain why he killed pit bulls and ordered others hanged, electrocuted, drowned and one even shot with a pistol after losing a match.
For his part, Goodell has said that playing in the NFL is a privilege, not a right. He expects players to behave at a high standard on the field, and maybe an even higher one off the field.
He holds the only vote that matters when it comes to the future of Michael Vick. For those who love dogs and all creatures, Goodell's answer for this season and for any season should be an unequivocal no.
35 comments:
I know you are not suppose to "hate" another person but I have nothing but comtempt and hate for this man. What he did to those dogs is unforgivable. He is a ruthless, hateful, mean spirited peice of crap. Not only should he not be allowed to play ball but he should suffer the same type of death that he put those poor animals through.
I believe that Vick should never play again. If he is such a a role model then use him as an example and make him pay for hurting and killing those poor defenseless dogs. He should never be aloud to playin the NFL again.
Leave Michael Vick alone. He has every right to play football again. He has more than paid for his crimes. I am not a fan of Michael Vick. I always thought he was overrated. Even though what he did was unecessary and cruel its not much different than what goes on every day in this country. Each day there is a a cow, chicken and pic holocast taking place. We kill animals to use for our needs. What Michael Vick did wasn't needed and certainly cruel but not much different. Quit being a hypocrite. I'm sure the writer of this article eats meat on a daily basis. Just because a dog is "man's best friend" and didn't need to be killed doesn't mean a guy shouldn't be allowed to play football. He has more than paid his debt to society.
He lost his right to millions by hurting innocent dogs. Go find another job like the rest of us!
Debs626.....I say leave Mike Vick alone, he should be able to play football again. People have committed worse crimes than that, I am not defending him but he paid his time and should be able to play.
Michale Vick should absolutely be allowed to play in the NFL again. He went to prison; e.g.: paid his debt to society. This article is nothing but a classic case of how easy it is to point the finger @ the bad guy. Get a life & move on.
I think Michael Vick should be banned from playing in the NFL ever again. Furthermore, I think he should be given a job in a shelter as kennel help.
His lifestyle and attitude need to change and I do not see that happening anytime soon.
And personally I think writing an article on why Michael Vick should never play again in the NFL is a moot point. Do the words DOG FIGHTER mean anything? It's as simple as that. He is what he is and he cannot defend it and nobody needs to conjure up reasons why his NFL career should come to an end. Let him be broke like the rest of Americans who are WORKING for a living.
Vick is a poor excuse for a role model. Allowing him to play since he "paid" his debts is outrageous. He shows a disrespect for his fans, his teamates and his country. Vick broke the LAW. By doing these acts he believes he is above the law. He lost all rights to play when he DECIDED to go against the law and the NFL. Adding in the nature of his crimes, I believe he desrves worse. Whats next? defending child molesters because they are mentally ill?? Get a clue people. Treat Vick like a criminal because he is one.
are there any stats on the number of currently active football players who have gotten into trouble for hitting their wives or girlfriends? in the grand scheme of things, so what. he'll play again, probably in dallas or oakland. if you don't like it, talk to the judge who sentenced him. maybe he should have served more time. maybe paid more in fines. fact is, he served the time and paid the fines. move on
No team in their right mind should want to touch this publicity nightmare - talk about a liability - too many pet owners out there.
He was overrated and hardly missed once all the furor died down. There are younger and smarter and brighter
up and coming players than this old story.
Just say NO Mr Goodell - clean up the NFL and move on......... we all have!
I LOVE how all the supporters post anonymously! grow a backbone! ALL the criminals should be penalized in professional sports. The drug users, the wife beaters, etc. Defenders of Vick should go commit a crime and see how it affects their ability to go get a job. I'm sure you would support the convicted child molester who's watching your kid in daycare! GROW a BRAIN! He's sorry! Professional athletes are exactly that, professionals. Hence they should ACT professional. Your right people make mistakes. I get a DUI and I lose my job. Should I get a second chance? Maybe, but I'll have to deal with the consequences just like Vick SHOULD.
"There is a word called redemption which by the comments people are too dumb to know what it means. He apologize for his actions so let him live his life and stop hating"
Yeah so anyone who "says" their sorry should be instantly forgiven. Brilliant idea! Lets let Charlie Manson and the Uni-Bomber out too if they suddenly apologize for their crimes! Good thinking man! I'm on board with ya now!~ Vick should run for Pres next!
"are there any stats on the number of currently active football players who have gotten into trouble for hitting their wives or girlfriends? in the grand scheme of things, so what. he'll play again, probably in dallas or oakland. if you don't like it, talk to the judge who sentenced him. maybe he should have served more time. maybe paid more in fines. fact is, he served the time and paid the fines. move on"
this was my post
my name is Sean McNeice
sorry we don't agree
"I'm sure you would support the convicted child molester who's watching your kid in daycare!"
wow
pure genius
Thanks Sean, thats the point. All the defenders agree we should forgive and forget these heinous crimes, but are you willing to let it effect your personal life?? Would you let a sex offender watch your kids??? thats what I'm saying. NO. NO I wouldn't. The sex offender lost all rights to be around kids, and Vick loses the right and PRIVELEDGE to play in the NFL. Criminals are CRIMINALS!!!
lol and paris hilton should have her license after her next DUI too, she's sorry!
its a business. if football wants him back they will allow it. i have a feeling it will be tough to get past Goodell (hes a tough dude, i respect him for that)but it will probably happen. these aren't elected offices. these are all entertainers. its a tv program. there are many other channels to watch. there are many other teams to root for. there are many other sports to follow. no one hear seems to be worried about the impact it may have to the game. if we've forgotten how ray lewis probably stabbed that guy a few years ago, then this'll go away. if we've forgotten how jamal lewis trafficked a lot of blow with his buddies, this'll be forgotten.
he probably wont be all that loved (outside the dog fighting community) but all sports need villains.
like Jerry Jones
and seriously, get off the child molester thing. that's re-friggin-diculous. none of those priests could ever run the west coast offense.
Sean
Anyone who says animal crimes are not the same as human crimes is wrong. In fact, they are probably worse because a person who has to abuse a poor defenseless animal for entertainment, is just desperate and sick. Just because Michael Vick "apologized" and paid his fines, does NOT mean that he should be able to play in the NFL again. If you are anyone famous, including athletes and celebrities, you should be a good role model. What Michael did was not showing a good role model, and therefore he blew his chance to be a professional atlete. He may be a nice man and a good football player, but he can never bring back the life of those poor dogs, so he should never be able to bring back his career. I think it's sad how he ruined his life like that, but he has to pay the price, which is much more than "apologizing."
From the Chicago Tribune:
Mayor Daley on Tuesday questioned the priorities of a federal government that has indicted Barry Bonds and convicted Michael Vick but done what he described as too little to stop drug and gun trafficking that’s killing the nation’s young people.
“Michael Vick on dog-fighting. Think of that. There’s only one case in the history of the country of a federal crime [for] dog-fighting. We get dog-fighting cases all the time. They have to go to 26th Street,” Daley said of the case involving the imprisoned Atlanta Falcons quarterback.
Questioning Vick’s five-year sentence, Daley said, “They could have fined him five, 10, 15, 20 million dollars. That would have been better. And put the money into good causes. It serves a purpose [to throw him in jail]? What? One person out of a thousand cases-a-year? He’s the only one.”
Our family feels so strongly that Vick deserves a lifetime suspension that we are going to sign every petition, write letters to Goodell and go the "whole nine yards" to have our opinion heard. Vick is a heartless, selfish, arrogant creep and we want him out of sight and out of mind. I think Goodell will listen.
Jill Fredel, I can think of better reasons why you should never work as a journalist again. I am serious about that too. Vick did his time. He paid his penalty. You are suggesting that he pay the additional penalty of a permanent suspension from the NFL because you have nothing interesting to write about. If I were the editor, I would say you're fired.
This winter I shot and killed a grey coyote while hunting. A coyote is part of the canid genus or "dog" family. The animal did not die immediatley and i presume it suffered somewhat while dying. Obviously what I did was not illegal in any way nor do I consider it crude. My question to you people that "hate" our brother as a human being Michael Vick....do you hate me as well??? To even slightly compare injuring a canine or animal to molesting a child is absolutely absurd and whoever made those comparisons should really take some phychedelic drugs or convert to buddhism because your view of the world is terribly distorted. Animals should not be harmed for human amusement..that is very wrong. We are looking at a case of a kid who grew up in the hood..probably watched hundreds of dog fights, human fights, drug deals, and many violent acts. When you are subjected to things like this you become very desensitised and actually dont see wrong in what your doing...ala the son of a wife beater beating his wife. If there is anyone to blame here point the finger at Virginia Tech. They were the ones who were supposed to take hime out of poverty and mold him into a productive and upstanding citizen. Unfortunately the used him as a pawn to make millions of dollars and had no interest in his well being as long as he could throw and run with a football. You self rightous idiots are the same people who are ruining this country and make me sad to call myself an american. Sometimes I pray that im not the only person in this country who can think for myself. Keep listening to media members like this who purely write on emotion and personal agendas and our founding fathers will roll in their graves.
Oh yea.. theres 1.3 million execustions that happen every year that make what michael did look like jaywalking. To anyone who has ever had an abortion, had a family member or friend who has had one..i hate that person with all my heart. I hope they have the same fate as those helpless children getting sucked into an industrial vacuum before they can take a breath. See how rediculous everything can be when you use something called perspective.
“Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds!” -- Bob Marley
Michael Vick should be able to return to football. He made a mistake and paid the price. Now it is time to move on. With your way of thinking he needs to pay a life sentence, get a grip. Not a human life! Unlike some excons who commit manslaughter and get out and try to move on. I assume you want them to walk around with a scarlet letter. Please. Debbie a dog owner and breeder.
you people are quick to condemned but your the same ones that wear leather furs makeup and other things that help support killing animals. dont get me wrong wat he did was bad. But I dont hear any out cry For horses That are shot in the head or Electrocuted because they cant run fast anymore. Tjis Ish his Job He Paid His Dues So Either Watch It Or Dont But GET A LIFE
Whether or not you think Michael Vick should play again, please understand that any professional athlete is scrutinized heavily under the public eye. They are role models to children, and sponsors for products you bring into your homes everyday. If you feel that you can support this man knowing that it could have been your dog in the position of some of those dogs, then by all means, do so. There is no need to attack, verbally or otherwise, another poster or the writer of this article. While your opinions and views may differ from those that are stated here, it is a clear example of why we will never move forward with other problems in our society, i.e. racism, poverty, sexism. While you are content to sit & bash one another from behind your computer, you don't think of the repercussions of your words. Some people take them to heart. Yes, freedom of speech allows you to do this, but please, try to use some restraint. There is no need to try to assault someone you probably have never or will ever meet. I'm not trying to spread a love,peace, happiness message. Just a little tolerance towards one another. What are the chances that you will ever get to speak the words you actually wish to Michael Vick? Is there any need to spout that hatred towards someone else here?
The fact of the matter is this man had everything going for him - he believed he was above the law and was indifferent to society.
As Mr. Goodell said - it is a privelege to get to play in the NFL -
he lied to his bosses, he lied to the public. Yes, he "paid" for it but I would be willing to bet big bucks that he has not learned from his mistake because I am sure he DID NOT GET what all the fuss was about......however -
he is sorry "that he got caught" His privelege is over - he had the chance - the NFL needs to move on and weed out all the overpaid thugs and cretans.......
My name is Julie and I used to be a cruelty investigator. I've seen some very heartbreaking and discusting things people do to their animals. If I may be on my soap box for a sec...people don't realize that animal lives, breathes, loves and hurts. They are helpless and feel physical pain. Two of my passions in life are children and animals. I have worked in protective services as well. Don't get me started on that one! I respect people's opinions. They are certainly entitled to it. We can't expect everyone to feel the way we do about things. I never expected people to be passionate like me about animals while on the job. I tried to bring awareness and hoped I got through to some people. I have no opinion about Vick playing. I hate sports. You may now make fun of me. I'll just laugh it off.
first of all, everyone saying a crime against an animal is worse than a crime against a human is just dumb. If i was forced to choose between harming an animal and another human being, i would have no problem killing the animal. If I was to physically harm another human being, I wouldn't be able to live with that fact. Secondly, I feel that Michael Vick should be allowed back in the NFL. Saying he should never play football again is like saying that anyone who has gone to jail should never be allowed to get a job doing what they went to college for and got a degree in. Thirdly, I am sure that almost all of you complaining that he broke the law has broken the law before too, even if it was petty. Going over the speed limit is breaking the law, so is gliding through a stop sign or in some states not wearing your seatbelt or talking on your cell phone. Vick's crime was obviously a lot worse but i feel he still deserves a second chance.
Anyone who says animal crimes are not the same as human crimes is wrong. In fact, they are probably worse because a person who has to abuse a poor defenseless animal for entertainment, is just desperate and sick. Just because Michael Vick "apologized" and paid his fines, does NOT mean that he should be able to play in the NFL again. If you are anyone famous, including athletes and celebrities, you should be a good role model. What Michael did was not showing a good role model, and therefore he blew his chance to be a professional atlete. He may be a nice man and a good football player, but he can never bring back the life of those poor dogs, so he should never be able to bring back his career. I think it's sad how he ruined his life like that, but he has to pay the price, which is much more than "apologizing."
That was my article. I strongly agree with everything I said, except for one part. Maybe human and animal crimes aren't the same, but does that make it right? NO. Killing humans is awful, and sometimes killing animals is natural, but the way that Michael Vick did it was not natural. Those animals aren't being used for food, or anything important- I mean just look around people; humans don't get killed for "not winning their fight" Dogs were shot, drowned, etc. for not being good enough. That isn't fair. Imagine if that was YOUR dog. Wouldn't you hate Michael Vick then? I sure would. I am currently doing a research paper on the cruelty of using animals for entertainment, and due to all the research I have done, it only proves crueler every day. I don't know why it was invented as a sport in the first place...
danielle k.
I think Michael Vick should be banned from playing in the NFL ever again. Furthermore, I think he should be given a job in a shelter as kennel help.
His lifestyle and attitude need to change and I do not see that happening anytime soon.
And personally I think writing an article on why Michael Vick should never play again in the NFL is a moot point. Do the words DOG FIGHTER mean anything? It's as simple as that. He is what he is and he cannot defend it and nobody needs to conjure up reasons why his NFL career should come to an end. Let him be broke like the rest of Americans who are WORKING for a living.
The above comments were mine...I posted anon for internet security purposes, but...what the heck, I am proud of my opinion! I'd like to add one more thing:
For the people who believe that Michael Vick just made a mistake, I ask you this:
How would you feel if someone electrocuted your dog? Of course, you would be outraged. It's not just a mistake. It is cruel, deliberate act to torture and abuse animals. And the fact is, the dogs that managed to survive Michael Vick's vicious scheme are now on their way to becoming loving household pets. Some have already been placed in homes with people who love them and know how to handle strong breeds. Michael Vick will never know the suffering that these animals have endured, but the only way show Vick that compassionate people will not tolerate dog fighting is to hit him where it hurts! Hit him in the wallet by banning him from the NFL.
To the poster who said animals aren't people. You are an a$$hole. They may not be people, but they certainly can feel pain. And imagine the pain they felt while they were being hanged, electrocuted and drowned.
Mike Vick should never be allowed to play anything professional ever again. This should be treated a tragic event, and not just fixed with a rehabilitation at our expense. If he ever gets signs I will never support the team he plays for, I will loss all respect for the family that owns the team and if the state does not step in and have a say I will not be surprised. When will this stop steroid, Limo drivers killed, Dogs forced to eat other dogs so they know what it is to kill. If you feel jail fixes everything, you know what I am about to say.. Think twice before you say he should play, he learned his lesson (he is still in jail) nothing good can come from him playing.. Nothing can compare to the sound of the crowd. He should never be allowed to hear it the same way.. SORRY VICK YOU LOSE...
Mike Vick should never be allowed to play anything professional ever again. This should be treated a tragic event, and not just fixed with a rehabilitation at our expense. If he ever gets signs I will never support the team he plays for, I will loss all respect for the family that owns the team and if the state does not step in and have a say I will not be surprised. When will this stop steroid, Limo drivers killed, Dogs forced to eat other dogs so they know what it is to kill. If you feel jail fixes everything, you know what I am about to say.. Think twice before you say he should play, he learned his lesson (he is still in jail) nothing good can come from him playing.. Nothing can compare to the sound of the crowd. He should never be allowed to hear it the same way.. SORRY VICK YOU LOSE...
He should never be allowed to benefit from his publicity ever again. What he did was not an accident or a crime of passion - he CONSPIRED to do it, he funded, and protected it. And most of all HE ENJOYED IT - not only profiting from it but actually being physically involved in the killing and torture of dogs. My stomach churns every time I think of that! There is no way you can change this mentality in a grown man. Shame on NFL for disgracing the sport by letting him play again; Shame on the Humane Society for helping him get away with this - he sure played them for succers! They won't be seeing any donations from me anytime soon, thats damn sure!
Bravo, excellent idea
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