Monday, August 17, 2009

Michael Vick

Congratulations, Philadelphia Eagles! You've landed quite a prize.

The Eagles signed Michael Vick late last week. For non sports fans, Vick is the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback who went to jail for running dog fighting rings. He admited to drowning and electrocuting some of the dogs.

I'm a firm believer in second chances, and Vick has paid his debt to society. He spent nearly two years in prison. Most experts believe Vick lost $50 million in this sorry episode.

On the other hand, I have a harder time forgiving people if they hurt kids, the elderly, or animals.

It took Michael Vick a long time to accept responsibility for what he did, and even then, the apology appeared half-hearted.

I don't buy the "he made a mistake" argument. It wasn't A mistake. It was YEARS of mistakes. He had several opportunities to turn his life around. The deciding factor in going on the straight and narrow: he got caught.


If that isn't enough, you have to wonder about the mental capacity/make up of someone who enjoyed a blood sport, including mutilation and torture of animals, for so long.

Vick attempted to defended himself by saying dog fighting was part of the southern culture, as he grew up. Hello?! Didn't this man ever go to school or college. Didn't he ever learn it was wrong?

I didn't see it, but I read about it. A reporter asked Eagles owner Jeff Lurie "If Michael Vick tortured your dog, would you want him on your team?" The news conference was ended. The reporter's question was never answered.

There was a rumor my team, the Steelers, were interested in signing Michael Vick. If that happened, I'd be looking for a new team to root for today.


Eagles, you must be very proud.