The Om Field: The Vick Conundrum

Om

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So ... Michael Vick. I wasn’t intending to 'go there’ in this space—to me his is a straight social issue, and only tangentially Redskins-related in that Vick’s new team, the Philadelphia Eagles, play in the same division. However, a friend of mine whose thoughts I value and respect deeply recently wrote a strongly-worded, passionate piece about Vick’s return to the NFL, and got my juices

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Very well said. I concur that he deserves another chance. While I don't condone his actions he did pay his debt via the legal system.

The only problem I have is in his interview he said the police in East End section of Newport News knew of the dog fighting. I have a problem with this as know it is not true. Guess it is possible they suspected, but couldn't catch one in progress. Reason I say this is have a family member that is a police officer in this area.

Heard him say what goes on down there and how there is an elaborate warning system via lookouts in that area. He has found it easier to surprise people by doing bicycle patrols.

Back to topic...he does derserve a second chance. If he fails this time that will be the end of his NFL career.
 
Up to several days ago, I was against Vick coming back. But there was an article in the Post a day or two ago that sort of began to sway my feelings regarding Vick. And Om, your piece is pushing me further in that direction - which is unfortunate, being as he's now a Philadelphia Eagle.
 
I received this yesterday from HSUS and this is the only reason I will give him a chance as actions speak louder than words.

Dear Friend,

On a chilly evening last fall, a raid on a dogfight in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood on the south side turned up more than 50 people, including a pregnant woman and a few juveniles, in a basement watching dogs fight a bloody battle.

This summer, young men and their pit bulls gather on hot evenings in that same neighborhood to compete much more constructively (watch the video). The owners learn positive training methods and new ways of thinking about their dogs. The pit bulls, some of whom start the classes wildly aggressive, learn to run an agility course and show off their new obedience skills. Participants shower their dogs with praise and treats and start to see their canine companions as friends instead of fighters.

The HSUS' End Dogfighting program makes the difference in Englewood and other troubled neighborhoods where dogfighting is all too common. People from the community spread the word about our "Pit Bull Training Team" and invite dogs and their owners to attend free classes.

The healthy competition in our classes has turned around many dangerous situations. Greg and his 95-pound bruiser Bolo struggled at first when Bolo tried to attack other dogs. Greg took Bolo out of the room sometimes because of his barking and lunging. Working with Bolo alongside more advanced dogs got him to settle down and make progress. Eventually, Bolo could sit calmly while other dogs wrestled in front of him -- unthinkable at the start of the session.

One famous face symbolized the dangers of dogfighting last week: quarterback Michael Vick. To a rapt young audience in Chicago, he described his downfall by dogfighting and urged them to care for animals, not fight them.

Vick also gave his first interview since prison on last night's edition of 60 Minutes. He says he has a new attitude toward animals and that he's committed to helping boys and young men in inner cities break away from the horrors of dogfighting. On the show, I explained that we need to tackle this larger problem, and that Vick might even be able to help with it. (See my blog for more of my thoughts.)

A few years ago, Michael Vick thought he was on top of the world, while in fact he teetered on the brink of losing everything. Our End Dogfighting program brings solutions to others who may not even know they need one.

Sincerely,

Wayne Pacelle
President & CEO
The Humane Society of the United States
 
The NFL is never not going to give a star-calibre player another chance. Maybe Vick's sorry, maybe he isn't. Maybe he was raised on dog fighting so that makes it not so bad, or maybe not.

But the NFL doesn't give a damn. It doesn't wrestle with these issues. It never has before. So the point is rather moot.

If he were a Redskin, well, I'd probably root for him to not screw up and embarrass my team. Best I could do. But he's not a Redskin, so I'm not going to think about him all that much.

Let the Eagles fans rationalize a way to root for him. I don't have to so I'm not gonna.
 
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While I agree that he paid his "estimated" debt to society, and thereby deserves the right to play again, I also believe that every team in the NFL had a right to say, "No thanks", and was hoping that was exactly what they would do.

Personally, I don't believe he's "changed" for any other reason than to get back on the field. If some good can come from his high profile animal rights shtick, good.

If, at the same time, he and his new team can suffer an onslaught of negativity, resulting in a horrible season, that's even better.

And whenever his days of football are over, should he continue the fight against the type of animal cruelty that landed him in jail, maybe I'll start to believe that he's acting with a changed heart, instead of an empty wallet.
 

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