To that question I say yes... Should he be allowed to own pets? Well that would be a different question...
I just finished reading an article and ensuing comments on Michael Vick’s release from jail after serving his sentence for promoting and participating in dog fighting. People still are calling for his head… When he played football many thought he was an excellent player, and many bought his jersey and other apparel… his team and his sponsors made a lot of money from his name… many of you reading this blog may have even coveted him for your fantasy football squad… and there are also as many people that thought he was over-rated.
What I am having trouble believing is that there are so many people out there that are so intolerant... I don't advocate that we should have tolerated the crime that Vick committed... quite the contrary.
But I do believe that our system of justice works better than any in the world and our system sentenced him to jail as penance for his crime... Whatever gains he received from his football career and the illegal dog fighting has been lost... His name has been totally and completely tarnished... He has filed for bankruptcy and now, even though he has paid what many will agree is more than his proverbial debt to society; many want him to serve a life sentence by suggesting he not be able to work in his chosen field?!!!
We are not saying he should not be allowed to own dogs or other animals… we are saying he should not play football! I am sorry, but this makes no sense to me…
I love dogs, and would not dream of mistreating my two… But Michael Vick did not create the business of dog fighting, he participated in this illegal act and got caught… he was cruel to the dogs and even killed some of them and he pled guilty and he accepted his punishment. It does not matter if he was an over-rated player or the best quarterback that ever graced the field... what matters is that he has charged for the crime and paid more for his crime than most… he should be allowed to move on... If we don't want to see him play football then we don't have to buy a ticket, or we do not have to tune in our TV sets... "Let he who is without sin..."
The reality for Mike Vick is that we live in a capitalistic society and money will (as it did when he was worshiped for his athletic ability) make the final determination… I would only hope that Mr. Vick will do more for animals in general and dogs in particular, than he did before all of this surfaced… he could become a card carrying member of PETA and use his celebrity to continue speaking out against the cruelty of animals. This would certainly do more for animals and society than refusing to allow him to make a living doing what he knows…
Good luck to you Mr. Vick... I believe you have paid enough…
I hope you resume your career and if you do, I hope you are prepared for the people whose opinion will definitely differ from mine…
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