By: L. Laskey
Assigned to 23 months in the clink and, later home confinement, suspended from football and subsequently bankrupt, football phenomenon Michael Vick now seems to be riding the trajectory of redemption. Vick was jailed for willfully, knowingly, and actively participating in not only the business of dog-fighting but the outside-the-ring killing of dogs by barbaric means as was determined through the courts. He was originally indicted in April 2007; the Bad Newz (sic) ring had been active for five years.
Vick was subsequently vilified in the media, released from his career with the Atlanta Falcons, and became fodder for late night twisted comedy. The public was incensed.
Fast forward three years, the football gods are now touting his prowess with the Philadelphia Eagles and he is breaking records and opining of one day, again, owning a dog as a family pet. http://meetthadealer.com/video–michael–vick–speaks–on–owning–a–dog–again/
In late December 2010, according to media reports, President Obama has weighed in on his redemption, phoning the owner of the Eagles in praise of providing Vick a second chance to play football. Bill Burton, a White House spokesman, said Obama “…of course condemns the crimes that Michael Vick was convicted of, but, as he’s said previously, he does think that individuals who have paid for their crimes should have an opportunity to contribute to society again.”
Animal Rights Weigh In
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) president Ingrid E. Newkirk expressly condemned Vick post-trial. http://www.peta.org/search/SearchResults.aspx?PageSize=10&q=Michael+Vick&rps=2&wo=1000&wp=1000&dbf=0&docf=250&pit=1000
Weighing in from another perspective in December 2010 is the president of the United States Humane Society. http://www.ajc.com/news/dog–advocates–disagree–about-778151.html?cxntlid=cmg_cntnt_rss
The Act of Choosing Forgiveness
Is choosing to forgive Vick of his past, the same as choosing to condone? Mahatma Gandhi has written: “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong,” Opinions are polarized –animals and children often incite greater emotional reaction by their inability to protect themselves. In short, does forgiveness have parameters?
What do you think?
● Has Vick paid his dues and settled his debts?
● Should he be forgiven of his transgressions; do you support this second chance?
● Should Vick continue to pay? And, if so, what are your personal stipulations?
● Should the athlete be kept from earning his living?
● Should he be considered a role model for redemption?
● One late night radio host said that he would be proud for his son to wear Vick’s jersey; he believed in second chances. Should he be able to own a dog again?
Michael Vick Redeemed?,
MadJiver
5 Feb 2011I think in this particular case, Vick has proven that a second chance is worth giving in some situations. To me, I think he learned and paid his debt to society…and really is trying to follow a better path to make something of his life.
I think if he’s allowed to own pets again, he shouldn’t have fighting dogs or at least be monitored if he does.
cjaneenc
8 Feb 2011I love how the NFL let this go for Vick. But makes others sit out games for sexual advances bla bla. No way should he be playing in the NFL. Its redick and is why I slowly stop watching professional sports
Justsayin101
18 Feb 2011Now he has cancelled on Oprah. He’ll catch a lot of shit for that, I’m sure. I wonder why? Did he just get scuurred?
lisalaskey
19 Feb 2011Looks like it’s time to revisit this one. I’ll do some checking around ~ LL