The Michael Vick Situation
Yesterday the NAACP, Georgia Chapter, went public to support Michael Vick. Here are some of their statements:
"As a society, we should aid in his rehabilitation and welcome a new Michael Vick back into the community without a permanent loss of his career in football," said R.L. White, president of the group's Atlanta chapter. "We further ask the NFL, Falcons, and the sponsors not to permanently ban Mr. Vick from his ability to bring hours of enjoyment to fans all over this country."
Let me start by saying that I am a Michel Vick fan. In fact, I have a couple of posters hanging on my home office's walls. However, I am also very disappointed and upset, not only as a an animal and dog lover, but also as a sport fan.
How can he be so dumb and exposed himself to this situation? Nobody cannot tell me that he just made a mistake. A mistake is being caught speeding at late hours of the night, coming home from studying film of the opposition, or from coming back from a charity event.
However, being involved in a Illegal operation which involved animal cruelty, gambling, across state lines, for over two years???? That's not a mistake, that's being a criminal and for someone like him is also being stupid. His losses will amount in excess of $80 million, when you count his salary and endorsements. My questions are Where were his support system, family and the Falcons organization? Where were the NAACP? especially when he needed them the most. He came from having nothing, he needed mentoring and guidance to stay out of trouble. Keep in mind that Michael Vick's behavior has demonstrated unusual patterns in the last two years. So this last one should not be a surprise to all of us the follow sports.
Back to the NAACP statements. I believe that those individuals that have a natural ability to play professional sports, have a social responsibility that comes with the exposure that this profession provides. In fact, I believe that it is a privilege to be a professional athlete. Michael Vick is entitled to rehabilitation, a welcome back to society, but he is not entitled to a welcome back to professional sports. He lost that privilege when he made the decision to run an illegal operation that included gambling. Michael Vick knew what the NFL rules in terms of professional conduct, and that didn’t stop him. As a sport fan, I hate the fact that he will not play football again, but as a member of this society, I am glad that he will be held accountable for his actions, and I will welcome him back when he pays his time, but not as an entertainer, playing football, he should use this experience and become a mentor to future athletes, to make sure it does not happen again. So long Michael, and good luck finding a regular job when you get out of prison.
