It’s been two years since Michael Vick’s reputation was destroyed by his involvement in the torture and murder of dogs. Today he was released from Federal prison and he’s a free man. The question now for the NFL is, does the ex-convict “deserve” a second chance?
I have a problem with the word “deserve.” Despite how grossly heinous I consider what he did to those dogs, I don’t have a big problem if he gets a second shot at the NFL. But I also don’t have a big problem if he doesn’t.
Does he “deserve” a second chance? Is it his god-given right? I don’t think so. And when I look at the picture of this dog and think about what he did to those animals, I will be hoping he doesn’t get one. But if NFL commish Roger Goodell gives him a second chance, I’ll respect that and just cheer against him every time he steps on the field.
on Jul 21st, 2009 at 2:05 AM
This is America. He paid his debt to society as the system deemed fit. Having done so, he now has a right to make a living in his chosen profession.
on Jul 21st, 2009 at 2:10 AM
Mike, he does have a right. But no one can be forced to hire him. If the NFL front office doesn’t want him, they have an equal RIGHT to ban him. And other people have the RIGHT to boycott him and his team if they so choose.
on Jul 21st, 2009 at 2:11 AM
He should still be locked up for what he did to those dogs. Anyone capable of treating any living creature with such disregard and cruelty should spend the rest of their lives in intense therapy, not making millions to toss around a football. Isn’t killing small animals the first sign of a serial killer anyway? Put his ass under the jail.
on Jul 21st, 2009 at 8:57 AM
At the end of the day he killed an animal that is considered food in some countries. I don’t see this kind of outcry when a human being is killed.
I don’t see anyone saying that Donte Stallworth doesn’t deserve a second chance. He shouldn’t have done what he did but I don’t equate dog life with human life.
on Jul 21st, 2009 at 9:18 AM
while i personally think he shouldn’t get a second chance to pull in millions of dollars, but the standard set of having offenders who attempted murder (ray lewis, etc.) and commit domestic violence (lawrence phillips, etc.) afforded second chances can’t just change so simply. i wish it would change, but i fully expect him to be playing (and earning) again soon.
on Jul 21st, 2009 at 9:21 AM
So because other cultures eat dogs that makes it okay to abuse and torture them in our culture? I don’t think so, nor do I think Michael Vick should get a free pass because some other athlete got off easy. What Vick did was deliberately heinous, and the little bit of jail time he served is, in my opinion, not nearly enough.
on Jul 21st, 2009 at 11:47 AM
i think he should get life in jail[it absurd that hes getting out /i guess money talks
on Jul 21st, 2009 at 1:47 PM
I also think about the people that attend these gatherings. How can someone sit in this kind of setting – a arena of malicious cruelty and brutality beyond my comprehension. We are just as bad as the animals we destroy. My gut reaction too something like this is repugnant.
on Jul 21st, 2009 at 2:43 PM
NO. He is a beast worse than any animal on this planet. Any one who could strangle a dog to death is disgusting. I won’t even call him a human being.
on Jul 21st, 2009 at 3:37 PM
Ok, Donte Stallworth doesn’t deserve a second chance and neither does Michael Vick.
Now can Sed stop being a cruel asshole?
(I do have more contempt for Vick and what he did, though. Animals, like children, depend on us and it is our duty as adult human beings to care for them, to be their voices. Only the very lowest and most INHUMAN of society would ever *consider* that it’s ok to hurt them.)
on Jul 21st, 2009 at 4:11 PM
I feel you completely Sed. Consumption of dogs in some countries doesn’t justify Vick’s participation in dog fighting, but the practice does prove that attitudes toward dogs differ from one community to the other. We should respect cultural relativity (Vick has said that he pitted dogs against one another as early as 8-yrs-old – an act he probably did not invent himself), and ask that he attempt to change his attitude toward animals as he grows, rather than castigate him for past deeds.
on Jul 22nd, 2009 at 6:08 AM
Steven K you can shove it up your you know what. People like you are the reason we are in trouble as a people. You probably don’t give a crap about human beings do you.
Right here in my city we had some kids abuse two pit bulls and white liberals were outraged. They wanted to send money to take care of the dogs they wanted the kids locked up, treated as adults etc. The next week a 5 year old girl was shot down in the cross fire between to gangs and we heard nothing. No outrage, no monitary offers, nothing. I wasn’t surprised.
I guess people here can’t read. I said what he did was wrong. I don’t dog fight and I have no interest in seeing that practice but animals are animals and people are people. People are much much much more important to me than animals and I don’t care who doesn’t like it.
on Jul 22nd, 2009 at 7:25 AM
Mike Vick is scum. The only second chance he deserves is at a dog park picking up tightly coiled piles with his mouth.
Sed, while dogs are considered food in some other countries they were originally bred to serve as companions and to a lesser degree as workers. It is true some violate the almost sacred relationship between man and dog.
Such offenders also include Mike Vick whom violated the most trusting, loving dog breed imagineable. Pit Bulls will do anything to please their owners even if asked to sustain both pain and injury. Mike Vick took advantage of this trait and through misguided words of encouragement brought misery into the lives of so many dogs. Imagine an insecure, injured, blood-soaked dog with a wagging tail looking up at Mike Vick while waiting for verbail cues that indicate owner was pleased.
So, should Mike Vick have an opportunity to resume a career in the NFL? Absolutely not. Besides I think he should take up swimming. In chummed, Tiger Shark invested waters that is.
on Jul 22nd, 2009 at 8:26 AM
do the murdered dogs get a second chance to live?
with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, it seems his mission statement to NFL players is CHARACTER counts, CONSCIENCE counts, COURAGE counts..and if a player proves to be lacking in anyone of the three C’s, he lowers the hammer on that player.
How in the world does a 20 something yr old guy all of the sudden add Character to his life while he has been in the slammer? If one is reared without character, conscience, and courage, I don’t know how one all of the sudden wakes up one day as a 20+ yr old ‘man’ and claims…I own the three C’s. what he had an epihany?
a NFL owner, would be well advised to give Vick a very short term contract until he proves himself year after year, if the owner was of the inclined to hire this guy.
he paid his debt to society? OH PULLLLEEEZZZZ
on Jul 22nd, 2009 at 10:43 AM
He did his time, so he should have the opportunity to make a living like anyone else. Note I said opportunity and not right or deserve. He deserves being able to work and get paid. But he doesn’t deserve making millions playing football again. He has to earn it just like anyone else. If he doesn’t, he can keep making $11 an hour in construction.
on Jul 22nd, 2009 at 12:21 PM
Vick paid his debt to society but that doesn’t mean I have to like him, support him, or give him the time of day — and the same goes for the NFL.
He’s free, but that doesn’t mean the NFL has to take him back, and I certainly hope they don’t. If they do, then they’ve lost my respect as well, and I’ll let them know that (along with, I suspect, tens of thousands of other fans who will let the NFL know what they think).
Vick is sick.
on Jul 22nd, 2009 at 2:40 PM
Besides that dogs are living, feeling things.It is the deviant mind of M.Vick what should not be allowed in the NFL.It is the act what condemns him.And as of Donte Stallworth everybody knows that as a BLACK,RICH Football player he BOUGHT the sentence.He was DRUNK and SPEEDING.Anyone of us would be locked up as a mad dog (No pun intended) for a long time but because he is BLACK and RICH he got scot free.Neither should be allowed into the NFL again.The reality is that they will be allowed.They will BUY their way in.Vick is broke now but a hefty contract will let him to pay the people that will throw the towel and Stallworth will be the same thing.I do not think that there is a statistic about the number of white guys that have commited these crimes and are in jail with long sentences.I say do not let them in,but,I know they will BUY their way in.
on Jul 22nd, 2009 at 4:58 PM
No he should not get a second chance. In fact two years in federal prison was too lenient for Michael Vick. He should be serving at least ten to twelve years in federal prison after the sick, disgusting things he did to those dogs. He should be banned from the NFL for life. The whole idea of giving M. Vick a second chance is horribly wrong and should be made a dead issue.
on Jul 22nd, 2009 at 8:53 PM
What Donte Stallworth did was beyond stupid and the life he took can never be replaced. He deserved a much stiffer punishment than what he got. He had more than enough money and people around him to find a sober driver that night. But I can’t even compare him and Vick, because Donte, as stupid as he was, didn’t mean to kill anyone that night. He didn’t set out with the intent to run someone over. Vick and those around him deliberately strangled, shot, body slammed, electrocuted, drowned and tortured those poor dogs. Some who were just puppies that didn’t show the proper “fighting spirit”. That’s sickening.
Further, a lack of outrage over the loss of human life doesn’t mean we can ignore the loss of an animals life and brush it off as unimportant. All life is sacred.
on Jul 23rd, 2009 at 8:30 AM
he did not pay his debt to society. criminals do jail time to be protected from society. they pay their debt when they come out and add to society by their individual choices and attempt to make society better.
on Jul 23rd, 2009 at 9:26 AM
Well lets see how he conducts himself now that he is out. I havent heard him say much about the incident to date.
Im like Cyd..I wouldnt be heartbroken if a team didnt give him a job, but if they did thats their choice and I will also root againts him.
But you know sometimes in life, not to get soap boxy, people make some grave errors in judgement. People cheat on partners or spouses,embezzle money, deal drugs, etc etc. I think its how you conduct yourself after these incidences. Did you learn something, did you do all you can to make amends, did you not repeat the behavior? etc etc.
Lets see how he conducts himself.
on Jul 23rd, 2009 at 12:30 PM
They were dogs, get over it. Yes, it was bad in your eyes; but in parts of the south it’s considered a sporting event, like in mexico there are cock fights or box or bull fighting. Get off the soapbox.
on Jul 23rd, 2009 at 12:45 PM
To Sed and Seven Duece:
Life is life. Animal life is not lesser simply because they aren’t as intelligent as us. Is the life of a person who suffers a mental handicap lesser? Someone who is gay? Someone with any other trait that deems them “lesser” in the eyes of society?
People like you need to open your eyes and embrace the world, not just embrace your own kind.
on Jul 23rd, 2009 at 4:13 PM
D,
Lol, they ARE as intelligent…damn even more so!
We may have the brain but we’re so dogmatic and ignorant that it will never be used to full potential!
on Jul 23rd, 2009 at 4:50 PM
When your job hinges on public opinion, you may find the pendulum swinging when you fall into the pit.
on Jul 23rd, 2009 at 8:02 PM
Well here we have the real issue. It’s truly a philisophical issue isn’t it? Animal life is less than human life to me. Not even close. Animals are lesser than humans.
The next time some pitbull mauls a young child to death you’ll want that dog destroyed right D. I mean our lives are equal to theirs right? Or maybe we just put the dog in jail for 20 years and then give it probation after serving some of it’s time in a half-way house. oh oh and then the dog can do community service.
If they are equal then they should have the same responsibilities that we do. They should have to build and teach and cure diseases, you know the whole smack.
But they can’t do that can they because they are animals. Glorified tools is what they are. Pets. They only way they can life in a human society is if they are domesticated. Which means we have to fundementally change them, against their will I might add. Heck, some of you here making these comments probably eat animals. What makes a dog better than a chicken or a Deer for that matter. Is a dog better than a Pig or a Cow? I know of people who have Pigs as pets.
People who think humans and animals are equal are scary.
on Jul 24th, 2009 at 5:34 PM
Sed at least you know what your talking about.I agree with you a 100%.Michael Vick did his time,he didnt complain he just did it.Goodell said when he finishes his time,then the league will decide if he will play or not.By all means what he did was wrong,but really are you “animal lovers” going to be on his case for the rest of his life.I doubt if he cares what your opinion is.The way its looking right now,he might play next season.So i guess the “animal lovers”lose.That is what you wanted right,for vick to be miserable for the rest of his life.I dont even think he killed any dogs,he was just funding the operation
on Jul 24th, 2009 at 8:37 PM
Short answer – No
Long answer- Hell No!
Someone should tie a couple T-bones to him and drop him in a wolf pen at the zoo. Then we can all place bets on how long he lasts and who wins!
on Jul 25th, 2009 at 11:29 AM
If anyone is scary in this world, it is people like Sed that feel that animals are lesser than humans and than condones the vicious, disgusting actions of Michael Vick. That man has no legitimate right on the football field. He has not served enough time in prison and he has not paid his full debt to society. Granted animals do not have the power, intelligence, or creativity that humans possess but that does not make them lesser and does not make violent, detestable acts against animals right. M. Vick rightfully earned being miserable for the rest of his sorry ass life. He only deserves grinding poverty and a low wage job for as long as he lives because of his disgusting, criminal behavior. I for one am sick and damned tired of these big star athletes getting off easy or only serving minimal time. Sed and keshaun obviously don’t know the difference between right and wrong. If both of you had any common sense, you would not be defending Michael Vick like some mindless sycophants. You would both realize that the “animal lovers” have valid points.
on Jul 26th, 2009 at 10:22 AM
I’m so sick of this…I’m sick of it. He paid his debt to society and therefore he should be given a second chance. People have done a lot worse and gotten second chances and no one have an issue with it. I know that he’s not the only one involved in this and I almost hope that another athlete gets busted for it, but one who is a “golden boy” in the minds of many and see if they are treated in the same way.
on Jul 26th, 2009 at 12:08 PM
Bernie Madoff deserves a second chance too!
on Jul 26th, 2009 at 12:40 PM
And when he completes his 100 year sentence, he should get it.
on Jul 27th, 2009 at 7:44 AM
good response jeff.
on Jul 27th, 2009 at 1:08 PM
“Mike, he does have a right. But no one can be forced to hire him. If the NFL front office doesn’t want him, they have an equal RIGHT to ban him. And other people have the RIGHT to boycott him and his team if they so choose.”
Not one single person posting here will boycott the NFL (boycotting a team is meaningless, since NFL teams share their revenue) if he signs with anyone, and you know it.
on Jul 27th, 2009 at 2:30 PM
Yes, Vick deserve another chance. Vick did his time and paid for the crime now let him live.
on Jul 27th, 2009 at 4:04 PM
Vick does not deserve a second chance. Is he truly sorry for what he has done? Therein lies the question. Is he sorry simply because it will hurt his paycheck. He is an animal or he wouldn’t have done what he did. He is a butcher and should be marked for life. God is always willing to forgive, but is this guy truly sorry. I think he is simply because he got caught….
on Jul 27th, 2009 at 4:05 PM
No, Vick does not deserve another chance. He should be banned for life from professional football. His prison time was way too short for the horrible crime he committed. He should be told to pursue another career. The NFL should be off limits to him.
on Jul 27th, 2009 at 4:19 PM
REINSTATED!!!!!!
And what does his access to the NFL have to do with what he did? I mean if he was a bus driver should he not have had access back to driving a bus after he completed his sentence. I am in NO WAY condoning what Vick did. Anyone who participates in this sick dogfighting business should be punished. He was. He was sentenced by a judge (people act as if its Vick’s fault his sentence wasn’t long enough in their minds..blame the damn judge and system for not being as harsh as they should be on this kind of crime). However, I’m not going to deny this man the opportunity to earn a living, whether making millions in football or whatever because of a crime. He got caught, was punished (whether the time fit the crime is irrelevant because he served what he was given) and now its time for him to rebuild his life. Should he be boo’d? Absolutely. Thats his problem to deal with it. I won’t be on the “aww poor Vick is getting boo’d and there are horrible signs in the stadium directed at him” wagon, but I’m not going to be so self serving as to deny the man the opportunity to get his job back.
on Jul 27th, 2009 at 5:15 PM
The glee of dog haters at the reinstatement of Vick is a terrible thing to see. By supporting his reinstatement, people are proving the point that morality has nothing to do with the law, and ethics has nothing to do with sports.
on Jul 27th, 2009 at 5:44 PM
anything this piece of —- participates in should be dealt with by the people . such as not buying any products that are advertised on any ball game or whatever .(people power).
if he wants work ,then let him get in the ring with those kick boxers .I ‘m sure some of them would love to get him in the ring one time….
on Jul 27th, 2009 at 6:23 PM
Well don’t lump all of us dog lovers in one category. I think the laws against animal abuse are absurd. It amounts to a slap on the wrist. And lets be honest…what he REALLY got in trouble for was the financial part of the dogfighting. Had it just been a hobby that didn’t involve money his time in jail may have been shorter. I do support his opportunity to get a second chance but also agree that if people want to boo and boycott and not buy anything affiliated with him then thats perfectly understandable. I never bought anything Vick related before and sure as hell am not going to buy any now.
Do I believe he’s sorry? Yeah…sorry he got caught. But he did…served his time in jail…has limitations placed on him…and will be booted for any infraction. He served his time, but public outrage is understandable. Its not that I don’t understand the outrage. The only place I differ with people it seems is the second chance part and I think he deserves a chance to show he can make better decisions. Some will never forgive him and its understandable. Just because one serves jail time doesn’t absolve him of the crime. I can forgive him but I’ll never forget.
on Jul 28th, 2009 at 9:01 AM
Yeah give him a second chance. There are still dogs out there that need killing. I’m appauled at how little value we put on animals in this country.
Fame means more than decency. These are helpless victums and because he is famous he is forgiven.
He is not human. Lets put him in a pen to fight to the death.
NFL has given him a second chance. So now I’m signing every petition I can
on Jul 28th, 2009 at 9:06 AM
To Ron reinstated…
He did his time sure. Let him continue working on his construction job.
He should not be allowed to play because Pro sports have restrictions about gambling. If you care nothing about animals fine. But what about the rules.
on Jul 28th, 2009 at 9:24 AM
I think he should do time with BATTERED aninmals. Animals that have been CRUELLY hurt or beaten HALF to DEATH. Let him see and feel their PAIN! Perhaps 3 – 5 years should be enough.
Then, and only then will he see what DAMAGE he’s done.
MONEY and GREAT lawyers will NOT rehabilitate him. But i think this might?
What do you think??
on Jul 28th, 2009 at 1:11 PM
I agree with Shane. As a condition of going back to the NFL he should have to work with abused pets, or have to volunteer with PETA. I don’t even think 3-5 years is enough. It should be that as long as he’s in the NFL he has to do this. I remember hearing a case once about a drunk driver who killed a young child, and as part of his punishment he has to send a check for $1 a week to this family for I think the rest of is life. It was either the rest of his life or a certain number of years. I totally understand people saying he should be thrown in and torn apart because what he did to these animals is reprehensible. But, I’ve seen people serve less time in jail for killing a human. So the legal system is obviously screwed up. He’s out and should be allowed to play again IMO.
Of course, he has to find a team first. Someone else posted about people power, and if he ends up not being able to find a team then so be it. I had no issue with him being reinstated, but just as with any other job..if you can’t find one in your field and no one wants you….ya better think about what other skills you have and find something elsewhere. McDonalds is hiring.
on Jul 29th, 2009 at 7:27 AM
Paid for his crime? I think not. Now, if he would have been forced to go camping inside a hyena pen followed up with a close encounter of the tasing kind I might change my mind on the subject. However, this country is far too liberal to ever dispense proportionate justice when it comes crimes of any nature.
Furthermore, Mike Vick is not sorry for his actions. He is only sorry for getting caught. Being locked up does not “correct” anyone. Besides, people generally don’t change.