text:
Vick Released; NFL Decision Looms
UPDATED (2:26 p.m.)...
Michael Vick was released from federal custody Monday, with the sentence for his role in a dogfighting operation in Virginia expiring after he was imprisoned in Leavenworth, Kan., then on home confinement in Hampton, Va.
There still is no indication, however, about whether he'll be reinstated by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Goodell suspended Vick indefinitely prior to the 2007 season, and has not given a timetable for ruling on Vick's possible reinstatement. Goodell has said in recent months that he would not begin the decision-making process until after Vick's legal case concluded. He has said that Vick must demonstrate genuine remorse to be reinstated.
There is likely to be a face-to-face meeting between Goodell and Vick before Goodell makes a ruling. Goodell has not indicated whether he will make a decision before the upcoming season.
It also is not clear whether any NFL teams are interested in signing Vick, who is a free agent after being released by the Atlanta Falcons. He once was among the league's most dynamic players. But he's been out of the sport for two seasons, and any club that considers signing him will have to weigh the public relations implications of doing so.
Attorney Lawrence Woodward, who represents Vick, told the Associated Press that Vick was released from federal custody as scheduled. Vick had spent the past two months on home confinement, wearing an electronic monitoring device. The AP reported that two men in a car with a federal Bureau of Prisons folder on its dashboard visited Vick's home Monday morning, carrying a case similar to the one in which Vick's monitoring device was delivered when his home confinement began in May.
The period of home confinement was the completion of Vick's 23-month federal sentence. He had to serve at least 85 percent of that sentence under federal law, the AP reported. Vick worked a construction job, then switched to a job with programs for a boys and girls club, during his home confinement.
Vick remains on probation.
He also is without an NFL team and is ineligible for play in the league because of the suspension imposed by Goodell.
"The review of his status is ongoing," Greg Aiello, the NFL's senior vice president of public relations, said in a written statement Monday.
Goodell said at an NFL owners' meeting in May in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.: "Michael is going to have to demonstrate to myself and to the general public and to a lot of people: Did he learn anything from this experience? Does he regret what happened? Does he feel that he can be a positive influence going forward? Those are the questions that I would like to see [answered] when I sit with him."
Falcons owner Arthur Blank said at the same May owners' meeting: "There's no question Michael has paid his debt to society, obviously. But beyond that, the commissioner has to decide whether or not Michael, based on his view, has not only the personal remorse but has conducted himself, not only personally but in who he's associating with, in a way that is going to allow him to be a player in the NFL and represent our league well. That's the decision that the commissioner will make.
"... I believe in second chances," Blank said. "I believe in redemption. But the commissioner needs to satisfy himself that Michael has not only gone through his own journey but he's prepared to make other decisions than he's made in the past, both personally and in who he associates himself with. [That's] a very big part of that. He's, from what I've read, committed to getting his life back in order, his family and his own personal life and at the same time looking to the future in the National Football League. That was pretty clear going through [Vick's] bankruptcy proceedings."
Vick's representatives have made a return to the NFL by Vick a key component of his plan to emerge from the bankruptcy proceedings in which he's been involved. But any team that weighs the possibility of signing Vick will have to consider the PR implications.
"I think an owner would have to go through the same process that the commissioner would and satisfy himself or herself that Michael is--it goes beyond paying the price because clearly he's done that," Blank said in May. It's "whether or not he's a different person than he was... the last time he played a game in the NFL, and whether or not he's surrounding himself in an environment that's going to allow him to be a productive person and a productive player and a productive team member in the league."
Former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy visited Vick in prison and has said he believes that Vick deserves another chance in the NFL. Some former teammates also have lobbied publicly for Vick's reinstatement. But the public debate has continued, with some commentators contending that Vick doesn't deserve another chance to play in the NFL.
Some talent evaluators within the league wonder privately what the prolonged absence from the sport has done to Vick's on-field skills. Vick turned 29 in June and, while NFL quarterbacks regularly remain productive well into their 30s, Vick's six-season tenure as the Falcons' quarterback often included more success when he ran the ball than when he threw it. He ran for more than 1,000 yards in the 2006 season.
One development in the NFL that could aid Vick's potential return is the widespread use of the "Wildcat" offense around the league last season, in which the ball is snapped on some plays to an offensive player who is as skilled at running the ball as at throwing it. That offensive formation became increasingly popular after the Miami Dolphins used it to beat the New England Patriots in a game, and Vick perhaps could be a major on-field asset to a team wanting to use that approach.
ESPN reported Monday that Vick plans to hire speed and performance trainer Tom Shaw to aid his preparations for a prospective return to the league. Still, there's no way for NFL talent evaluators to know for certain what sort of player they'd be getting.
"You really don't know about the two years off because there's basically never been anyone who's been in that position," former NFL coach Dan Reeves, who coached Vick with the Falcons, said in a telephone interview Monday. "That's going to be a difficult thing. The other difficult thing for him will be finding someone to give him a chance. My hopes are that somebody will. I hope he does get that opportunity because he was such an exciting player. Two years away is a long time but hopefully the commissioner will reinstate him and he can get with a team for training camp so we can see what he can do."
Reeves said there's "no question" that he would sign Vick if he were running an NFL team.
"The guy's got three years probation," Reeves said. "That's a difficult thing. If he makes one mistake, he's back in prison. Michael needs to realize that. I know what type of person he is. He's a good person who made a huge, huge mistake. I'm not defending what he did. You can't defend what he did. But he's a guy who has a big heart. He's a great competitor. I'd like to see him given a second chance."
William Moran, an attorney who advised the New York Giants in connection with the Plaxico Burress shooting investigation, said that what Vick says in his face-to-face meeting with Goodell could be a significant factor in Goodell's reinstatement decision, and Vick will have to be similarly persuasive when meeting with any potential NFL employers.
"As far as what he needs to do to satisfy the commissioner that he is deserving of reinstatement and a chance to play, he needs to sit down and demonstrate he is accepting of the wrongful nature of what he's done and outline what he's going to do to avoid anything of this nature ever happening again," Moran, a partner in the New York office of the firm McCarter & English, said by phone Monday. "As far as dealing with teams, I think it's along the same lines.... I think it [Vick's crime] is of such a nature that teams are going to have to consider it and what implications it will have with the public going forward. On the other hand, the balance to that will be the obvious raw talent of the player."
Moran said he doesn't believe that Vick would be harmed by doing a high-profile media interview in which he expressed regret for his actions. The public generally is willing to forgive those who are contrite, Moran said, although this case seemingly continues to provoke raw emotions in the reactions of observers with views on both sides of the Vick reinstatement debate.
"The press has had enough high-profile cases lately that it's not unreasonable to expect another case to come along to take the attention away from this one," Moran said. "It's in the public's nature to forgive and move on. I guess that will remain to be seen. It will be a balancing act here between the notoriety of the acts and the skill of the player."
Vick also could draw interest from the upstart United Football League, which is scheduled to begin play in the fall and has hired former NFL coaches Dennis Green, Jim Fassel, Jim Haslett and Ted Cottrell to coach its four franchises.
Mark Maske
July 20, 2009; 8:35 AM ET
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If Vick cannot get a second chance, neither should Bush and Cheney
Posted by: peaceful2008 | July 21, 2009 2:49 PM
Don`t play the race card or the "You people care more about dogs than people" card.
I don`t give a damn if he`s purple.
Dog fighters come in all colors and from all economic backgrounds and professions.
It`s not a "Black" thing and decent people(no matter what color) don`t condone electrocuting or drowning dogs because they won`t fight.
He pled NOT GUILTY to animal cruelty.
He has no remorse.
No one is saying he shouldn`t have a 2nd chance at life or employment.
It shouldn`t be in the NFL.
For some bizarre reason,athletes are seen as role models.
He needs to be out of the Public eye.
Posted by: PeteEPibble | July 20, 2009 11:32 PM
The hypocrisy of the self-righteous posters here is nauseating. It easy to point finger at an athlete who has committed a very wrong act. I am not black, but I can tell you that if Michael Vick was white, many of these posters would be a lot more forgiving.
But to be so shocked by his actions, while the criminals in the Republican administration do the same to humans is laughable. Torture and kill innocent "foreigners" is just fine, but killing American dogs is the biggest crime imaginable.
Don't get me wrong, Vick did a horrible crime and wouldn't break my heart if he doesn't make it back to the NFL, it is sheer hypocrisy of the "unforgiving" bunch that drives me mad.
Posted by: peaceful2008 | July 20, 2009 11:04 PM
I am a dog lover (and owner) and understand the cruelty of Vick's action. But for all the self-righteous posters who thumping on their chest here let me put things in perspective:
Your criminal government (US of A) under Mr. Bush and Darth Cheney, tortured and killed human beings so that American multinationals would make money. They sent our kids to kill other people's kid to make profit (bottom line)
Where is the outrage for the actions of that criminal idiot, GWB?
Some of you idiots care more about innocent dogs than you do for innocent humans. The point is all living creatures deserve humane treatment.
Give Micheal Vick a break and don't make him an scape goat for all your other crimes.
Posted by: peaceful2008 | July 20, 2009 10:56 PM
Cheney hasn't served a day of time for his war profiteering crimes. And, actual humans, lots of them died. Get real, people! b
Posted by: bldlcc | July 20, 2009 10:52 PM
Knock Out Dog Fighting
Posted by: PeteEPibble | July 20, 2009 10:46 PM
This young man plays football. He's an entertainer. He's brutalized and killed dogs. He's done time in jail and forfeited more money than any of us will ever see. He has earned the right to be reconsidered for his prior job. He needs to redefine his boundaries and make a new try at life. Some of our outstanding citizens have come back from some dark places. Mr Vick is young and can be self supporting.
Posted by: Draesop | July 20, 2009 10:42 PM
Do the right thing and keep that garbage out of the league.
Hope he starves to death on the street.
Posted by: dlkimura | July 20, 2009 10:01 PM
What a bunch of forgiving souls. As you eat your chicken, steak, sausage, pork, veal, duck an turkey, you judge Vick. The guy did his time. Anyone leaving jail deserves to be treated like any free person. The real crooks are running the NFL. Most of you sound like spiteful hooligans. Perhaps, you'd like to see him wearing a crown of thorns and hung from a cross? Get a life and let Vick live his.
Posted by: rcvinson64 | July 20, 2009 9:52 PM
I will put this very simply. If Vick EVER collects a paycheck from ANY NFL team, I and my family will never ever buy another season ticket, go as guest to any game, or watch an event on TV.
Posted by: kl305 | July 20, 2009 9:48 PM
What Vick did crossed the line. As a dog-owner, I consider what he did as despicable. If the NFL decides to reinstate this man, I plan to boycott the 2009 season. I hope Goddell will do the right thing and ban this man from the league.
Royal fan of the NFL for over 20+ years.
Posted by: tkawase99 | July 20, 2009 9:48 PM
No one, except perhaps Mr. Maske is going to read this, but I'll post it anyway. I just read Rama Lakshmi's story on the confession, in court, of Ajmal Amir Kasab (22 years old, with poor to no legal representation) for the Mombai hotel bombings. Now I have read Mr. Maske's comments about Vick's situation. To be honest, I'm far more inclined to forgive Mr. Kasab. Mr. Vick needs more time to grow up, and his lawyers need a lot more time studying the law. As lowly as the NFL has fallen, Mr. Vick would only take it even lower. Do your job and your duty, Mr. Commissioner and send Mr. Vick back to school.
Posted by: peery | July 20, 2009 8:56 PM
Send him to the Raiders and tell the hipocrits to shut the F up.
The NFL can't possibly get any lower anyway.
Posted by: tniederberger | July 20, 2009 7:57 PM
I really can't believe that there has to be a discussion about this. THIS MAN KILLED, TORTURED, AND FUNDED THE KILLING AND TORTURE OF ANIMALS. Go back and read that again. If it is still no big deal then keep reading it until it is. He knowingly, and willfully, for his own gain and sport, KILLED AND TORTURED animals. Doesn't that repulse every one of you ? It should. If the NFL allows this (I won't call him a man and to call him an animal is an insult to animals) hideous creature to play in it's league I vow to actively boycott the NFL and it's sponsors. I will join PETA (an organization which I detest) and I will protest at every NFL event I can. I live in the NY area so that will mean every Sunday at Giants and Jets games. This man does not get a pass, a do over, a mulligan, or an oops. You are asking the world to drop it's moral standards by letting Vick return to league. Hopefully the NFL realizes the impact it will have on it's image and does the right thing. If he is so remorseful let him go to work at a canine rescue shelter to earn a living. If it was anyone else would they get to walk right back into their high paying job??
Posted by: pveedee | July 20, 2009 7:17 PM
"And virtually ALL of my neighbors in our top-50 income zip-code" - wcmillionairre
Not sure which is more comical; An egotistical need to point out your worth (how fleeting that it is after one good ponzi scam) OR the fact that guys far wealthier than you would doubtfully be affected by your laughable lawsuit.
All in all we do a dishonor to the game and its history allowing PUNKS to play the game. Plain and simple. At this point, disgusting as it is, American Football is just another day @ the horse track. Breed 'em and send 'em off to the glue factory.... THAT is the result of The "Millionairre" logic. Someone needs to put the working class back into the working class game. It should STILL be a privilege.
Posted by: filterem | July 20, 2009 6:44 PM
Under no circumstances that Vick should be allowed to play in the NFL. A zero tolerance policy should be in place, when you commit a felony you are out of the NFL for good. The NFL like all other sports should have a high standard for playing sports on all levels. Otherwise the youth will learn that you can cheat or commit a felony and still you will be allowed to play sports and earn a living. Sports need to clean up its act, today sports is very sick.
Posted by: jk330 | July 20, 2009 6:43 PM
wcmillionairre, I apologize. Perhaps I didn't express myself correctly.
By no means do I believe that I have the right answer to this topic. What I do know, is that Michael Vick did wrong just like many others have. The truth is, we all make mistakes. And yes, some make 'much' bigger mistakes than others.
However, I would personally like to see if Michael Vick learned and has become a better person.
As to your top-50 income zip-code standpoint on this issue; well, perhaps the NFL will ignore all other football fans around the nation who 'do' want to see Michael Vick play again to make sure you're satisfied.
Posted by: OnlyASportsFan | July 20, 2009 6:37 PM
Like every other ex-con, he should have to go out and scrap for a job. No special favors from the NFL, thank you.
Posted by: seaduck2001 | July 20, 2009 6:24 PM
"I find it really interesting how many of us are willing to judge Michael Vick because of what was exposed to us by the media."
What do you mean "US"? I did not judge Vick; I left the judgement to the Courts, where he was found guilty of illegal and immoral acts, based upon facts in evidence. He has "served his time" but remains a fundamentally-flawed human being who is unworthy of our respect. As for "football talent" he was never a great player, simply put.
Perhaps you are disappointed that the "media" duly reported the atrocities with such clarity?
Posted by: wcmillionairre | July 20, 2009 6:17 PM
from "oracle2world" - "Vic,
There is a spot for you here on the West Coast. Radier's or 9ner's.
Lets put the pass behind us and win a SuperBowl."
WOW! This guy Vick can't even win games, let alone the respect of the fans. Why would anyone think Vick could take ANY NFL team to the Superbowl? "oracle2world" are you auditioning to be Vick's agent?
Posted by: wcmillionairre | July 20, 2009 6:11 PM
Should Mr. Vick be re-instated by the NFL, I will NEVER purchase ANY PRODUCT advertised of endorsed by the NFL, its athletes, or subsidiaries. And virtually ALL of my neighbors in our top-50 income zip-code feel the same. Of course, we will continue to enjoy NFL football on television, right after we sue our local franchises for the return of our season-ticket money. As our former President said, "BRING IT ON"! Let us see how the NFL gambles with its own survival...
Posted by: wcmillionairre | July 20, 2009 6:04 PM
I find it really interesting how many of us are willing to judge Michael Vick because of what was exposed to us by the media. We have to take into consideration that his apology to the public and other comments made by him in public were more than likely written by a PR agent.
The man admitted to what he did, served his time, is willing to follow the necessary steps to get his life back together, and more importantly, is doing it all without parading himself on the news.
Michael Vick was unquestionably an exciting player and he deserves another chance. If he does get a chance to play again, he will either no longer be NFL material, in which case he will be released; or he will produce and sell jerseys.
One way or another, he made a mistake (as all of us have) and he should be given a chance to show to sports-fans what he is truly made of.
Posted by: OnlyASportsFan | July 20, 2009 6:02 PM
The NFL has so many 'people problems' already. Let the Comissioner do his job of cleaning it up.
PETA can really bring heat on the NFL and I don't believe the NFL needs that now. Besides, there are other leagues that might give him a shot as they are in need of some stars (CFL?).
Posted by: sunliteco | July 20, 2009 6:00 PM
I hate dogs
Posted by: nmoses | July 20, 2009 6:00 PM
I find it really interesting how many of us are willing to judge Michael Vick because of what was exposed to us by the media. We have to take into consideration that his apology to the public and other comments made by him in public were more than likely written by a PR agent.
The man admitted to what he did, served his time, is willing to follow the necessary steps to get his life back together, and more importantly, is doing it all without parading himself on the news.
Michael Vick was unquestionably an exciting player and he deserves another chance. If he does get a chance to play again, he will either no longer be NFL material, in which case he will be released; or he will produce and sell jerseys.
One way or another, he made a mistake (as all of us have) and he should be given a chance to show to sports-fans what he is truly made of.
Posted by: OnlyASportsFan | July 20, 2009 6:00 PM
This issue comes down to what kind of person you are. If you follow the teachings of christ you can allow yourself to forgive Vick for his actions and in the process teach your children something about forgivness as well as redemption through christ. If you dont have Jesus in your life you may find that your hatred no matter how justified will never allow you to forgive Vick for his sins and therefore live a life of hate. I think its a shame to allow the evil of vicks past (which he has repented for and moved on) to posion your future. Just my thoughts...
Posted by: davefromdc1 | July 20, 2009 5:45 PM
He is a sick scumbag. I wouldn't hire him to mow my lawn. I'd feel the same way about a convicted child molestor who had finished his sentence and paid his debt to society. Just because the law is done with him doesn't mean I have to tacitly condone his behavior by helping to make him a millionaire again; there are plenty of other qualified young men who deserve the opportunity to be an NFL quarterback who have not tortured and killed animals.
Posted by: mr_bill_10 | July 20, 2009 5:24 PM
Let him play. There are no real morals left in America anyway. Just listen to talk radio. So, let him play. He is just like all the others that do vile things. Let him play. What a role model he is. Let him play.
Posted by: pcc7407 | July 20, 2009 5:00 PM
If the dogs were Republican dogs, Fox News would be defending Vick, calling what he did a harmless prank.
Posted by: rparker125 | July 20, 2009 4:41 PM
The NFL can do what it wants. However, if this vicious pervert is allowed to play in the NFL, I can promise you that my young boys will *never* watch another NFL game while living under my roof - they will *never* be taken to another game by me, and all of their NFL jerseys and other gear will be going into the trash.
Posted by: slowroller | July 20, 2009 4:33 PM
He has paid his debt to society, let him play. Nothing further positive came come from stopping him from making a living the only way he knows how.
Posted by: amayo3 | July 20, 2009 4:28 PM
If Vick ends up playing again, I wont lose any sleep over it. That doesn't mean it will have not have been worthwhile to write some words reminding people of how dishonorably he ought to be regarded. One way or another his sins will take their toll. He may toss and turn as an old man thinking he hears puppies in distress and cry every time he sees a dogfood commerical. Whatever already snapped in his brain, to cause him to act the way he did, snaps completely and he gets into voodoo magic to summon the dogs and cleanse their souls. (Aren't crazy people the one's who torture animals? Isn't Vick one of "those" now? Doesn't what he did make him a perv and a gambler?)
Posted by: aphexrlz | July 20, 2009 4:26 PM
All this and fans will still genuflect to kiss his heavily muscled posterior for a Superbowl win in DC- or many other teams. 5 years of success and he will be back in national endorsements.
Get over it. Football is not played by nuns and ministers. Fans don't yell, 'Love your neighbor' but "let's kill the ___ (other team)". DC's s team is called the Redskins not the Native Americans. And families have been priced out of season tickets years ago.
Posted by: cab50151 | July 20, 2009 4:22 PM
I think the law even more than the public has made its point. He has lost more than any of us will ever loose and we think we have the right to decide the rest of his life for him? We dont. I say let him try to make a living playing football just like any of us would try to make a living doing what we do if we were convicted felons. If a company hires us at the funiture company or construction site no one else can tell that company what to do but we have a choice to not support the product which is the same right each one of us has regarding Vick and the NFL. But my point is am I going to allow Vick to dictate what I watch? Really? I am going to change what I watch on TV because of one person? We all know that we wont so instead of changing our perogatives we want to control his. Make him go away so I wont have to feel the need to miss any football games because he is playing is what we are asking. Sad thing is if he ended up working at our local 7-11 we would go out of our way just to go to the store he worked in just to see him working an $8.00 an hour job. So we would actually patronize him more if we thought he was poor and suffering. If there was a reality show showing him losing his millions and suffering we would all watch it. But we hate the prospect of him committing a crime and being able to go back and make a better living than most of us do. Thats why we hate Vick, not because of dog fighting but because he can possibly go back to being a millionare athlete and our lives stay the same after being convicted. I say boycott the NFL if you dont like it but dont think you have the right to control someone elses livelyhood. You dont. Conviction or not. Lets face it, even if you hate Vick the last thing you would do is allow him to dictate what you do. He has paid his debt. Now ignore him if you dont like him. No one is asking you to buy his jersey if he plays football again. Just dont watch his team if it bothers you that much but my feeling is after the initial emotional reactions of him playing will be ignored and we would have moved on to the next big thing in the news. Just think, we were all ready to villify the governor who took the south american trip to hang out with his mistress until we heard that Michael Jackson died then we forgot all about that guy didn't we? Vick will be a big deal until something else comes along to distract us.
Posted by: ged0386 | July 20, 2009 4:15 PM
Maybe I am all talk, but that that's better than no talk combined with no actions. I think you have a warped notion of what constitutes hypocrisy. If you mean to call me a hypocrite because I would write scathing words concerning someone who repeatedly committed vile acts and expects to play ball in the big leagues again in front of millions of sports fans, and then not take action myself in protest - that is ludicrous. They are just dogs. If I was out to condemn Vick because of what he did, there are many ways of acting politically, but that same effort is best reserved for human causes. So for this issue I'll have to be "all talk" but that at least is better than staying completing silent regarding how I think people should view Vick on a personal level. In any case, you seem like all talk as well. Talk helps get things going.
Posted by: aphexrlz | July 20, 2009 4:15 PM
Who let the dog (killer) out? Woof, woof woof woof WOOF!
Posted by: Meepo | July 20, 2009 4:04 PM
There are plenty of good players to take his place. Throw him to the dogs. I do NOT believe he's at all sorry for those poor dogs that were ripped apart and killed.
Posted by: TwoEvils | July 20, 2009 3:59 PM
This isn't a black/white issue....if you actually read my posts you'll see that. There is nothing contradictory in my postings. But I see that you've taken them pretty personally. So I can only assume that you are one of these fake animal activists who talks a lot and does nothing for the animals that are killed every day. If you don't like being called out then don't post.
As far as continuing to imprison Vick for his mistakes; I wasn't speaking of literally putting him back in prison. My point again (because you obviously can't comprehend) is that Vick is a free man, free to work in whatever industry will allow him to work. If you choose not to watch his games, buy a product he endorses that is totally your right.
You are however not the judge and jury (thank god). It's small minded people such as yourself who put a strangle hold on this country. Maybe Vick should be sentenced to death, or life in prison for his wrongdoings? I have an idea......maybe you can move to the middle east where people are tortured and killed for stealing, killing animals, or walking outside the lines of the cross-walk i.e. punished accordingly for their crimes (according to you).
I'm sorry you're all talk and no action. You have nobody to blame for that but yourself. I can't hold your hand and make you stand up for what you claim to believe in. Either do something or shut up about it.
Should the NFL give Vick another chance? Not for you or me to decide. The NFL has their own judge and jury system to manage that. Does Vick share the same views as you in relation to a dogs life? No! Should he? No! Is it okay that he killed dogs for sport? No! Is it possible that not only did he learn a lesson about killing animals but actually learned a lesson about life and being in the public eye?
So according to some people on here including yourself people are incapable of change. If you kill an ant, you'll kill a cat, which will lead to you killing 20 dogs, which will lead to you killing a person......right? Wrong! Now would the normal every-day person be okay with killing dogs? Of course not! However, people are at times in their life a product of their environment. Maybe Vick looks at dogs as being put here to serve man at any cost. Does that mean he'll come to your house a year from now and kill you entire family?
The strange thing here is there is all this talk about what he will do in the future. Last time I checked there was no such thing as a "crystal ball".........but if you have one please let me know because I need the winning lotto numbers. In closing; you continue to imprison Vick for what he may or may not do, you continue to imprison him for what the law has said he has paid his debt to society, you continue to imprison him for not forgiving him personally. I hope you never make a mistake that would have you feeling alone and isolated.
Posted by: dwilcox2 | July 20, 2009 3:59 PM
Throw him in a pit with as many pit bulls it takes to equal his weight.
If he lives through it but doesn't fight up to expectations, electrocute him using a car battery.
Posted by: rcubedkc | July 20, 2009 3:58 PM
I don't think Vick should have more jail time. Its even arguable that he should have had less, yet the stigma of that crime on his record should still be vivid in light of the nature of his intent for doing what he did combined with the methodical and organized way he went about doing it. If Sarah Palin went and shooting wolves regularly, just to watch them bleed to death, then that would not be as bad as going out with the intention of causing wolves as much suffering as possible - such as shooting them in ways that make them squirm the most. In such a case, Sarah Palin would not necessarily be humanity's biggest villain, but at the very least it would make one regard her with cautious suspicion that she could be a closeted sociopath. She would lose her power to rally even her own base if it came to light that Palin sought out ways of inflicting the most suffering imaginable, or asked Vick's opinion on how best to violate a Wolf, drawing on pitbull experience.
Posted by: aphexrlz | July 20, 2009 3:57 PM
In a nation as morally bankrupt and hypocritical as we have become I wouldn't be a bit surprised to see him playing again. Preseason or superbowl, I won't be watching if Vic plays. Get the leash Fido, we'll be taking long autumn walks on the C&O towpath
Posted by: NICKYNUNYA | July 20, 2009 3:53 PM
Remember, your children are watching that TV.
Posted by: limejunction | July 20, 2009 1:10 PM
Maybe thats the problem. The children should be learning from parents, not Martha Steward or Michael Vick. Please dont make either responsible for your childrens developement. If you do than its you who are failing your children not Vick. Hey, Most rock stars are just like Vick, rich, arrogant and a little irresponsible but well liked because of their status. Do you want your kids to grow up emulating them? When you think about it we have a great role model for kids to look up to. Barrack Obama, but once again we as americans allow our emotions based on politics and race to sckew or perspective to the point we villify Obama more than even Vick and he hasn't done anything criminal. How about raising your own kids based on you being a role model instead of depending on Vick, A-rod and Manny doing it for you.
Posted by: ged0386 | July 20, 2009 3:51 PM
Vick shouldn't have to clean toilets or even earn $10 an hour. He could be a personal fitness trainer or coach or something else that lets him ply some of his gifts. What he lost is the ability to reassume a public figure that entertains families. He should have the legal right to play again but continue to be regarded unfavorably by the public to the extent that he becomes more of a long-term liability to any team that signs him. The public cannot resubject Vick to a legal process but it can haunt him everywhere by publicly displaying its disgust with him in the role of a professional entertainer and role model. What if Vick had literally "screwed the pooch" in the stadium during a game? Not killed it or tortured it - just screwed it.? Do you think NFL would want him back then? What would make him less entertaining and marketable, torturing the animal or something else? Which treatment you think the animal would have preferred, all other things being equal?
Posted by: aphexrlz | July 20, 2009 3:49 PM
aphexrlz wrote: If Vick was just "out shooting" any animal then it would not be nearly as serious as electrocuting it and torturing it. The intent to create suffering in a being for the pleasure of entertainment is Vick's real infringement.
You're kidding right. So it's OK for Sarah Palin to shoot wolves from a helicopter and allow them to slowly bleed to death. But that's just fine and you want to make her VP. It's also ok for hunters to kill deer and any other animal they want for sport but that's just fine too. Yet, you want to make Michael Vick pay for the rest of his life for the dog fighting ring. Hypocrisy, you think.
Vick served more time then any other person would have for this dog fighting ring only because he is a black NFL player. I read the paper everyday they don't get pedophiles and rapists as much time as they gave Michael Vick and people like you still want more. Look, the man paid his debt to society, if the NFL allows him to play and another team picks him up, I'm happy for him.
Posted by: wmwilliams14 | July 20, 2009 3:45 PM
quote]I was asked the other day......what would you say to somebody who says well they're just dogs. I'd say to somebody who says they're just dogs - that's probably somebody who would say they're just kids or they're just seniors. We can not allow the defenseless among us to be abused and hurt and caged and chained as we see here. - Attorney General Troy King[/quote]
Ahh hello? Two years in prison, Loss of millions, may never get old job back, villified by millions. I think he paid more for being involved in dog fighting than anyone has ever paid. And no, no one compares dogs to humans and that does not mean we dont care about dogs but just because someone says its just a dog does not mean we say the same about humans. But then again, our legacy as a country is we have the distinction of being the last country to have slavery and we just stop lynching people a few decades ago so we live in a country that places a low value on human life so please dont act suprised that Vick and others have less regards for dogs. Lets keep this real. Vick was wrong but he is far from being the subhuman we keep trying to describe him as. We are the same people that wants to make guys like John Gotti and other gangsters who kill countless numbers of people heros. We are the same post readers that felt like the 14 year old who was shot in the head by cops over a scotter got what he deserved.
Posted by: ged0386 | July 20, 2009 3:44 PM
Vick is just as screwed up as the rest of us. You included.
Remember what he did to man's best friend?
"Fifty-four pit bulls were recovered from the property during searches in April, along with a "rape stand," used to hold dogs in place for mating; an electric treadmill modified for dogs; and a bloodied piece of carpeting"
"Fights would end when one dog died or with the surrender of the losing dog, which was put to death by drowning, strangulation, hanging, gun shot, electrocution or some other method."
Vick poured water on dogs already battered from fights, then he electrocuted them. He put nooses around their necks and watched them choke to death when hung.
Michael Vick is not just "screwed up"....He is a serial killer waiting to happen!
Dirt bath for Vick......
Posted by: Rubiconski | July 20, 2009 3:38 PM
Posted by: ram_xxx_ram | July 20, 2009 3:19 PM
You forgot to mention that European "football" is fixed. It is a game that is fixed all over the world. The World Cup is a joke because the power brokers set up the winners before the tournament.
Posted by: mortified469 | July 20, 2009 3:37 PM
Give him a job in the NFL cleaning toilets after the games! He made his bed...If they reinstate this S-O-C-I-O-P-A-T-H, they better be prepared for some serious backlash.
The NFL must kick Michael Vick off FOREVER to show that they don't condone animal cruelty no matter how good one is at the game of football!
The dogs had no chance of escape and were tortured day after day!
He did his time physically, but WE will never forget it and HE will pay for it the rest of his life, because that is how human nature is :) He needs to make it right with himself and the big man above, all our judgments just make us feel better…
RIP pups!
Posted by: Rubiconski | July 20, 2009 3:29 PM
How can anyone be a fan of a subhuman like him? What does this say about the morals and values in America?
Posted by: Rubiconski | July 20, 2009 2:57 PM
It says that Vick is just as screwed up as the rest of us. You included. The same people that are all up in arms over this cheered when we bombed Iraq. How many innocent dogs, children and adults who had nothing to do with Saddam Huesain died when we invaded their country in the name of weapons of mass destruction, stoping a tyrant and spreading democracy. We killed thousands and devastated a country who did nothing to us and you probably was behind it all the way. Our moral decay did not start the day we found out Vick was involved in dog fighting. We have been morally bankrupt a long time before two years ago.
Posted by: ged0386 | July 20, 2009 3:28 PM
"...They were just dogs..."
Just dogs Andio76?
[quote]I was asked the other day......what would you say to somebody who says well they're just dogs. I'd say to somebody who says they're just dogs - that's probably somebody who would say they're just kids or they're just seniors. We can not allow the defenseless among us to be abused and hurt and caged and chained as we see here. - Attorney General Troy King[/quote]
Posted by: PeteEPibble | July 20, 2009 3:24 PM
Athletes are supposed to be role models. Unfortunately baseball is the only sport where athletes are punished for criminal conduct.
Posted by: kantormike | July 20, 2009 2:02 PM
ha ha
Baseball is full of cheaters who illegally shoot up drugs to enhance their performance -- great role models for the kiddies!
The league allowed multiple postives while letting athletes continue to play.
I watch European football...the football that is played with your feet not hands...one positive test is a two year ban...missing a test is a two year ban. Excessive celebration is a yellow card. Taunting is a foul. You know sportsmanship.
I know I know Americans think every football match ends in a riot. You don't understand the close proximity of other countries, different cultures, and the historical context -- with the added element of young men wearing colors, speaking another language,and high on alcohol...how that might sometimes result in inappropriate behavior by groups of youth / drunk young men.
Here...it is our basketball players like Ron Artest beating fans for racial motives...or football players killing their pregnant girlfriends...or torturing dogs for fun....
yeah yeah ... it's all good
you fools will continue to support your heros...you stomach it all now....
Posted by: ram_xxx_ram | July 20, 2009 3:19 PM
There is a spot for you here on the West Coast. Radier's or 9ner's.
Lets put the pass behind us and win a SuperBowl.
Posted by: Stanford1 | July 20, 2009 3:05 PM
He did his time. He is "rehabilitated". He should have an opportunity to ply his trade again.
Posted by: oracle2world | July 20, 2009 3:00 PM
Whats sad is you have less compassion for humans than vick has for dogs. If you want to see him die for his crime how are you any better than he is? Stop being overboard about it. Or be consistant and dont stop with Vick or any other people who do cruel things to dogs and other animals. Dont put all your eggs in Vicks basket just because he is an athlete. Vick got punished for what he did. He lost his freedom, his job and his financial security. Its time to punish someone else for dog fighting. You cant keep punishing the same person over and over. While we are saving all of our anger and bad wishes for Vick its some person out there doing the same thing he was doing or worse. Do you care about those animals and punishing that person? Remember, when Vick financed the dog kennel that held the dog fights and sold dogs to people who use them that way there were more people involved than just vick. Do you even know the names of the other guys involved or even care if they are paying the same price as Vick? Do you even care about their status or if they are still involved with animals? NO!! All you care about is seeing a black athlete get his life ruined because you are sick of arrogant diamond earing wearing, chest beating, expensive car driving, mansion living, hey look at me im rich and your not black athletes who get that way just because they can run fast and throw far while you have to go to school and work your butt off to get half the financial success in a lifetime that they enjoy in a couple of years. Thats why you have soo much hate for Vick and guys like him. You cant even name the other guys involved in the case without googling them, nor do you care. So it aint about dogs, its about the overpaid black guy who thinks he is above the law. So you want to overpunish him. Who are you kidding? Would you care about Vick dogfighting if he were changing tires at goodyear all this time instead of playing professional football?
Posted by: ged0386 | July 20, 2009 2:57 PM
Any NFL team that even thinks of playing Vick will be boycotted into bankruptcy!
His treatment of innocents who cannot defend or protect themselves is one disgusting demonstration of depravity.
How can anyone be a fan of a subhuman like him? What does this say about the morals and values in America?
Posted by: Rubiconski | July 20, 2009 2:57 PM
I'm over Vick and used to the idea that he won't be around anymore. Someone nearly or actually as talented as he will have his position. Such a player will hopefully not have killed someone before or tortured anyone or anything. If they do, then the same fate awaits them. Professionally it would be back to square one for them, regardless of their race or religion or how much they were previously worth as a brand.
Posted by: aphexrlz | July 20, 2009 2:55 PM
There are those that have murdered....yet they walk free amongst us.....
To be honest....What he did was wrong.....
To be honest...They were just dogs..........
Get over it, he has almost paid his time...and if he start to win again...Trust me the cheers will drown out the tears.....
Posted by: andio76 | July 20, 2009 2:47 PM
Anyone who did what Michael Vick did knew that it was wrong before he did it. Otherwise, why the secrecy? If you think you're promoting a sport, be proud of it.
He knew it was nothing to be proud of from the beginning. Indeed, he should have been mortified and ashamed.
Vick is not sorry he injured, caused agony to, and killed living creatures; he's just mighty sorry that he got caught.
I could never watch him play without being sick to my stomach.
Posted by: jhershelredpuppy1 | July 20, 2009 2:41 PM
The truth of the matter is the same self righteous people who claim they will never endorse a product related to Vick are the same people who are to self obsorbed and self centered to allow one player such as vick to dictate what they do or dont to. Do you really think that people are going to allow Vick to keep them from watching football? If my favorite team is playing a team with Vick on it I am going to miss the game? We as self centered americans are not going to let Vick dictate what we watch on Sundays. Thats real. We say we are going to boycott football if Vick plays but the truth is we are not. It just sounds good when people talk that righteous crap.
Posted by: ged0386 | July 20, 2009 2:41 PM
Michael Vick is reprehensible trash. Vick should never be permitted to earn one dollar or gain any celebrity status ever again as a professional football player.
Michael Vick can't play, so maybe he should be put down, like all of the dogs in his compound that could no longer fight. He should be tortured just as the poor dogs were. I hope he is an example for the rest of the people who fight dogs, SICK!
Thank you Brandon Bond of All or Nothing Tattoo, Atlanta Ga. (Bond fostered 3 of the Michael Vick dog's) there's Atlanta's real hero.
Posted by: Rubiconski | July 20, 2009 2:38 PM
Your "facts" are pointless, worthless, and redundant. No one is saying that Vick ought to continue to be imprisoned, which is what you claim that people are insisting should be done to Vick. You and others seem to be making this into a black-or-white issue. This is not about whether he should stay a free man (ex-con, not con) versus play in the NFL again. He's a free man - no argument there. Everything else is BS. For example you contradict yourself by claiming that only the NFL will decide that matter of whether Vick returns to the game and then blast people for being "all talk." Of course this is all talk. Why would you want it any other way? This is about animals, so it's OK to be all talk. Action is best reserved for human beings, and don't falsely assume that no one posting ever acts on behalf of other people. "All talk" will be plenty to keep Vick's public opinion in the red zone for most of his life. You are right that everyone is entitled to an opinion and that not everyone has to like Vick for what he did, so why do you take offense to people publicly stating those opinions? None of the opinions posted here will put Vick back in jail. That much is assured since it is not possible for words to legally imprison someone. If Vick goes back to jail, it will be for some other crime.
It sucks having a bad reputation and Vick may as well get used to it. If life ends up sucking a bit for him due to having a bad rep and getting cut down by talk-show hosts and being embarrassed in public, he'll know that he brought it on himself. Just because "he did his time" does not mean anyone has to personally forgive him. If I met Vick out the street and he asked me the time, I'd still give it to him with no regrets. I would hope anyone else would do the same but hopefully not invite him over to watch the game or have dinner unless it was clear that he had remorse and was a changed man.
Posted by: aphexrlz | July 20, 2009 2:30 PM
Vick has a right to go where the money leads him. The NFL has a right to decide what it will do, as well as any team that my bring him on.
I have the right to never again watch any team that might bring him on. I have a right to never buy any product sponsored by the team that might bring him on.
It's all about the money, and I intend to exercise my right how to spend mine. I encourage others to think and do so as well.
Vote with your wallet on this one.
Posted by: HillRat | July 20, 2009 2:28 PM
Let Vick play, but with conditions. As long as he is on probation, he should not be given a contract worth millions. He should get no more than $100,000 the first year with increases until he is off probation. Those of us who are not gifted athletes would probably not get our old jobs back with a felony charge on our records. Let Vick earn his way back into the big contract. That way the fans and the game will not get stung if he has a relapse.
Posted by: saelij | July 20, 2009 2:18 PM
I wouldn't expect your typical football fan to understand...what with so many of them mere cretins...
he electricuted them
he strangled them
he hung them
he drowned them
he tortured them
Thus, NO, this POS cannot become richer playing your silly game.
Posted by: kase | July 20, 2009 2:17 PM
NFL sure is invested in suspending all moral code to see this punk thug felon play again.
What's the dealy, yo? Makes one wonder how many more NFL players are involved in illegal dogfighting. Surely Vick isn't the only one. Has he threatened to expose the whole NFL ring if he isn't reinstated?
Maybe the whole league should be investigated as well as the NBL, ect.
Posted by: Rubiconski | July 20, 2009 2:13 PM
If you are a NFL team owner and are even considering signing Vick may I quote Gordon Gecko from the film Wall Street, "that's the thing you gotta remember about WASPs: love animals can't stand people." The NFL is a business, it is not a church offering redemption. No football player "deserves" anything. Either he can add value to your business (for the right price) or he cannot. Vick cannot add value. That is all an NFL team needs to know.
Vick didn't kill a person, he tortured dogs. People will forgive you killing a person they don't know, not so if you torture a dog they don't know. An NFL owner will be lucky if all he gets are death threats, packages filled with interesting substances, incredibly hostile away crowds and players split on whether or not Vick deserves to be on the team. Vick will not just cost you his contract price, he will cost the team in increased security and a loss of revenue in apparel and other sales. Lets say you sign Vick, he is on the field, the team is down by three scores in the fourth and at least one of your lineman is a dog lover. It is incredibly easy to let that opposing defender through the line for a clear shot on Vick. Protecting the QB is a religious duty to a lineman. But what Vick did can split a locker room, especially along racial lines in the most colorblind part of our society.
To all those coaches who want to take a shot at signing Vick, you just don't understand the level of hatred and outrage you'll have directed at you. And if you are an owner, I really hope you don't enjoy the social scene. Don't forget that you mingle with people who won't spend a cent on helping a starving human but will donate millions to animal welfare and art projects. If you are ever invited to a society party again expect a frosty reception. Vick committed the one unforgivable sin in our culture.
Posted by: caribis | July 20, 2009 2:08 PM
esibmr, you are an idiot. Check your numbers on the indentured servant idea that you equate to "white slaves." Pick up a book, look at Bacon's Rebellion and then re-think. Helpful Hint: That is when indentured servants were raised above African slaves under the law. They didn't raise themselves you moron.
Posted by: eor11 | July 20, 2009 2:08 PM
Athletes are supposed to be role models. Unfortunately baseball is the only sport where athletes are punished for criminal conduct.
Posted by: kantormike | July 20, 2009 2:02 PM
The guy both served his time and lost pretty much everything he had. Despite what moral misgivings we may have, Vick deserves the opportunity to rebuild his life. With what he'll have to face from the media & the public, prison & bankruptcy may well prove to be the easier part of his ordeal.
Posted by: nonsensical2001 | July 20, 2009 1:59 PM
Well it seems that many of the postings on here are put up by animal activists (of sorts). Instead of wasting your time posting on here why don't you go down to your local animal shelter and adopt the 10 dogs and cats that are going to be murdered (legally) today because nobody wants them? If Vick killed 1000 dogs it still wouldn't even begin to total the number of dogs killed in the US on a daily basis in a so called "legal" fashion. Why not spend your time saving animals from sure death? You know why - because you're all talk and no action!
You all hide behind your web postings and never get up and put your money where your mouths are. You all make me laugh with your "passionate" postings as if dogs aren't murdered every day right down the street from where you live. Oh, but that doesn't concern you now does it? No because your son or daughter doesn't have to watch the men and women in lab coats on TV after they've done their daily work of sticking a deadly cocktail into a dogs neck. I mean your kids don't even know this happens. In fact MOST of you "animal lovers" on here turn a blind eye to that and claim to have animals best interest at heart.
The fact is you are weak, mindless nothings who spit your personal views onto a website yet don't have the drive or desire to actually make a real difference for something you "believe" in. Your "points" are pointless.
Fact 1. Vick is a free man.
Fact 2. The NFL and ONLY the NFL will decide his fate as it relates to his career in the NFL.
Fact 3. Everyone posting has his/her right to their opinion.
Fact 4. Most of you are all talk.
Fact 5. Americans rely way too heavily on public figures to raise their children
Fact 6. Your TV has more than one channel, an on/off switch, and for those of you living in 2009, child safety features that allow you to block certain content (use them).
Fact 7. Right or wrong our laws are our laws, and unless you can do something to change them you must live within them. A free man is just that free. Free to live, laugh, love, work, dream, walk the same streets as you. You don't have to like, or even respect him, but you do NOT have the right to continue to imprison him for his mistakes.
Posted by: dwilcox2 | July 20, 2009 1:59 PM
I wonder if there are any kids graduating form school that haven't brutally tortured animals that might be worth giving a shot at the NFL in place of Vick.
Posted by: tweldy | July 20, 2009 1:57 PM
I will boycott the NFL if this thug is allowed to play .
Posted by: borntoraisehogs | July 20, 2009 1:55 PM
Make him sign with the Cleveland Browns - he would be great as part of the "dog pound". Imagine the T-shirts sales.
Posted by: vicvan | July 20, 2009 1:51 PM
Let him play. If you are going to scrutinize Michael, like he must be your form of norm, then you better take a look at all the players and use the same criteria. He paid his debt, let him play.
Posted by: disappointed5 | July 20, 2009 1:51 PM
I look at it as a case of someone having been actively engaged in the production of an unbearable sense of pain for its own sake in an animal. If he had hit 100 dogs with his car accidentally or due to being under the influence, then it would be right to forgive Vick's, as in such a case Vick would not have been evil. Negligent yes (if not a reasonable valid mistake), but evil no. Put yourself in Vick's place and consider what state of mind you would have to be in before torturing an animal with your own hands for pleasure. Is that an easy mindset to assume? If yes, then maybe you are biased towards torturers, at least in as much as you can relate to a torturer's inner-drives. I imagine most people would feel nauseous even trying to imagine what was going through Vick's mind as some poor pooch's eyes were bulging out of its sockets and it was pawing frantically in the throes of death. Did Vick's believe that animals do not suffer? I ask because having an idealogy excluding the possibility of animal suffering (i.e. based on some cult's religious teaching) would be the only rational way of understanding how Vick could be an actual human being an do what he did, yet on the other hand it would be hard to understand why a torturer would do it to an animal unless there was some pleasure to be derived from its suffering. I assume that Vicks did not torture the animals for information. So its a veritable catch-22 that Vicks could have done it for pleasure, yet animal suffering is not universally accepted as punishable horror on the same level as cruelty towards humans.
Posted by: aphexrlz | July 20, 2009 1:48 PM
He served his time. He is now a free man other than probation. I personnaly think he should be reinstated. He has been suspended for two years now, people forget that he was suspended indefinently in 2007. So he has been punished by the NFL. He has served the sentence that was handed to him from a federal court, the man served time in Levenworth. I will say it again Levenworth. He paid his debt. So im my opinion he should be reinstated and allowed to offer his services to any team in the NFL. Now just as he has a right to seek employment which would mean being reinstated so he can seek employment, prospective employers (owners) also have the right to not hire him. It is up to them to figure out if the pros of hiring him will outweigh the cons. That is a choice that they will have to make based on his talent and what he can bring to the team and potential revenue he may bring, vs public relations and potential loss of revenue. The consumers (fans) will ultimatly decide this. That is the great thing about this country, if we buy the product then he will have a job, if we dont then its not to the owners benifit to hire him. That is what this country was founded on. Vick has already paid the price of his crimes as sentenced by a court of law, not giving him the opportunity to SEEK employment is against what we stand for as a country. Now having the right to SEEK employment and actually GAINING employment are two different things, and again the prospective employers and the consumers will decide that, but he does have the right to SEEK employment. Reinstate him and let the owners/fans decide if they want to see him play. He has already served a two year suspension. Me personaly I am hoping he gets his life back together and he has learned from his mistakes. If so I will gladly watch him.
Posted by: hudginsc | July 20, 2009 1:44 PM
People go to jail for taking a human life. If they do their time they are able to return to society and live the life they choose. Why is it different for Vick? Because he is percieved by people especially whites as some arrogant ass professional athlete whom most did not like before the incident and most like to see these percieved overpaid overpampered black guys with all the money and bling put in there place. Most of you will be happy just to see him poor and a bum. Then you will no longer care about what he does as long as you know he is a loser someplace living a losers life. The thing that makes you mad about vick is not that he was involved in dogfighting, its that he can return to a lucrative career in sports and most of you people will still be the losers you always have been, looking to see others fall below you so you can feel better about yourselves. Its the O.J effect. To give an example, Donte Stallworth just got a three month sentence for hitting and killing a pedestrian in Florida. Three months and none of you are angry, calling for him a monster and saying his career is done. Its not even major news issue. Why? Because his victim was some immigrant so most of you say good riddence anyway. I guess if he would have hit a dog while driving drunk he would be in more serious trouble in the public eye.
Posted by: ged0386 | July 20, 2009 1:31 PM
Let me see if I get straight. Michael Vick gets 2 years in prison for dogfighting,but Donte'Stallworth get 30 days in jail for vehicular homicide and writes a big fat check to the family. We want to crucify Vicks, but we don't even blink an eye at Stallworths. He killed a human being for God Sakes. I love dogs, but I don't see putting someone in prison for what Vicks did. Why do they tie up the courts with this nonsense?
I say,let Vick play again.
Posted by: ascipion41 | July 20, 2009 1:25 PM
-TCOBB" Dog lovers get over yourselves, if he was out shooting some deer would it still have been a problem or are you just concerned with dogs? "
If Vick was just "out shooting" any animal then it would not be nearly as serious as electrocuting it and torturing it. The intent to create suffering in a being for the pleasure of entertainment is Vick's real infringement. The gambling ring was the federal crime that could conceivably be forgiven (i.e. after "paying the price"). The unconvicted crime of torture by a national role-model whose talent is replaceable is what makes Vick stand out as one undeserving of any position of respect in society. To all who would say that stripping him of his trained livelihood would cause him to hit rock bottom: You are the "bleeding heart concerned" types except that you don't realize it because your heart is bleeding for the wrong person. Vick doesn't need anyone's help in recovering from the debased status his scandal
has earned him. If he has any wholesomeness left in his being, he will pick himself up and do something useful to support himself, though he probably still has more money than most people whose hearts are bleeding for him.
Posted by: aphexrlz | July 20, 2009 1:25 PM
If Vicks lived in any Asian country, nothing would happen to him. Many cultures in Asia even eat dogs and that's just the cultures. Anyone who made some cruel comments about Vicks'crime and claimed him as someone having no morals probably include many Asians who execute and eat dog. I just think Vicks never understood the seriuosness of the crime he committed, and I'm sure he regrets it very much now. Give him another chance . Besides I never understand what PETA people stand for anyway. They 're getting very loud even when someone kills a fly and they seems to keep their mouth shut completely when a pit bull kills a person.
Posted by: gbui | July 20, 2009 1:24 PM
what is there to be considered,other than the money this guy,his crew, and the nfl will realize. forget peta.any civilized person should be sick about what this fool and his gang have done.would never watch a game he would be in.
Posted by: pofinpa | July 20, 2009 1:20 PM
"Michael Vick was released from federal custody Monday,..." and the dogs began to howl...
Posted by: Patriot3 | July 20, 2009 1:18 PM
Are there any members playing on NFL teams that would like to have Michael Vick on their team? Personally, it would creep me out just to be in the same room with him. If there are football players who would like him on their team, they sure are being quiet about it.
It is not just about what he did to the dogs. It is also about the kind of pervert that would do those things. I do not see any reason to believe that he has changed, just that he is sorry he got into this mess.
Posted by: joelnwil | July 20, 2009 1:13 PM
What is so amazing is that there is a debate here. Once upon a time, just twenty years back, it would not be possible for Vick to return to professional sports. There would be no debate, no questions. We would accept his going off to earn his income in some backwater job. We would never accept his being on our TV. He is a felon and a vicious one at that. We should not even have Martha "I'm an unrepentant convict" Stewart on TV, much less a pig like Vick. Remember, your children are watching that TV.
Posted by: limejunction | July 20, 2009 1:10 PM
Rubiconski |can you go jump off the nearest bridge, and take those ridiculous pit bulls with you!
Posted by: heraldv | July 20, 2009 1:01 PM
America will never let it go because it sells. That's what the power structure in this country always believes in, the oh mighty dollar. All you bleeding heart so called concerned people are full of it.
Posted by: heraldv | July 20, 2009 12:55 PM
Ok people, I feel like your equating what Michael Vick did to a robbery or murder or some REAL crime. The guy made a mistake and he paid the price for it wheather some think it was stupid or not. He never argued it or said "all i did was kill some dogs". Dog lovers get over yourselves, if he was out shooting some deer would it still have been a problem or are you just concerned with dogs? Come on people, the dogs he was fighting were pitbulls, known to be one of the most feirce of their kind. Illegal in most states even and we are crying over that? I bet over 90% of you dog lovers would never even consider owning a pit.
Let he that is without sin cast the first stone, I wish all of you lived a transparent life so we could chastize you about what you do in the dark. Hypocrites.
Posted by: TCobb20721 | July 20, 2009 12:50 PM
Rubinoski,get a life quit looking at your assinine comments over and over agian,we heard your peta pussy comments the first time,what a jerk
Posted by: stocksj | July 20, 2009 12:48 PM
Let the market forces work. Many have been sickened by his actions. Personally, I won't watch a game he is in, and God forbid he gets to market a product, I won't ever by the product again.
Posted by: almelbe | July 20, 2009 12:42 PM
For every supporter of Vick 10,000 hate his killer azz!!
These innocent helpless animals DIED slow and painfully because some sick freak liked to watch them SUFFER.
There's NO HOPE for this monster. He can apologize, look sad and say all the right things, in the hopes of salvaging what's left of his pathetic life, but reality is that he is has shown he has SERIOUS issues.
Vick is done..no matter what he does now. The damage is done!!!
Posted by: Rubiconski | July 20, 2009 12:35 PM
Okay so there are those of us who love animals and don't want to see them tortured and maimed and treated badly - not at all like the animals that some people consume for food every day, huh? Yeah, okay.
Michael Vick didn't do time for torturing dogs. That's not the issue. He did time for organizing a gambling ring - not for killing a dog. People hit and run over dogs, deer, squirrel, fox, rabbit, and turtles every single day. No jail time for that - not even a citation.
Not that torturing and killing dogs isn't horrible because it absolutely is. It's the gambling ring that was the federal offense - not the dogs.
Posted by: BenThere | July 20, 2009 12:31 PM
I personally lost respect for PETA when they started this whole campaign using scantily clad women in their ads. As a woman, I am offended by them denigrating women to get their message across. Aside from that, the way that they have jumped all over Michael Vick reminds me of one of those pit bulls that has the other by the neck. Even though they have clearly won, he is wounded and defenseless, they will not let go. He not only has to show remorse to the Commissioner, he has to appease these freaks to get back into the NFL.
-hahaha this is so true; PETA respects parakeets more then women. Talk about confusion.....
Posted by: theobserver4 | July 20, 2009 12:27 PM
By reinstating this sick bastard the NFL would be sending a message that sadistic torture of defenseless animals - things like electrocuting them, drowning them, hanging them, and slamming their bodies to the ground multiple times until they died - is no big deal and the NFL isn't suitable entertainment for our children.
It takes a very sick, twisted, and disgusting human being to do what Michael Vick did.
An unhappy person who requires extreme entertainment to feed his blood lust. WHy should we even care about him? How 'bout we care for people who deserve it?
Posted by: Rubiconski | July 20, 2009 12:27 PM
If he plays again he should be forced to wear the name "Ron Mexico" on his jersey. This of course is the alias he used while he was knowingly infecting women with herpes back in 2005. Cruelty to animals is just one of many "bad decisions" that this lowlife degenerate has made in his life. His brother Marcus is no prize either; and in fact is worse if that's at all possible. Oh well, I am sure their mother is still proud of her poor misunderstood babies.
Posted by: brian1va1 | July 20, 2009 12:25 PM
He'll probably become a Cowboy or a Redskin.
I'll laugh if it happens.
Posted by: theobserver4 | July 20, 2009 12:21 PM
Why is it that with certain athletes/celebrities, the time served is never ever enough? This man paid his debt to society and some of you just want him to keep on paying. You'd rather see him out of his trade, unemployed and hitting below rock bottom. He's already hit rock bottom in my opinion. Then you'll listen to some a-hole talk show host continue calling him a villain the rest of his life. Ever wonder why this is the case? He's not perfect, he broke the law. He paid his debt. What happens when athletes/celebrities are no longer allowed to work in their field? If an NFL team is interested and they want to sign him, then think about it and let the man go back to work. But for crying out loud, the law is the law. A punishment was prescribed and he took his medicine. Shut up and let him do what he does best. It's better for him and the rest of us if he does.
Posted by: BenThere | July 20, 2009 12:21 PM
The NFL should give Michael Michael Vick a second chance. He has paid dearly for his mistakes.
The American public has shown time and time again its willingness to forgive mistakes -- examples abound in Hollywood stars, political and religious leaders, and in major sports players. Sometimes what a fallen star does with a second chance can give inspiration to many generations -- Johnny Cash and Ray Charles stand among many who've taught taught us that.
My request to the NFL, to Michael Vick, and to America, is for another inspiration from the old book of mistakes and second chances. I'd say we could all use a good dose of that about now.
Posted by: sbodenheimer | July 20, 2009 12:19 PM
The ethical problem with him returning to the NFL is that being an NFL player is a tremendous honor that historically has been attained through not only the development of talent but also through great personal discipline and integrity. Many would agree that being a pro football player is more prestigious than being a major beauty pageant winner such as Ms. California or the like, yet women get won their titles removed for doing acts far less savage and ignoble than electrocuting dogs Does anyone believe that a Ms. California would be allowed to keep her crown if she had bred , tortured, and killed dogs for fighting? If yes, then after how much jail time, if any at al?
Posted by: aphexrlz | July 20, 2009 12:14 PM
No way should Vick be allowed to return to professional sports.
I am sick and tired of professional athletes getting off with a slap on the wrist no matter what they do and then return to making more money than they deserve to make for what they do in the first place -- play games.
Yes, he played a game --that's all it is -- yes, it's big money -- but it's still just a game -- not like our soldiers who risk their lives for their country.
How about paying our soldiers millions of dollars for putting their lives on the line for our country?
All Vick did was play ball and then take the millions he made to treat innocent animals in the vilest manner possible.
Posted by: abby0802 | July 20, 2009 12:10 PM
Dan Snyder will sign him.
Posted by: donnolo | July 20, 2009 12:09 PM
Paid his debt to society...laughable.
Laughing while watching fighting dogs killing house pets? That's sadistic no matter who you are. Drowning the dog after they failed to kill it by hanging? Sick. He was more involved in the murders and torture than many people want to believe. Read the reports from the trial - it's all in there.
Just imagine the kind of disturbed mind you have to have to do what Michael Vick did.
Michael Vick intentionally and brutally murdered animals that could feel and love.
he electricuted them
he strangled them
he hung them
he drowned them
he tortured them
You do that to anyone or anything…You do not deserve anything. chances, jobs, respect, amnesty..nothing!
A felon doesn't ever stop paying for his crime. I couldn't get my job back if I did what he did. Why is Mike so special????
So stop giving us this crap about its just dogs..he deserves a second chance because quite frankly he doesnt deserve anything.
Posted by: Rubiconski | July 20, 2009 12:06 PM
When anglers suffer as much for catch and release fishing and hunters are hounded as much for shooting deer, geese, duck, quail, rabbit, and squirrels, I will think that Michael Vick's punishment fit his crime.
I like dogs and I don't agree with cruelty to animals but I know that fishermen, hunters, cock fighters, horse racers and dog racers are all cruel to animals. It's just that people and PETA have certain thresholds of tolerance to the cruelty.
I personally lost respect for PETA when they started this whole campaign using scantily clad women in their ads. As a woman, I am offended by them denigrating women to get their message across. Aside from that, the way that they have jumped all over Michael Vick reminds me of one of those pit bulls that has the other by the neck. Even though they have clearly won, he is wounded and defenseless, they will not let go. He not only has to show remorse to the Commissioner, he has to appease these freaks to get back into the NFL.
I think he has done his time like a man and he deserves the opportunity to get back into the NFL to make money so he can repay his financial debts. Any thing less is uncivilized.
Posted by: Carole5520 | July 20, 2009 12:05 PM
If an Accountant was sent to prison for embezzlement would you think that person should get a job at an accounting firm once they're released? I bet most of you are saying "No Way!" But after all that person is still a whiz with figures. They have the talent so shouldn't they be allowed to do what they're good at? Any sane person would recoil at the idea of letting a convicted felon anywhere near a job that invovles money. So why are there people wanting to see Vick get his job back at the NFL.
To work in the NFL requires talent but it also requires a bit of showmanship or public relations. It is an intregal part of the job whether we as sports fans like to admit it or not. Vick is a walking PR disaster just waiting to smash down on any team stupid or bone-headed enough (Hello Snyder, I'm talking to you!) to pick Vick up.
I'm sorry but I think that Michael Vick should be using this time to think of other career options.
Posted by: dre7861 | July 20, 2009 12:03 PM
I'm a little scared about some of the postings on here. Some of you have a lot of built up hate and anger in your hearts.
It isn't about "making good" for the fact that "white America" had slaves, or that there is still plenty of racism in this country. It isn't about a man killing dogs for fun/sport. It is however about the laws that govern this nation we call home. By law Vick is a free man, able to work at any company that will see fit to hire him. He served his time and paid his debt to society.
We can argue the laws that set him free after 23-months, we can also argue the laws that set child molesters free. However, what we can't do is argue what a free man has the right to do for a living.
For those of you with kids who are relying on sports figures, or anyone else in the public eye to be their role models then shame on you. You yourself should take on the responsibility of role model and explain to your children that these figures albeit exciting to watch on the field are not always good people. You can't blame Vick for not being a good role model to your son or daughter (he didn't sign up for that). This man is an professional athlete who gets paid to run with and throw a ball in the NFL. There is no difference between him throwing a ball at work and you swinging a hammer at work (besides the fact that you, the American public, would much rather watch a football in the air than pounding a nail into a board). If you made a mistake in life that cost you your freedom would you feel the same once you were free if someone told you that you couldn't go back to your trade that you've worked in your entire life?
This man dedicated his life to his trade of football. Like many athletes and stars around the world Vick is human, and is very capable of making mistakes, large and small. He has given everything he has inside to the game of football - shouldn't football give him something back for dedicating his life to a game he loves?
You can all be bitter and angry for the rest of your lives. You can walk around like sheep every day and see that your glass is half empty, instead of half full. You can put your blinders on and continue to focus on things that don't impact you personally. Or, you can stand up, be a man or woman, and go out into the world and make a difference. You take on the difficult task of being a role model to kids (including your own). You can choose your own path in life, but you have no right to choose the path a free man in America gets to take. How dare you even try!
Posted by: dwilcox2 | July 20, 2009 11:57 AM
No need to bring the whole history of slavery into this. We're talking about a millionaire who had everything and BLEW IT!!
I NEVER want to see his hideous face again. He didn't care about the creatures he tortured and killed....why should anyone care about him?!?!?!?
Maybe he can ask Jesus how to get to the unemployment office.
Posted by: Rubiconski | July 20, 2009 11:56 AM
To sponsors of the NFL:
If Vick plays again I will absolutely never watch another NFL game again, and I will steer my sons away from the sport. There needs to be a line drawn, with Vick and lowlifes like him on the other side of it.
Posted by: jarhead1 | July 20, 2009 11:49 AM
WOA,who is this man trash talking about how white Americans killed blacks.You are suffering from the dreaded Black History beliefs.First of all blacks owned slaves ,slaves wanted to fight for the Conderates,but were turned down.There were more white slaves in America than blacks,Indentered servents,ever heard of them pal?not likely,they don't sit around on their ass waiting for free handouts.They got together and built a great nation which the former slaves are trying to destroy now.Did you see what happened in The Big Free and Easy during the hurricane,thats what the blacks donated to help their fellow man.
Now,if white men did all the terrible things,how could a black man like Michael Vick even be alive let alone a star football player making big bucks?I guess I missed something in my history book,notice I said mine not your PC version.Also we whites do not need the goverment to feed us in school,give us extra grade points for showing up,save a job only for us because we have a learning disability and treat us like we are retarded.
Next time think before you spesk if that's possible.
Posted by: esibmr | July 20, 2009 11:49 AM
While the crime was heinous, vick has more then paid his price to society. And what is the NFL where a guy does 18 months of serious time, files a banksruptcy plan (and its accepted) and works w/ youth to help himself get back on his feet and move foward w/ his life is not enough to be allowed to don another uniform? The NFL sickens me w/ the typcial special interest pressue in making a decision. Domestic violence, attemted murder, manslaughter and a guy commits a crime against a pet (heinous nonetheless) and he's ridiculed for life? I just don't get it
Posted by: overzealous08 | July 20, 2009 11:48 AM
I'm betting there are more dog lovers than football fans in this country who will gladly spend their lives ruining Vick's!
That is what is great about America, there are SO MANY horrific issues that we may choose the one(s) we feel the most compassion for. Need we be reminded that animal abuse starts and usually ends up with child abuse and then murder?
Vick clearly has no respect for himself - nor the opportunity that was given to him - one that SO many young boys dream & fantasize about - no respect for his organization - his fans - the NFL - and clearly, no respect whatsoever for "life".
This man bred dogs to fight them and then kill them sadistically if they didn't perform the way he wanted. This is a man who didn't need the money and obviously just enjoyed torturing these poor animals for his entertainment. It doesn't get any sicker or more perverse that this.
He's a sadistic, ruthless man who enjoyed murdering dogs in a very cruel fashion and should go somewhere and hide because he doesn't deserve to live among normal society. Who knows what sadistic crimes he will think of next?? I don't want to live next door to him!!!!!
Posted by: Rubiconski | July 20, 2009 11:47 AM
Should he be able to play again? I honestly don't know, not really a big sports fan. Should he be forgiven, definitely! The only people who shouldn't have to forgive him are those people who have NEVER done ANYTHING wrong in their life; who have never ever had not one instance of ever using bad judgment. Being a mere mortal myself, I forgive him.
Posted by: MizLadee | July 20, 2009 11:38 AM
This is on Mickael Vick's permanent record. QB talent is not so rare that profession football can't get along without Vick's. If background checks keep Vick's from getting a decent job elsewhere, than I say let him back in the NFL as a pencil-pusher. Give him a white-collar job and train him well but keep him from the position of glory - scoring position. He's in no position to score. Let him score out on the circuit after work every night. for all I care, and see what sweethearts warm up to him and believe his story of remorse. Just keep him out of the stadium except for after hours when he can run out there and toss a ball around a bit and think back on the good days with the crew and all the glory he lost that will now need to be sought elsewhere.
Posted by: aphexrlz | July 20, 2009 11:31 AM
The whole Michael Vick saga is is misplaced emphasis on so called animal cruelty. Knowing the numbe rof pets that starve, are abandoned of killed every day in shelters, putting a man in jail is totally insane. I won't even mention that if it wasn't Vick, this whole thing would not matter. Personally, I do not care about pets but I respect the rights of those who do. How many dog fights both legal and illegal are taking place every single day in this country? How many people are in jail for that? Let's be serious a dog is an animal and it does not deserve that much interest in a country where men and women sleep under bridges and eat out of garbage cans. Should we jail our leaders for cruel and unusual punishment for that?
Posted by: info22 | July 20, 2009 11:22 AM
if you choose not to give dogs "that much interest", that's your business. However, you surely realize how important pets are to people. As far as the dog fights that go on every day, it's very difficult to catch them because they are very well-hidden. The other reason why it bothers so many of us is that the dogs did NOT make a conscious choice to be a part of Vick & Co.'s savagery.
Posted by: obx2004 | July 20, 2009 11:27 AM
Those who argue Vick has a right to a job should also bear in mind the NFL has the right not to hire him. Vick is a sadist. Plain and simple. Maybe he can join a semi-pro team. The fact that he blew through his millions is none of our concern. Fact is he has been given every opportunity to make good in his life and he blew it. Now he can go get a job like everybody else. He deserves no more breaks. True he has paid his debt, just as a child molester may pay his debt but I still don't want them in my neighborhood.
Posted by: rcc_2000 | July 20, 2009 11:25 AM
I am talking about free labor that white america has gotten for slavery my brother and white atrocities in america which is called murder that we have forgave america for all these years black men and women and kids that heve been murdered by white america and we have forgave you all for it and you cannot forgive Michael vick for killing a dog, and served his time why black americans in america cannot get a job because of background checks with a hold generation will be lost because of it.
Posted by: skcma3 | July 20, 2009 11:01 AM
So are you saying we should ignore/forgive what he did because of slavery and because atrocities were committed against blacks?
Posted by: obx2004 | July 20, 2009 11:23 AM
The whole Michael Vick saga is is misplaced emphasis on so called animal cruelty. Knowing the numbe rof pets that starve, are abandoned of killed every day in shelters, putting a man in jail is totally insane. I won't even mention that if it wasn't Vick, this whole thing would not matter. Personally, I do not care about pets but I respect the rights of those who do. How many dog fights both legal and illegal are taking place every single day in this country? How many people are in jail for that? Let's be serious a dog is an animal and it does not deserve that much interest in a country where men and women sleep under bridges and eat out of garbage cans. Should we jail our leaders for cruel and unusual punishment for that?
Posted by: info22 | July 20, 2009 11:22 AM
I want Vick to experience the same prolonged discomfort as that experienced by those dogs. Waterboarding would be as tolerable as watersliding compared to what he did to those lower beings. Then I want him to live his life as a good man and stay away from sports and anything else which, like dog fighting, is all about testosterone. He ought to have his T levels tested regularly and be restricted from being alone in a room with any unarmed person under 6ft tall and 250 LBS. A restraining order against contact with all gentle people in society. Violation of that restraining order to result in mandatory neutering.
Posted by: aphexrlz | July 20, 2009 11:10 AM
I am talking about free labor that white america has gotten for slavery my brother and white atrocities in america which is called murder that we have forgave america for all these years black men and women and kids that heve been murdered by white america and we have forgave you all for it and you cannot forgive Michael vick for killing a dog, and served his time why black americans in america cannot get a job because of background checks with a hold generation will be lost because of it.
Posted by: skcma3 | July 20, 2009 11:01 AM
Vick poured water on dogs already battered from fights, then he electrocuted them. He put nooses around their necks and watched them choke to death when hung.
An idiot who blew through millions, a liar, a V.D. spreading dope-head and a sadist. When people start hearing more about how he threw family pets in the ring with his dogs etc., this circus will finally be packed up.
Posted by: Rubiconski | July 20, 2009 10:54 AM
Bad Nez Kennels would be fighting and killing dogs TODAY if he hadn't been caught!! Does anyone really believe that Vick would have suddenly come forward to admit guilt for his part in the dogfighting business and killing of those animals, and spoke out against dogfighting if he wasn't caught red-handed???
Vick will NEVER play in the NFL again, first he will have to find a team to play for, NO team will touch him as they know he is a public relations disaster.
Some things don't deserve forgiveness. Mike's violent heinous acts are definitely in that category. Go away and stay away, Mike. You are not wanted.
Posted by: Rubiconski | July 20, 2009 10:50 AM
Athletes have killed people just as Stallworth has, as has Craig McTavish of the NHL. McTavish was allowed back in the league; Stallworth will after serving his slap on the wrist. So it is clear Vick should be allowed back in the NFL. I hate what he did but he has indeed paid for his crime.
Posted by: chopin224 | July 20, 2009 10:43 AM
I agree AND dis-agree with several of the posts here. Vick's sentence is NOT up! He has 3 years of probation left on the Federal and 3 years left on the State comvictions. He should be allowed a second chance AFTER is COMPLETES his sentence in 3 years. This time will allow him to SHOW he was sorry and that he will not be involved in illegal activity again.
Posted by: wyatterp5859 | July 20, 2009 10:43 AM
The truly sad thing is Vick is the model of the American athlete -- thugish, selfish, egotistical, and ignorant.
ESPN shows highlights of taunting and exessive celebration. It's the new American values. The American version of sportsmanship.
It's all good. Yo.
Posted by: ram_xxx_ram | July 20, 2009 10:42 AM
why are we complaining about what a person has done in his past when we know what white people has done in thir past and we have as black americans have forgave them and all what he has done is to dog what white americans has done to humans who they are still doing to with the economy and family to heads of house hold black men with the justice system conspiracy, and economic conspiracy
Posted by: skcma3 | July 20, 2009 10:29 AM
I have no idea what you're talking about.
Posted by: obx2004 | July 20, 2009 10:40 AM
BlazerGuy is right:
"don`t believe that people like Vick can change deep down. Doing what he did to animals shows that his morals, and value system were never established in a way acceptable to good people. Who knows what other things he may have been involved in in his past. Look at the lack of moral judgement his younger brother displayed."
Yes, he is a twisted sick pathetic loser...
that being said, you have to allow people second chances if they do their time. No, I do not think his perverse lack of values and sickness will change but people deserve a 2nd chance at their livelihood. Fair is fair. I don't like it but fair is fair.
He will fake remorse and get back in the league.
Posted by: jackson641 | July 20, 2009 10:40 AM
I agree that Vick has a right to make a living - just not as a role model to our kids. Let him work in another profession. I for one will boycott the advertisers of the team who hires him if the NFL reinstates him. I doubt I'm alone and feel certain there will be plenty of groups who'll lead this cause. Some folks posting here act as if he's the only QB talent in football, which is nonsense. Select leaders who deserve and can lead, especially in the QB position. Give our kids true decent men and women to look up to.
Posted by: capone1 | July 20, 2009 10:30 AM
why are we complaining about what a person has done in his past when we know what white people has done in thir past and we have as black americans have forgave them and all what he has done is to dog what white americans has done to humans who they are still doing to with the economy and family to heads of house hold black men with the justice system conspiracy, and economic conspiracy
Posted by: skcma3 | July 20, 2009 10:29 AM
I think people are ignoring or underestimating the PR nightmare ANY team will face the minute that they sign Mr. Vick. The team that signs him will have a permanent pack of rabid animal rights activists yapping at their gates on game day. These demonstrators will use all kinds of graphic and outrageous tactics to make their point as families arrive for game day.
Vick would never be signed to play for teams like Green Bay, Seattle, Kansas City, Buffalo, Denver, etc.
But watch Al Davis; he would have no problem picking Vick.
Posted by: Anadromous2 | July 20, 2009 10:24 AM
The Dallas Cowboys desperately need a quarterback. Vick wii be a GREAT choice for Dallas
Posted by: team1dfw | July 20, 2009 10:18 AM
Michael Vick has served his time for his crime. Now he should be given another chance to play in the NFL. What is the point in serving time for a crime, if when you have completed your time you are still punished from making a living doing something that you enjoy. Heck, you have poeple who have committed much worse crimes that Michael Vick and they are still practicing professional atheletes.
Michael Vick is one of the greatest quarterbacks alive, and he deserves a chance to play in the NFL again.
In fact, I wish he would/could become a Chicago Bear. If not, and that's no he will not become a Chicago Bear, but he should be playing in the NFL somewhere this season -- give him another chance, Lord knows he deserves a second chance.
I hope and pray that I see him playing professional football again.
Posted by: vlbr07 | July 20, 2009 10:15 AM
Our judicial system is such that once he completes his sentence, he is free to go out and make a living. Whether that living should be the NFL is another matter of opinion.
Goodell holds the keys to Vick's future, and if he permanently expelled every NFL player who got into trouble with the law, you would have very few players left.
Posted by: obx2004 | July 20, 2009 10:12 AM
He's paid his debt. Let him back in so the Cincinnati Bengals can offer him a cotnract!
Posted by: logan303 | July 20, 2009 10:10 AM
Dogs. Pit bulls at that. He had too much money, and not enough brains, and let his homeys lead him astray. He is a man. He is a football player of capability. How people can want such horrible things for such a man is unbelievable to me. Dogs. Not people - no, he didn't hurt anyone. Pit bulls. Don't we wish all of them were dead anyway? Let PETA and the Thugs save the pit bulls. Michael Vick did more to help their cause than any other man in history - and, needless to say, that was not much. They don't deserve much more than they got, except that, yes, they are dumb animals. Animals, but NOT men. Give him (and us) a break.
Posted by: wleldred | July 20, 2009 10:02 AM
Two wars going on, executive branch torturers let off the hook, business criminals rewarded with billions of tax dollars, the Fourth Amendment in tatters, New Orleans still in ruins, and we're all concerned about a football player.
This country deserves what it gets.
Posted by: morpheus2 | July 20, 2009 9:56 AM
He's going to do it again. Just wait.
Posted by: 123cartoon | July 20, 2009 9:49 AM
Some corrections and comments:
1. Michael Vick isn't 30 years old yet.
2.Anyone that thinks that he's a worse QB than the 32 starting QB's in the league is crazy and doesn't know football. I'm pretty sure Herm Edwards said that on national television. Vick played on a team with subpar WR's for his entire career.
How about we imagine the Wildcat offense with a Vick....he'd be able to run it better than ever.
3. Teams want to win. If Vick plays in the other league and shows that he still has it, you'll see a team all of sudden get over the "public relations nightmare".
I think Vick will get a workout in the NFL and get signed to a minimum contract with big, incentive based bonuses.
4. Canada and the CFL will almost never take players with felonies from other countries. They almost didn't take Ricky Williams and all he did was smoke weed.
5. What Vick did was vile. However, he's paid his debt to society. He's not a politician, he's a football player with a shelf life on his playing years. He's been ruined and pauperized. If players that have killed, paralyzed, stabbed, maimed actual PEOPLE can play in the NFL, why not Vick? Some people should look inside and figure out why they care so much more about dogs than humans.
Posted by: BigRich1 | July 20, 2009 9:40 AM
I have the article as well as the comments from the readers and gets me is that the writer and most of the readers have express the right to be forgiven. Now what really must happen is that allow this man regarless of who it my be to earn a living in the repective choice of careers. I'm not a big Michael Vick fan but I fell that he has a right to his given choice of careers whether it be football or not. The man has paid his debt to society and that is that. Leave him alone. As for those who say they will never watch the team that he will play for stop lying because he may end up on your favorite team
Posted by: pri1ce | July 20, 2009 9:27 AM
I'm from the South, dog fighting is a eveyday sport there. Not saying it's right, this however has opened peoples eyes. I have hads as many as 6 pits at on time, now I look at them in a different way. Vick was wrong, but he has lost income, time, his rep and most of all respect. Many other people have been convicted of crimes and have returned to live normal lives. Vick is not a Pac man, not a O.J, not a Stallworth or not a Bugress, he funded a dog fighting ring, which noone really understood how bad it was.. Peta should not over play this, we now respect what they represent, but if they don't play fair. Things will change.. We can't punish this man forever, if so then we all need to be jobless, cause we all have dine dumb things before we knew better....
Posted by: xrendellx | July 20, 2009 9:25 AM
If the man did his time then he should be given another chance, if he didnt do his time then he shouldnt be back in the league. What good is a ruling if once you finish with your sentence you can't rebuild your life.
to navylady2005:
ONly reference to MJ I will do on a sports blog: He was accused of the crime not convicted. Secondly, the kid who claimed the allegations recanted his claims (see G.Q article a few years back). Certain crimes can be forgiven and some may be unable to be.
Overall, we all have some things said or done that we regret doing and are glad that those we offended or did wrong were willing to forgive. I hope those that have any kind of skill or talents who happen to make it big in the world, remember the criticism you place on others as you also go through the same situations.
Posted by: mayfield1974 | July 20, 2009 9:17 AM
If the NFL wants to let Vick play, then let it pay the consequences. There are many who feel strongly on both sides of the question and public response will show which side has the most power.
For me, the choice will be clear. If he plays for any team in the NFL then I will not watch its games nor will I buy anything from the sponsors and I will write and tell them why.
We all have choices in this matter, as does the NFL and its teams.
Posted by: Utahreb | July 20, 2009 9:03 AM
Mike Vick has served his time and its time for him to move on with his life. He should be given the opportunity to play football again.
Posted by: bobby20 | July 20, 2009 8:49 AM
Just saw this article today (my computer is on the blink at home). I am so glad there are so many out there ready to forgive Michael (a bit of sarcasm here)--just like we do other cons (as one put it). Like child molesters? Like Charles Manson? (Today, Manson wouldn't be in prison for life; he'd have pleaded diminished capacity because of his drug use and been out for years following rehab.) Is torturing and killing dogs on a par? No. But, there's a window to Michael's soul here that says he is not a good person. Why do we even want him back in society, let alone be a potential role model for children? Look at Steve McNair and the sorrow expressed at his passing. The man was a CAD in life. He was a good (not great) quarterback. We're shocked by the sensation of his passing, but not by what he had done to get there. Amazing, isn't it? Look at Michael Jackson. People are convinced he was innocent of child molesting. Why? Because he was Michael Jackson. If he was innocent, why pay the big bucks? OJ Simpson didn't, and he was acquitted. MJ probably could have been, too, but he paid. And, you would have thought God died when he passed. How said we're ready to deify people because of their entertainment ability. But, this is America now. We're ready to forgive anything for entertainment, but not in real life. If Michael Vick got his dogs by roaming streets in his neighborhood and stealing them, then tortured them, would you want him for your neighbor? And for all that you claim MJ was innocent of child molesting, look at your kids and ask yourself if you'd have let them go to Neverland without you or some assurance of their safety. Would you? Just so you could say they had been there--for your sake, not theirs? Think about it.
Posted by: navylady20051 | July 20, 2009 8:15 AM
I don`t believe that people like Vick can change deep down. Doing what he did to animals shows that his morals, and value system were never established in a way acceptable to good people. Who knows what other things he may have been involved in in his past. Look at the lack of moral judgement his younger brother displayed. He had a potential career in the NFL..but got kicked out of Tech...and bombed with ,I think, Miami. See a family pattern here?
He ruined his life..after runing the lives of many animals..he is now about to be free..that should be enough compensation.
He should be banned for life. Maybe the CFL would take him. What NFL team would be willing to take the risk...they would loose a lot of season ticket holders...and
for what...he many not be much of a player
anyway. Big risk..small chance of success.
How would most of the other players feel?
Posted by: blazerguy234 | July 20, 2009 7:21 AM
To err is human ....
.. Nice article. The, is his return good for the 'gate' will rule of course. And advertisers.
Posted by: deepthroat21 | July 20, 2009 2:18 AM
For some reason, Vick's ability to play never comes up in these articles. Regardless of what happens with Goodell, is it really so sure that any NFL club would want Vick from a talent standpoint?
People seem to forget that before the dog issues came up in the summer of 2007, Vick was coming off another under-performing year and headed for what was seen as a make or break year with Atlanta before his contract came up. For all the media and marketing hype, Michael Vick had that one great season, and then a lot of "shows promise, but..." type action on the field. Even if the legal issues had never come up, Vick might still, circa 2009, been looking at possible back-up status somewhere.
Now he's over 30, hasn't played since 2006, etc. Just because his name is Michael Vick doesn't mean he has a birthright to play in the NFL again!
I suspect he could NOT be a starting QB at that level again; maybe a back-up, maybe a returner if he still has his speed, maybe an occasional 'slash' player. But even that window is probably closing.
The new league, Canada, or the AFL might be the best way for him to get back in playing shape and MAYBE have some sort of NFL career for a few years down the road. But I REALLY doubt he's going to be a superstar anywhere, even if he is let back into the league. Those days are gone, he blew it.
Posted by: gadstian | July 20, 2009 1:40 AM
If Marion Barry can do his time and be returned to public office why can't Mike Vick re-enter society? Hasn't he served his time? Hasn't he paid his debt to society? To all who think he should not be allowed to return to the NFL I ask you, what would you like to see happen to him? At some point one must admit that enough is enough. If he runs a foul of the law again then he should be punished, again. But until then he's to be a free man and afforded the same rights as any other ex-con.
Posted by: stirliq | July 20, 2009 12:19 AM
What irritates me about the thought of his being reinstated is that this is completely how he played it. He didn't rapidly plead guilty and rush off to prison because of remorse. It was sheer calculation that he couldn't beat the case, so he'd better get the whole prison-thing done ASAP so he could return to football at a relatively young age and start making those millions again. Maybe somewhere in all of that he shed a tear as he thought about the dogs he tortured and killed. But something tells me that the kind of people who enjoy such cruelty aren't going to just turn around and suddenly feel remorse. Unless millions of dollars are thrown at him, that is.
Posted by: EWade | July 19, 2009 11:57 PM
Michael Vick's probation officer goes to look in on him at his house where he is under mandatory house arrest with an ankle bracelet with an implanted GPS chip in it that can detect if he has left his house.
When Vick sees the probation officer approach his house he uses that as an opportunity to leave his house and go outside but the probation officer then commands, "Stay Michael stay, go back inside and sit Michael sit, now fetch me a bone:)
Posted by: Sideswiped | July 19, 2009 11:34 PM
I've been a doglover for life, and I hate what Vick did, but he's done his time. His life has been wrecked because of his irresponsible waste of life off the field. I do agree that the pr implications are remarkably difficult to overcome, but if people forgot about Michael Jackson's child molestation being swept under the rug and the King of Pop to still be exalted, I think Vick can come back from this.
I'm really much more irritated with a punk like Pac Man still even being in the picture with the garbage he's been into. I'm sorry, but a man living paralyzed for life over some stupid strip club drama is a bigger reason to keep a dude out of the league( and stop buying Nellie records, never mind Jermain Dupri) than a guy doing some dumb a$$ stuff on his own property, that is socially and culturally acceptable in many places in the world, even in the USA.
Vick needs an opportunity to make good. If he doesn't want to then ok, but he's been plenty tried, sentenced, and punished by the media and the justice system as was seen fit. I don't understand trying to impose more sanctions on the guy.
Posted by: DadRyan | July 19, 2009 10:40 PM
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