Read a recent editorial in Sports Illustrated on Micheal Vick. PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) would like Micheal Vick to prove he is a changed man before being reinstated to the NFL. What do you think of Micheal Vick's return to the NFL? Should he be banished for life or has he already served his punishment. Is Micheal Vick being treated fairly? Why or why not? To read the article click (here).
I definately think that Michael Vick has enough talent to play in the NFL and support his return to it. But I think he is on very thin ice. I think that if Vick is convicted of anything, such as a DUI, an arrest, or getting into any kind of trouble with the law, he should be banned forever. Everyone deserves a second chance, and even Vick should get one. I think that Vick is being treated fairly. He did something not only illegal but totally immoral as well. He offended just about every human being in the United States and deserved everything that was shoved his way. Hopefully this punishment has shown Vick that he needs to be a better person. I think he will come back to the NFL, but be an average player at best.
ReplyDeletePETA, give me a break! Go away! Go eat your genetically formulated meat and leave sports alone. Michael Vick should be able to return to the NFL once he has served his sentence in prison. He should not be banished for life! He did the crime, and did the time, now he should have a chance to cross the goal line. Vick is being treated fairly. What would not be fair would be making him take psychological tests in order to play in the NFL. This is one of PETA’s stupider ideas, and that is saying something since they have had many stupid ideas. Vick apologized for what he did and will not do it again. It does not matter why he won’t do it again. Whether he won’t do it because of the love of dogs, or because he cannot afford to go back to prison for financial reasons, the bottom line is we won’t fight dogs again. PETA, GO AWAY!
ReplyDeleteI personally think that if Vick wants to come back to the NFL after he is out of prison, that he should get that opportunity. He has the talent, and I think that after this whole ordeal that he will think twice when he thinks about every decision that he making off the field. Many teams will make a push to get Vick when he gets back. Yes Vick was and is being treated fairly, even though he is an athlete he needs to be treated just like everyone else, personally I dont think he is spending enough time in prison, I think his sentence should of been much longer.
ReplyDeleteI believe full heartedly that Mike Vick should be able to return to the NFL. Everyone deserves a second chance. Yes, he did screw up royally, but this should not ban him from the sport that he loves. He has served his time, took a major hit to his reputation, but if he feels the need that he wants the oppertunity to play again, he should be granted that. IMHO, I do not see much of a difference between athletes like AROD who have admitted to taking steriods and Mike Vick. Yes, it is awful the mistreatment that he did to animals, but it is not like he was cheating in the game like AROD and the rest of the steroid users. Maybe Vick's sentence was not long enough, but he should have learned his lesson by now. If he has the guts enough to come back and play still facing all of the critism that he is going to endure, let him.
ReplyDeleteI do believe Michael Vick should return to the NFL. He obviously made a huge mistake that has been detrimental to his career, but he has proved he is worthy. He was punished at the full extent of the law and had a lot of time to think about his actions. He needs to really come back as a public activist though and show the media he has truly changed. I don't believe a lot of teams will be interested in him, but he will probably get picked up by someone as a backup QB. I don't think he will ever gain the respect to become the face of a franchise like he was in Atlanta, but I feel people will accept his apologies.
ReplyDeleteVick does deserve a second chance. The time he served in jail is punishment enough, he should not have to "prove" to PETA he is a changed man. I believe Vick is already expected to prove that he has changed to everyone who is a fan of football, both on the field and off of it. Vick is on a very tight leash here (dog joke-too soon?) with the NFL and if he does anything else wrong again, then the NFL can talk about banning him from the league for life. Everyone deserves a second chance, look at baseball. So many players have been convicted of steroid use that still play the game and are viewed as superstars and heroes to fans of the game. I see Vick as no different than these types of players. The real question here is, which team in the NFL would want Vick?
ReplyDeleteMichael Vick is a talented football player. He should absolutely have the opportunity to redeem himself in the NFL and not be banished. Sure, he committed a henious crime towards innocent dogs, but he has done the time and now he has to live with that burden for the rest of his life knowing that every single person who knows about his act of cruelty may think of him in a negative light regardless of how long he has served his punishment. He shouldn't have to prove to PETA that he has changed, however, he needs to show the public and demonstrate how he has progressed since his faults and ultimately changed. Vick is lucky because I know Pete Rose got banned from the MLB for gambling and it seems to me that Michael Vick was doing the same exact thing. The hardest thing for him if he sall return to the NFL is seeing if a team will take him after his crime.
ReplyDeleteI feel that Michael Vick did very little wrong to be put in jail for such a period of time. Vick did what a majority of males in the South do. Dog fighting is part of some people’s lifestyles and culture. Vick was punished so harshly because the court system wanted to make an example of him. They saw him being a influential star in the NFL and wanted to let everyone in the country know that he was wrong for what he did. I think he was punished harder then most people would be. He was held responsible for almost everything that went on even though there were multiple people associated with the dog fighting. As for playing in the NFL he should be allowed to play. If Pacman Jones is allowed to be reinstated multiple occasions I see no problem in letting Vick back into the league.
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ReplyDeleteI think that if Vick wants to come back to the NFL and the NFL allows it and a team is willing to sign him, then it should be allowed. I think that PETA may be overstepping their boundaries in attempting to force the NFL to act. They can comment on what Vick did and publicly criticize him for his actions, however I don't believe that it's their call or that their presence should really influnce the NFL's decision. The NFL has already set a precedent in allowing players to have a second chance (or third chance) after making a mistake, such as the case of Adam Pacman Jones, and I don't know that this case should be any different.
ReplyDeleteWhat Michael Vick did was a heinous act and his punishment fit the crime. having said that Michael Vick was convicted of his crime and spent 2 years in prison, Michael Vick did his time in prison and paid for his actions mentally, physically and financially. I like what PETA does to an extent but sometimes they are so righteous they miss the point. He made a mistake because he was naive and dog fighting I assume was nothing new to his background. The NFL has been very strict on law breaking players and most of them when broken the law have not done time so the commissioner takes into his own hands and gives a suspension. Michael Vick is a different case because he did time in prison and should be let back into the NFL to resurrect his once promising career. We always talk about second chances and here is a great opportunity to see one
ReplyDeleteWhat Michael Vick has done is highly unethical and harmful to the humans and dogs involved. He served his time in jail and suffers the consequences afterwards. After he gets out of jail, he cannot live the way he used to live because he is currently not playing in the NFL, the public view of Vick is negative, and it seems that he lost many physical items that are a part of his lifestyle. This article was interesting dicussing the possibility of Michael Vick returning to the NFL. It would be great for him to return as long as he is capable of being able to perform at a high level. Before the dog fighting incident, Vick was a great quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons. If in fact Goodell reinstates Michael Vick to the NFL, Vick does need to prove a couple of things. He has to be physically capable to play football, and Vick is responsible to represent the NFL and his team in a professional manner according to NFL ideals. What PETA is proposing the NFL do to ensure Vick is physically and mentally sound is a little far fetched. Yet I do agree Vick needs to prove that his prior actions with dog fighting were a mistake and send a message that dogs are playful pets and friends.
ReplyDeleteI agree most with what was said in comparing Pac-man Jones to Vick. If Jones was able to be reinstated several times Vick should not be withheld from the same opportunity. PETA has no right to ask for anything...I think they've done enough already. It would seem a waste to let such amazing talent work from 9-5 like everybody else, but I don't see owners taking a chance on him and risking losing a good public perception of the organization. Then again, is he as big of a risk as someone like T.O.? At least he isn't a cancer in the lockerroom...at least that we know of.
ReplyDeleteWhile I think Michael Vick is a total moron, I believe he should have another chance to play in the NFL. He served his punishment and should not have to prove he is a changed man before returning to the NFL. It's not like every athlete has to take a test of moral conduct before they enter the league. Like people mentioned before, if Pac-Man Jones can return, so should Vick. The only thing he should have to prove is his great athleticism on the field, while staying clean off the field secondarily. Vick will return to the NFL with millions of people hating him and if he can resurrect his career, we have the opportunity to see a great story unfold.
ReplyDeleteit should be understood that Micheal Vicks behaviour was totally unacceptable and should not be tolerated in anyway. but we all make mistakes (some more than others.)and sometimes it's difficult to learn until punished. i believe the punishment and experiences he has gone through must have changes him as a person and altered his behavior. i do believe that he deserves a second chance. the greatest are those who rise, fall and then rise again. if proves his change of behavior will present good moral character, strength and history.
ReplyDeleteMichael Vick should be allowed back into the NFL eventually. I agree that he should have to show remorse and have changed before that happens. What he did was beyond negative words that could describe it. He has done his time and I do think he should get a second chance as long as he has changed. He also can not get into any trouble while playing (if any team will sign him). That means anything, DUI, drug charges, assault, anything.I hope that he has changed for the sake of changing and that should mean more to him then a NFL career. I hope he has the maturity to understand that now, that the NFL will only or could only be or have been there for a short time, but living a good life is worth more then that.
ReplyDeleteThis is a topic that I feel very passionately about. I feel that while yes what Vick was done was wrong that he was made an extreme example of and was treated unfairly. I think it's important to know that while barbaric, dogfighting is a way of life for some people and sometimes its hard for athletes to remember that they must live a totally new life once they make it into the professionals. I think that Vick has more than served his time and should be allowed back to play. There are many other players who get away with beating their wives or doing drugs or other things and they are not treated like vick was. I agree that PETA is a bunch of nut jobs that need to leave sports alone.
ReplyDeleteThe NFL has been very forgiving to athletes who have made mistakes off the field and therefore to banish Michael Vick for life would be unjust. His crimes were egregious, but other players have done things that could be considered worse and then returned to the league. Vick has paid the price for what he did and now deserves the same opportunity that anyone else would get. There is no reason to believe that he hasn't learned from this experience and changed for the better. He has shown remorse and has made it well known that he hopes to be able to work to educate others about the evil of dog fighting. It is time that groups such as PETA learn to forgive and take advantage of the opportunity to work with someone who will bring attention to their cause.
ReplyDeleteAtlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank called the behavior Vick is accused of “horrific.” Dog fighting is a big mistake for his carrer but it is to sad to lose a talented player for NFL. I think fixing game, gambling, and using steroids are bringing sport to a crisis. Three major sports of MLB, NFL, and NBA need to handle their crisis. They have to respond quickly and correct the situation to handle their crisis. If something comes to a crisis, they have to gather facts before the public has form their opinion and the most action they would take in dealing with the media is explaining the steps being taken to correct the situation and what has or is being to make sure the situation does not happen again. The time has been days to forgive Vick and let him to play in the NFL. It would be a big issue if he returns to the NFL and having great performance for his team.
ReplyDeleteWhat Vick did is unacceptable and his punishment was fitting! However, if a team is willing to take a chance on him and he is physically capable, I believe he should be given a second chance at playing in the NFL. He has served his time, and his reputation will forever be hurt after this act. I do feel that Vick should be required to help out in some way with the increase in animal cruelty awareness throughout the United States. Pete Rose was kicked out of baseball for life because he bet on baseball. I in no way condone what he did, but it did not directly affect the NFL. There for I feel he should be let back into the NFL.
ReplyDeleteMichael Vick should definately come back to the NFL. He is very talented and this little hiccup should not damage the rest of his career. Everyone makes mistakes, yes, some are bigger and more publisized than others, but he should have another chance at his NFL career.What Michael Vick did before with the animals was not directly linked to the NFL so I dont think banishment is necessary. With that said I think that Vick should be warned if he does anything else foolish like DUI, does drugs or anything else along those lines his punishment should be much more severe. Would it call for a banishment from Pro Football, I don't know. It depends on the severity of his next mistake.
ReplyDeleteVick has been treated more than fairly during these events. It is undeniable that Vick's actions violated the law in a horrific way as well as tarnished his image as a person, but not as an athlete. In today's game, players are common commodities, but players that possess elite athletic and game-changing ability are not. Because of this, Mike Vick will probably play again in the NFL, but will most likely spend limited time on the field. My guess, he will be a backup QB, or converted punt returner. PETA has every right to be involved in this. He was responsible for murdering dogs for profit, enough said. People like Vick will eventually slip up again, it is only a matter or time until we are laughing at the team that is willing to waste resources to acquire him.
ReplyDeleteMichael Vick should and has the ability to come back to the NFL. He has been punished to the full extent of the law and so far has paid his dues. He is still young and athletic to play in the NFL on some team or another. This is a major setback for him as a person but needs to look past this if he wants to continue on with his life. I noticed a report on ESPN a few days ago that the dogs remaining from Vick's property have not been too mentally damaged and have found safe habitat either with a humane society or with local families. His mistake however may be a costly one.
ReplyDeleteI think the NFL would be making a mistake by bringing Vick back into the NFL, but having said that I would say the same thing about any other prominent convict like Pacman Jones. However, since his punishment was served in the judicial system, he should be given one more chance like any other individual. PETA's proposal sounds preposterous and frivolous. It doesn't matter what a person thinks as long as he or she doesn't act upon those illegal situations in real life, otherwise I'm sure we would have way too many people in unnecessary custody. I'm sure Vick is smart enough to realize that he can no longer get away with criminal actions since he will be watched with extremely close eyes this time around. Any further criminal action should guarantee his ban from the NFL. The league has a reputation for being forgiving, and should act consistently by their standards. By bringing the emotional factors of harming animals should have no further leverage any decision; a crime is a crime. I question PETA's motive until they prove that monetary advancement or fame has no influence on their message.
ReplyDeleteThere is no dobt in my mind Vick has the physical ability to play in the NFL, the question now is, does he have the mental ability. Vick has been in financial trouble since being in jail. He has filed for bancrupcy and was denied. If Vick is able to get his life back on track, I feel the NFL is a possibility. If not, he may try the CFL or start in coaching. If he does not play in the NFL, it will be one of the biggest busts of all time.
ReplyDeleteClarifying and adding to what I said before...PETA does have the right to be involved in Vick's case. Of course Vick should have to prove to PETA he is a changed person, better yet, Vick should have to prove that to all of us, not just the PETA organization. While I still believe Vick will be back in an NFL uniform one day, I believe it will be in a very limited role as people have pointed out earlier. After being away from the game for such a long time, and tarnishing his image as he has, it is hard to predict what exactly Michael Vick's future will be in the NFL. All I know is, if he still wants to play, the league will most likely let him. Everyone deserves a second chance, especially in the sporting world, where sometimes players are given a third, fourth, or fifth chance (Pacman Jones, Ocho Cinco, etc. etc. etc.).
ReplyDeleteI believe Michael Vick should be permitted to play in the NFL again. If it was some average businessman who was convicted of dog fighting he would not be banned from the business world, so it would be unfair to ban Vick from the NFL. He served the time for his horrific crime and has been justly punished. Everyone deserves a second chance and Vick should be allowed to prove to the world that he can still play football and that he can behave morally on and off the field. What he did was very wrong. No one can deny that, but we all make mistakes and expect forgiveness when we apologize so he should be forgiven. I think it is important that he prove to the public that he has learned from his mistakes and is a better man because of them. I do not think PETA should get involved and force Vick to prove to them that he is a changed man. What test can really show that anyway? It will take a lot of time to watch the way he acts on and off the field to determine if he really has changed, but he does deserve that chance. Vick was punished suitably by our legal system and the NFL, so PETA has no business becoming involved in his return. No one is perfect, we all make bad decisions, and even though what he did was especially heinous and immoral it is time that we see what he will do with his life now.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Tony in that athletes will continuously be given chances as long as they remain to be perceived to obtain superior ability. Many owners are willing to take these risks because it is essentially buying low on a player in expectation of a high return (Al Davis on Randy Moss, or Jerry Jones on Pacman/T.O./future flawed Cowboy "star"). There will be a demand for Vick until Vick shows that he can no longer provide either production on the field, or enough star power to boost the merchandise sales of his jerseys.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with Carla that PETA should not be involved in this occurrence. If Vick had abused his child, Child Protected Services would be involved. If Vick had been busted for drug trafficking, the DEA would most likely be involved. The preconceived view that PETA's involvement in cultural events is irrelevant does not apply here.
I think Michael Vick should be able to return to the NFL. He paid the price emotionally, physically, and financially that the United States government deemed to be his punishment for his crimes. His play on the field had nothing to do with the actions he did off the field. Sure the money that he earned from the NFL helped fuel his dog fighting, but he never did anything on the field that had anything to do with dog fighting or anything along those lines. And I don’t feel like he should be banned for life. He made a mistake that he has paid for. We have all made mistakes and athletes are no exception. If we let Pacman Jones back in the league after all his troubles, and many other athletes drug problems and steroids we should give a man a second chance if there is nothing in the rules of the NFL that banned him if he participated in these acts. Also if he was given a second chance I would hope that he would have learned from his time in jail and he could go out and be an advocate for this horrible crime and help others with their problems.
ReplyDeleteI think Vick should be allowed to play. I understand Peta's gripe, but they have always been a few bricks short of a full load.
ReplyDeleteThe average person needs to take a step back and look at the sins they have committed and look at if they had wanted to be forgiven. The answer should be yes...hopefully.
He is not being treated fairly by the media. He is otherwise. The media is trying to make him an example to show that this is not acceptable. It once again has not looked at the social structure that allowed it for him, but condemned it and him.
One Vick comes back, I will cheer for him. Like I did for Arod, McGwire, and Ricky Williams. They are dynamic players who struggled with poor decisions.