I don’t even really watch football, but Michael Vick’s story has really caught my attention. I think it’s because he’s a black man, a celebrity in his own right, who has done wrong- not to a human but to animals. It strikes an inner debate with me on what the appropriate punishment should have been/be and how angry I should be.
I’m glad he got signed to the Eagles. As the news has reminded us, and I have lived to see, Philly is a town with some tough fans (forget Santa, I used to see them boo kids at halftime during Sixers games). If there’s a city where he can definitely sink or swim.
Here’s the interview Michael Vick did on 60 Minutes last night. It was his first interview since being released from prison.
I’ve seen it a few times now. Something about his voice lacks passion, like he is saying what he should be saying hoping that the public will love him again. I mentioned to some folks on Twitter yesterday that I would want to see him actually interact with dogs in order for me to really see if he has changed his outlook. You can tell a lot from watching someone physically interact with animals.
I did see a sadness in Vick’s eyes. I do think he’s paid a price that has hit his pockets, career, and reputation. However, watch the part where he’s talking to kids in Atlanta. Would you be moved by those words? He definitely needs some more coaching.
I’ve forgiven Vick and feel he deserves a second chance and have always spoken that way, but I know a lot of you feel differently. Additionally, I hope those dogs that they rescued from his home can truly be rehabilitated.
Are you glad that he got signed to the Eagles?
Do you think he will be able to fully rebound? If so, will it be as a changed man?
What do you think about that statement about how he found God at his lowest point in prison?
Have you forgiven Michael Vick? Were you ever mad at Michael Vick?
I posted a story on this blog entitled “Michael Vick…” (click HERE to read this post and comments) back when Vick was released from jail. I wonder what Soledad and CNN would have to say about Michael Vick in a Black in America segment? As of now, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has reinstated Vick, assuming a team is willing to sign him, but has to adhere to some provisions until mid-October when he would be eligible for full reinstatement into the NFL.
For now…
Vick can immediately take part in preseason practices, workouts and meetings and can play in the final two preseason games…Once the season begins, Vick may participate in all team activities except games, and Goodell said he would consider Vick for full reinstatement by Week 6 (Oct. 18-19) at the latest.
What team do you think would consider Vick? Do you think his fans have and/or will forgive him?
I feel my post title needs no more words. Every time Michael Vick‘s name comes up, people go into autopilot with their rant about what they think of him and how cruel and inhumane he is. I can’t even bring the topic up in the house because my husband, a die-hard sports fanatic, is so disgusted with the way Michael Vick is being treated. For me, I’m not a sports fan but a social critic so I wasn’t initially inclined to write about Michael Vick. I am now because I feel he deserves more press presenting a different point of view.
I own a dog that I love dearly and would never want him to be hurt by anyone or anything, and to be honest, until I looked at some images of the aftermath of dog fighting it didn’t it didn’t hit home- hence why I put an image before you as well. It is a cruel practice, but not exclusive to Michael Vick nor other cruel practices and acts that happen right here within our borders every day. So while this image disgusts me, I am willing to put things back into perspective.
Secondly, and more importantly, Michael Vick has served his time. I write about stories all the time where people get away with murder, literally and metaphorically, of human beings which I think rank higher in the world of crime than animals. He did not murder a person, but yes, he essentially murdered countless dogs. It is admittedly a tough discussion to have with yourself, let alone with others. People, give this man a break! Let him go back and play football. Clap when he enters the field the first time as a show of respect and support that he has done the crime and served his time. Too many of you are walking around like hypocrites. The graphic nature of this crime coupled with the black man persona, hold up I’m about to get to that, makes good finger pointing TV.
(AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Thirdly, Michael Vick is a big, black, scary, evil man. That’s right. I said it. That’s what so many of you are thinking if you’re honest with yourself. Boy, I wish “The Boondocks” was still airing because I know Aaron McGruder would have a field day with this story. Ask yourself honestly, would you feel as strongly if Michael Vick was an all American white guy? The minute we take 2 steps forward, I feel like we then take 3 steps back. Obama brought about change at historical proportions here in the US. A black man as president of the United States, and he’s smooth, intelligent, articulate like more African Americans in the country than people care to recognize; but, he’s not that big, dark skinned, scary black guy that people insert when they see Michael Vick. Are you following me?
I’m probably catch hell from you PETA types after posting this video I received via email yesterday, but I’m posting it anyway. We all need to lighten up a little and let Michael Vick atone for his actions and make his way back into his love of football and resume his life as a better man. Sure, for good PR, he should do some PSAs about animal cruelty. I figure that will come without asking.
Landline TV has put together a sketch that’s on YouTube called “Michael Vick’s PETA Commercial” and stars Justin Brown, Zach Woods, and Jared Neumark. Thanks to Landline TV for sending this my way.
On a serious note, I just ran across this article in the NY Daily News…
Before I go, I ran across this video on NFL.com. It was posted in 2008 but I still think it’s an interesting timeline of Michael Vick’s life. Since I can’t embed the video, click the link below…
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As of now, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has reinstated Vick, assuming a team is willing to sign him, but has to adhere to some provisions until mid-October when he would be eligible for full reinstatement into the NFL.
I own a dog that I love dearly and would never want him to be hurt by anyone or anything, and to be honest, until I looked at some images of the aftermath of dog fighting it didn’t it didn’t hit home- hence why I put an image before you as well. It is a cruel practice, but not exclusive to Michael Vick nor other cruel practices and acts that happen right here within our borders every day. So while this image disgusts me, I am willing to put things back into perspective.
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