Though famous for being a quarterback who made a living out of eluding fierce defenders, former Atlanta Falcons star Michael Vick never stood a chance against outrunning his poor choices.
When Vick’s mistakes did catch up with him, he fell from grace hard, fast and publicly.
The former No. 1 overall pick’s role in a secret dog fighting ring claimed his career, fame and freedom, leaving him nothing but the inside of a jail cell and the knowledge that his life would never be the same. Now, almost three years since Vick’s world came crashing down, he is making the most of his second chance.
Facing heavy criticism, Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell conditionally reinstated Vick last summer, allowing him to sign a short-term deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. Since being named the team’s starting quarterback this season, Vick has taken his previously one-dimensional game to the air, passing for almost 2,000 yards with 13 touchdowns and one interception in only five games. He still remains a dangerous threat on his feet and his resurgence has many experts placing him in the MVP discussion.
But with Vick it will never be about his statistics. Not anymore, not since the reality of his sickening crimes was exposed to the nation. In fact, if it were up to many people in the general public, Vick would still be rotting inside his cell in Leavenworth, Kan.
It’s strange because Americans normally love a story of redemption, but apparently not in this case. Vick haters are still going strong, inundating cyberspace with expressions of their disdain.
“He should be rotting at the bottom of a cell for the rest of his miserable life,” wrote one hater on one of the many anti-Vick Facebook pages.
“All I want for Christmas is for Michael Vick to suffer a career-ending injury!” wrote another.
What Vick did was inhumane, inexcusable and disgusting, but is it really unforgivable? Whether or not you choose to believe so, Vick has paid his debt to society. He spent two years in prison, lost three years of his career, went bankrupt and all the while had to deal with the knowledge that he was being hated and embarrassed in front of the world. Why does Vick still not deserve an opportunity to start over?
Ravens wide receiver Donté Stallworth pled guilty to driving under the influence manslaughter charges in April 2009, was suspended for the entire 2009 NFL season and spent only 30 days in jail. He was back on the field by the start of this year, but has anyone cared?
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been accused of sexual assault twice since 2008 and was suspended for six games this year. Did anyone protest his comeback?
Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis was arrested on murder charges in 2000; he plead to a lesser charge in exchange for testimony and came away only with a year of probation and a heavy fine. He was named Super Bowl MVP the very next season.
We seem to have a short memory here in America, but when it comes to Michael Vick, people are flat-out unwilling to forgive. Why? Is it because he killed dogs? I can guarantee that no one feels worse about that than Michael Vick himself. Just look at his actions.
Before his arrest it was all about “Mike Vick.” He was lazy, conceited and uninterested in the team. He flipped off fans, was associated with the wrong crowd of people and yes, he fought dogs. But now he will be the first to admit his actions were disgusting and that there isn’t a day that goes by that he doesn’t regret his decision. Just last week, Vick was speaking to inner-city students in New Haven, Conn. about the evils of dog fighting. He has already given 24 speeches for the Humane Society and has donated countless hours trying to right his wrongs. What more do you want him to do?
The man has been more than remorseful. He has changed both on and off the gridiron and we should begin to treat him with an attitude of forgiveness.
Michael Vick deserves his second chance.