IS VICK A LIABILITY OR AN ASSET?

Never before has an animal cruelty case been handled at the highest levels of the justice system, nor has anyone been more vilified as details of his dog-fighting operation and his callous and heartless attitude towards underperforming dogs was revealed to the nation on national television. But Michael Vick’s 23-month sentence in Leavenworth is coming to an abrupt end. The once highly touted and now oft-criticized star will serve the remainder of his sentence under supervision in his Hampton home. The NFL is also set to reinstate the star quarterback but the question is now floating around in sports circles about the viability and for that matter the sensibility of Vick’s return.

Is there room for yet another tainted character in a league that is already top heavy with stars who have questionable character? There are of course two arguments: 1) Should Vick return to the NFL considering his sordid past and the questions about his inclination for gambling; 2) Why not give the guy another chance? He will serve his time, albeit under more posh circumstances than most federal prisoners. Why does he need to pay for the rest of his life?

I’m a huge proponent of second chances. But I also believe that guys who have a couple of million dollars sitting in the bank tend to deal with second chances a little differently from the guy who doesn’t even have a bank account.

Vick should be allowed to make a living doing what he does best. But I believe a dramatic cut in pay is in order, simply to teach Vick and any other players contemplating a life of felonious activities that there are penalties for illegal activity. Let’s face it, no matter how many times we say, ‘They have a right to do what they want with their lives,’ the truth is when people engage in illegal activities it affects more than those involved in the endeavor whether they are human or animals.

Judging by the way NFL teams are already distancing themselves from Vick, even his own team the Atlanta Falcons, the ‘problem’ may take care of itself of its own accord. Let’s hope that anyone considering the same lifestyle takes a page out of book of Michael Vick’s life.