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| Vick, felon named Comeback Player? What is NFL thinking? |
It’s Superbowl Sunday and I’m having trouble even remotely applauding anything associated with the NFL today since Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick was chosen the National Football League’s Comeback Player of the Year. This is his second season after serving a federal prison term for his participation in a dog-fighting ring.
In 2007, Vick was convicted of operating an illegal dog fighting operation known as “Bad Newz Kennels” that spanned states. He not only financed the operation, but directly participated in dog fights and executions. He also handled thousands of dollars in related gambling activities. He admitted to both providing financing for the operation and to participating directly in several dog fights in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina and South Carolina, as well as sharing the proceeds from the dog fights. What’s most disturbing is that he also admitted that he knew his colleagues killed several dogs that did not perform well and was personally involved in the destruction of 6–8 dogs that were hanged or drowned.
While I had a lot of readers who thought that Vick was a disgrace and agreed that he deserved no second chance, I also had a lot who asked why I couldn’t forgive someone who “made a mistake”.
Intentionally killing and maiming dogs is not a mistake, it’s a pre-meditated crime. Yes, he served his felony sentence and should be able, like every other released felon, to get a job and earn a living. But looked up to as a role model? Never.
Bad call NFL. It’s shameful.