In 2007, Michael Vick, at the time quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons, was convicted of running a dogfighting ring out of his home in Virginia and sentenced to 23 months in prison. He was released in May of 2009, and was conditionally reinstated into the National Football League by commissioner Roger Goodell on July 27, 2009. On August 13th, Vick signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles with a team option for next season. The reaction throughout the league and media has been mixed, as many thought Vick should never play professional football again. He made his debut as an Eagle on August 27th in a preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
My opinion of the situation is that Vick has paid his dues for what he did and deserves a second chance. Yes, I was angry at him for running a dogfighting ring for five years, but I assume he's learned his lesson. Tony Dungy is one of his mentors now, and that's one strong character to have on your side. If Vick messes up with that man looking after him, then definitely I think his days in the NFL are done. I do, however, enjoy the humor that still surrounds the Vick situation. For instance, there was a report in a Philadelphia paper the day of the signing that read: "Hide Your Beagle, Vick's an Eagle." That's just great.
Some useful sites for this story:
Vick's bankruptcy plan approval
PETA reaction to Vick's signing
Vick's player page at ESPN
No comments:
Post a Comment