Michael Vick back in NFL!!

[Tuckins1]

I just saw that Michael Vick is signed to two years with the Eagles...

I know he has "served his debt to society" and all that, but really, what do you think? I feel that he is a disgusting monster who does not deserve to be in the public eye. Some people say that not letting him play football is keeping him from making a living. Who says the only thing he can do is play football? To quote the great Howard Stern "who''s stopping him from driving a bus?"

 

[Lauren8211]

I don't like it either. That may not be fair, but that's how I feel. If you're in the NFL, you should at least be somewhat of a role model. What he did was disgusting, and hardly something that kids can look up to.

All NFL players as role models may be unrealistic, as I know they all may get involved in things that aren't 100% ethical from time to time, but this really struck a nerve with me. I feel like he should lose the privilege of playing in the NFL.

Signed,
Crazy Animal Lady

 

[Bia]

not at all surprised

 

[Shopaholic]

UGH!

 

[Elegant]

Yeah, I am not surprised. I am also not happy about it.

Football is big - it is big entertainment and they make tons of money and he will be worked like the tool he is.

He will also still be seen as a role model because parents won''t tell their kids what he did and the media is so good at turning the other cheek with sports players.

I find him vile, disgusting, and even though he did go to prison, if he was a normal person like the rest of us in any other career field, he would have problems, but since football players are glorified, they will forget what happened like they did with Kobe Bryant''s infidelity and praise him over and over again.

Pathetic.

 

[KimberlyH]

Not nearly as disturbing as the wife beaters, illegal gun carriers, drug abusers, DUI recievers and other horrific things that many NFL players are.

 

[doodle]

Blech, Vick can rot. For me personally, there are three all-time lows on this planet--those who abuse animals, children, and elderly people, in no particular order. I hope he gets worked like a part-time job.

 

[April20]

I was just questioning the other day if anyone would take him, given the notoriety. DH insisted that someone would and gave his hypothesis of what team he thought could stand up to taking him on. I need to call him and find out what he thinks about this. He was predicting a team like New England that already has a solid QB and can manage what comes along with signing Vick.

Personally, I''d be happy to NEVER hear the name Michael Vick again. Let him fade away......

 

[iheartscience]

Ugh, he''s disgusting. And actually Kimberly, I would say he''s worse than a gun-toting, drug abuser. Someone who tortures dogs is worse than any of the things you listed.

I''m not surprised, though. The NFL seems to let anyone play as long as they''re good.

On a lighter note, now I have yet another reason to HATE the Eagles.

 

[Kaleigh]

Not liking this one bit...

 

[Shopaholic]

UGH!!!

(Sorry, had to say it again, once was not enough!)

 

[jet2ks]

I''m withholding my vote for now. Not because I''m waiting to see how well he plays, but because I am waiting to see what he will do with the platform being an NFL player allows. If he uses the high public profile to show he has truly changed and speak out against cruelties like what he committed, his reinstatement will be a good thing. It would show that people truly can change for the better. I like that Tony Dungy is advising and working with Vick now, Dungy is one of the highest character people that has ever worked in the NFL and hopefully some of that character will rub off. If, on the other hand, Michael Vick blows the opportunity, then Goodell can ban him for life and I''ll cheer.

 

[kennedy]

Date: 8/13/2009 10:49:51 PM
Author: KimberlyH
Not nearly as disturbing as the wife beaters, illegal gun carriers, drug abusers, DUI recievers and other horrific things that many NFL players are.

I have to disagree. I think torturing animals is extremely disturbing and certainly worse than carrying a gun illegally or using drugs. I think he should be banned from the NFL, but that would never happen. They''d probably sign OJ to a team if he was still young enough and in good enough shape.

 

[Clairitek]

Date: 8/13/2009 11:31:37 PM
Author: jet2ks
I''m withholding my vote for now. Not because I''m waiting to see how well he plays, but because I am waiting to see what he will do with the platform being an NFL player allows. If he uses the high public profile to show he has truly changed and speak out against cruelties like what he committed, his reinstatement will be a good thing. It would show that people truly can change for the better. I like that Tony Dungy is advising and working with Vick now, Dungy is one of the highest character people that has ever worked in the NFL and hopefully some of that character will rub off. If, on the other hand, Michael Vick blows the opportunity, then Goodell can ban him for life and I''ll cheer.

I''m with you on this one.

I loved Michael Vick as a QB before all of this stuff came to light. I wasn''t a Falcons fan, but I was a Michael Vick fan (admittedly, I never got rid of his old Falcons jersey sitting in my closet). I think he was totally electrifying at his best. I don''t, in any way, condone his behavior but I am very interested to see how he will use this opportunity.

 

[mtjoya]

I know. I hate that guy. I really wish that they would never let him play so that he can learn his lesson.

 

[packrat]

Date: 8/13/2009 10:54:36 PM
Author: doodle
Blech, Vick can rot. For me personally, there are three all-time lows on this planet--those who abuse animals, children, and elderly people, in no particular order. I hope he gets worked like a part-time job.

Ditto!

 

[Dancing Fire]

Vick is a over rated player. the Eagles are crazy to sign him. one can expect to see thousands of cruelty to animal protesters outside the stadium wherever the Eagles play this season.

 

[Elegant]

Date: 8/13/2009 11:31:37 PM
Author: jet2ks
I''m withholding my vote for now. Not because I''m waiting to see how well he plays, but because I am waiting to see what he will do with the platform being an NFL player allows. If he uses the high public profile to show he has truly changed and speak out against cruelties like what he committed, his reinstatement will be a good thing. It would show that people truly can change for the better. I like that Tony Dungy is advising and working with Vick now, Dungy is one of the highest character people that has ever worked in the NFL and hopefully some of that character will rub off. If, on the other hand, Michael Vick blows the opportunity, then Goodell can ban him for life and I''ll cheer.

Hi,
I think the only thing he regrets is that he got caught...and as for the change, I completely doubt it - the change he will make is finding another way to torture something else and get away with it this time. People like that don''t change. They are who they are - will he not do that anymore? Hmmm...if he makes lots of money again, what is stopping him?

 

[omieluv]

I am surprised he was picked up at all, given all of the negative PR surrounding him for what he did. Of course, it would seem that he is trying to change his image by associating himself with Tony Dungy, who is held in high regard by most in the NFL. It seems that the Eagles and/or Vick''s spin doctor''s are trying to position him into a positive light, so that fans are more likely to forgive him. If he is a good boy, it might very well work. He has lost millions of dollars in endorsements, so it would be in his best interest to do to what he can to clean up his image. If he screws up again, I am sure he will be done.

 

[katamari]

What is the point of having a criminal justice system or institutionalized punishments if you aren''t forgiven once they are served? I don''t think I would choose to hang out with him, but I also think he should be able to earn a living.

 

[vip0802]

i agree with the fact that he's a monster and a low-life...what he did was sickening. unfortunately and understandably with a franchise like the NFL, talent trumps trouble. his reinstatement just means i have another reason to dis-like the Eagles.

what makes me mad is when people say Vick was treated "un-justly" compared to Donte Stallworth's sentencing. for one, DS was completely truthful, upfront and assumed all responsibility about his drunk-driving situation. Vick on the other hand, basically denied his charges at first and said, "it's unfortunate that i have to take the heat". Vick was sentenced to 23 months and served 19. DS served a 30-day jail sentence, but what most people don't realize is that he must also serve 2 years of house arrest, plus 8 years of probation. DS even told the judge that he hopes to get involved in drunken-driving education programs. i haven't heard Vick offering to do any kind of community service or advocacy for the ASPCA or Humane Society.

-end rant-

also, Vick was quoted as saying, "When it all boils down, people will try to take advantage of you and leave you out to dry. Lesson learned for me.”. i'm hoping that's not the only lesson he learned from all of this. i don't think it's right for me to say he doesn't "deserve" to be in the NFL though...he does have the right to make a living. like jet2ks said, i hope he does use his spotlight wisely and will change for the better.

 

[Lynnie]

Ugh. I *used* to be an Eagles fan... I can''t believe it - the gall of the NFL, and the Eagles. I hope my fellow Philadelphians boo him outta the stadium. He won''t receive a warm welcome here. I''d put money on it.

 

[DMBFiredancer]

Date: 8/14/2009 12:52:04 AM
Author: Lynnie
Ugh. I *used* to be an Eagles fan... I can''t believe it - the gall of the NFL, and the Eagles. I hope my fellow Philadelphians boo him outta the stadium. He won''t receive a warm welcome here. I''d put money on it.

Until he starts winning games for you - then he''ll be your "top dog"

Just playing. I am a HUGE animal lover and was disgusted at first by him being let back into the NFL, but then I was reminded that any person who is released from prison is allowed to seek and hold employment. That was his job - yes its sad that it is so high profile BUT......HOPEFULLY through all this it will help kids who see him as a role model to gain awareness of the issue and steer them in the right direction. HOPEFULLY Vick will use this opportunity to donate his time and money to raise awareness.

 

[VRBeauty]

Date: 8/14/2009 1:43:29 AM
Author: DMBFiredancer

Date: 8/14/2009 12:52:04 A

Just playing. I am a HUGE animal lover and was disgusted at first by him being let back into the NFL, but then I was reminded that any person who is released from prison is allowed to seek and hold employment. That was his job - yes its sad that it is so high profile BUT......HOPEFULLY through all this it will help kids who see him as a role model to gain awareness of the issue and steer them in the right direction. HOPEFULLY Vick will use this opportunity to donate his time and money to raise awareness.

Ditto DMB and Jet. I don't condone what he did -- who could? I am as skeptical as anyone else about his motives. But I'm willing to give him a chance and hope for real change (or I would be, if I were a football fan.) Redemption -- I might need it some day too.

ETA. OK, I know I shouldn't have posted that.

Bedtime.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 8/14/2009 2:43:37 AM
Author: VRBeauty

Date: 8/14/2009 1:43:29 AM
Author: DMBFiredancer

Date: 8/14/2009 12:52:04 A

Just playing. I am a HUGE animal lover and was disgusted at first by him being let back into the NFL, but then I was reminded that any person who is released from prison is allowed to seek and hold employment. That was his job - yes its sad that it is so high profile BUT......HOPEFULLY through all this it will help kids who see him as a role model to gain awareness of the issue and steer them in the right direction. HOPEFULLY Vick will use this opportunity to donate his time and money to raise awareness.

ETA. OK, I know I shouldn''t have posted that.

Bedtime.

why so early ?

you don''t have work tomorrow

 

[vespergirl]

Well, I''m not that surprised. Professional sports leagues are all about making money - they don''t care if they hire role models or cruel thugs, as long as the bottom line is profit.

My husband said that he''s so disgusted with the decision (and others like it), that it''s why he only watches college football & basketball.

 

[lucyandroger]

Date: 8/14/2009 12:44:57 AM
Author: katamari
What is the point of having a criminal justice system or institutionalized punishments if you aren''t forgiven once they are served? I don''t think I would choose to hang out with him, but I also think he should be able to earn a living.

Ditto. He served his time and lost 2 years of his life. That was the punishment the criminal justice system gave him.

I''m glad the Eagles gave him a second chance.

 

[niccia]

Date: 8/13/2009 11:39:06 PM
Author: kennedy

Date: 8/13/2009 10:49:51 PM
Author: KimberlyH
Not nearly as disturbing as the wife beaters, illegal gun carriers, drug abusers, DUI recievers and other horrific things that many NFL players are.

I have to disagree. I think torturing animals is extremely disturbing and certainly worse than carrying a gun illegally or using drugs. I think he should be banned from the NFL, but that would never happen. They''d probably sign OJ to a team if he was still young enough and in good enough shape.

Big ditto.

 

[Loves Vintage]

This man is irrelevant to me. I don't think I would have realized that he was out of prison or back in the NFL, if it were not for this thread. I choose to isolate myself from most sources of news because it is easier for me than dealing with the knowledge that people like this exist. Of course, it is often difficult to avoid.

I hope that the violent deaths of the dogs that he killed weighs heavily on his mind, the same way that it has upon all of the animal lovers who were forced to think about how they died. It does weigh on our minds. That is why it bothers us so much.

I take comfort in the fact that he will not be a celebrated athlete. He is reviled by too many and appropriately so. Prison time served does not erase the crimes of the individual who commited them. If only it were so easy.

 

[NovemberBride]

This totally disgusts me. As of yesterday, I consider myself a former Philadelphia Eagles fan, as do a number of my friends. Sure, there will be those who embrace him if he starts to win games (assuming he even gets to play, he is not being signed as a starting quarterback, that''s Donovan McNabb), but there are also those who will no longer support the Eagles with him on the team. I am a believer in serving your time and being allowed to re-enter society, but I also believe it is my right not to support a sports team that would sign him to a position where he would be held up as a role model to children. I''ll be voting on this signing with my wallet, which I encourage others to do as well, as it is the only method likely to get any results. I will not be attending any Eagles games or buying any Eagles merchandise so long as he remains on the team.