Michael Vick back in NFL!!

[HollyS]

He''s a celebutard.

He took his fame, his fortune, his influence, and he did ugly and evil things with them.

While I don''t believe for one moment that he is sorry for what he did, except in the context of how his life has been screwed over by those choices, he did serve his sentence. Everyone, and I do mean everyone - - you, me, PETA, the media - -needs to move on.

I''m not paying his a$$ to play, or paying to see him play. He is a non-issue in my life.

 

[KimberlyH]

Date: 8/14/2009 4:34:50 PM
Author: ursulawrite
I mean, really. We're not talking credit card fraud here. Has everyone seen the pictures of the mutilated dogs? Do people really think this man is a suitable sporting role model? Or is on-field performance all that counts these days?

Who said the man is a role model? I don't look up to people who can bounce a ball, throw a pitch, block a play. I may admire their talent, but I don't consider them role models. If you're referring to sports figures being role models to children, it is a parents responsibility to guide a child in understanding that we should admire great thinkers and doers, not sportsmen and women, unless they are worthy based on their character and the way they conduct their lives.

The NFL, other sports leagues, and many fans have been pretty clear about their stance on this, on-field performance is all that counts.

 

[KimberlyH]

Date: 8/14/2009 2:41:19 PM
Author: TravelingGal

Date: 8/14/2009 11:11:51 AM
Author: KimberlyH
We are free to agree to disagree. I see dog fighting as similar to bull and cock fighting, both acceptable in many cultures. I am repulsed by the thought of any type animal fighting, it''s not something I would partake in or advocate for (hell, I can''t even watch a rodeo I find them so repulsive and upsetting) but humans have been pitting animals against one another since the Roman times. As kat said, we have a system in place, he paid his dues and has the right to re-enter society and return to his career if they''ll have him; the Eagles have decided he is worth the risk and that is their right as a private entity.

I''m with you Kim. I can''t believe someone said what he did is worse than what you listed, which includes wife beating.

I think he''s pathetic, but he went to jail and did his time. Only time will tell if he''s learned anything.

I wasn''t going to touch that one, TG. The number of people who are harmed by illegal drugs and guns being sold and used and drunk driving is unconsionable, add domestic violence into the mix, and the family members and children who are affected by such a horrific act and I just can''t find words.

Whether or not he''s decided what he did was wrong, my guess is he won''t be participating in dog fighting anymore.

 

[vip0802]

Date: 8/14/2009 10:41:30 AM
Author: indecisive

Date: 8/14/2009 12:49:03 AM

Author: 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.

I am just as horrified at what he did as you are, but to be fair he has already gotten involved with the humane society to talk to at risk inner city youths about dog fighting so your assessment isn''t really true. Maybe I hear more about this stuff because I live in VA? Now to me words don''t mean much so I don''t put as much weight into that sort of thing as you do but I will be more interested in how he acts in the next 10 years. I used to really like him and I thought Marcus was the screw up but I was obviously wrong. I hope he really has changed but we shall see.


http://www.sacbee.com/846/story/2105529.html


http://www.examiner.com/x-20398-Atlanta-Celebrity-Headlines-Examiner~y2009m8d13-Michael-Vick--Charity-work-with-the-humane-society-helped-land-a-spot-with-the-Philadelphia-Eagles

thanks for the links! i really wasn''t aware he was doing that. and yes, i agree that actions definitely speak louder than words.

 

[Tuckins1]

Date: 8/14/2009 11:53:27 AM
Author: Haven

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.

This was my first thought, as well. And I love animals as much as the next girl.

No one is stopping him from earning a living. There are many many jobs he could do that don''t have him in the public eye, earning tons of money and fame.

 

[Tuckins1]

Date: 8/14/2009 8:53:18 PM
Author: KimberlyH

Date: 8/14/2009 4:34:50 PM

Author: ursulawrite

I mean, really. We''re not talking credit card fraud here. Has everyone seen the pictures of the mutilated dogs? Do people really think this man is a suitable sporting role model? Or is on-field performance all that counts these days?

Who said the man is a role model? I don''t look up to people who can bounce a ball, throw a pitch, block a play. I may admire their talent, but I don''t consider them role models. If you''re referring to sports figures being role models to children, it is a parents responsibility to guide a child in understanding that we should admire great thinkers and doers, not sportsmen and women, unless they are worthy based on their character and the way they conduct their lives.


The NFL, other sports leagues, and many fans have been pretty clear about their stance on this, on-field performance is all that counts.

Many children look up to professional athletes and singers. I had a student who thought that what Chris Brown did was fine. He said if the girl gave him a disease, he had a right to beat the hell out of her. The kid is misguided, and without good strong parenting at home, he will continue to be misguided. Famous people are role models to SOMEBODY, like it or not.

 

[brightlight]

Date: 8/14/2009 9:27:26 PM
Author: Tuckins1

Date: 8/14/2009 11:53:27 AM
Author: Haven

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.

This was my first thought, as well. And I love animals as much as the next girl.

No one is stopping him from earning a living. There are many many jobs he could do that don''t have him in the public eye, earning tons of money and fame.

I understand your position, but that''s what he did for a living before and what he''s best at. I think if he had worked at Wal-Mart before he went to prison, he would have gone back to working there when he got out.

 

[Sizzle]

I guess I am in the minority with my opinion, but I am glad he''s back. I am actually very disgusted that people here and elsewhere don''t let people pay their debts and move on with their lives. I am really shocked by the use of the idea that people hate a man they most likely haven''t even met, or don''t really know. In all honestly just because you haven''t heard of what good he''s done doesn''t mean he hasn''t done any good. He is a human and although I don''t condone his previous actiions I know many people who grew up in an environment where dogfighting and breeding for that reason was common place, and not even considered a criminal act.. At any rate, I don''t think anyone is in a position to judge, and its just negative energy to hate someone who isn''t even thinking of you. I for one don''t think it''s up to anyone to define what kind of person he is based on his negative behavior. No, that wasn''t role model behavior, but perhaps he can become one in the future. Why would you want to take that away from someone? MAYBE his story will make more people realize that behavior is wrong.. maybe it will bring light to a horrible industry and he can serve as the spokesperson to end it. He would have a greater impact in changing things than most of us would.

 

[KimberlyH]

Date: 8/14/2009 9:30:11 PM
Author: Tuckins1

Date: 8/14/2009 8:53:18 PM
Author: KimberlyH

Date: 8/14/2009 4:34:50 PM

Author: ursulawrite

I mean, really. We're not talking credit card fraud here. Has everyone seen the pictures of the mutilated dogs? Do people really think this man is a suitable sporting role model? Or is on-field performance all that counts these days?

Who said the man is a role model? I don't look up to people who can bounce a ball, throw a pitch, block a play. I may admire their talent, but I don't consider them role models. If you're referring to sports figures being role models to children, it is a parents responsibility to guide a child in understanding that we should admire great thinkers and doers, not sportsmen and women, unless they are worthy based on their character and the way they conduct their lives.


The NFL, other sports leagues, and many fans have been pretty clear about their stance on this, on-field performance is all that counts.

Many children look up to professional athletes and singers. I had a student who thought that what Chris Brown did was fine. He said if the girl gave him a disease, he had a right to beat the hell out of her. The kid is misguided, and without good strong parenting at home, he will continue to be misguided. Famous people are role models to SOMEBODY, like it or not.

Tuckins, I'm a teacher too, so I know exactly what you're talking about. It doesn't change that he's paid his debt to society and has a right to return to his profession of choice if they'll have him, which they clearly will. In an ideal world every child would have a parent to guide them in a morally sound manner, and I don't think we can hold Michael Vick and the NFL responsible for the choices children make regarding who their role models are when many parents won't bother to do so.

His job is to play football well, for some reason our society values that above a lot of things and is will to pay him large sums of money to do so. Until a shift is made in our thinking, until we as a society begin value hard work over making a fast dollar and stop idolizing entertainers, this won't change. I don't like it, I choose not to participate in the madness (and I work hard to help my students appreciate and value hard work and those around them who are morally upstanding). The mighty dollar speaks, if people are so bothered by this they should boycott The Eagles and The NFL.

 

[risingsun]

Michael Vick is speaking out against dog fighting and animal abuse as a condition of his probation. I''m not convinced that this indicates a true change in his values. The man may have the right to make a living, but he should not be assured of being returned to the NFL. He particpated in unspeakable acts and only stopped when he was caught. Just because you pay your debt to society doesn''t make you a decent human being.

 

[jet2ks]

Lots of emotions on this issue, huh? I understand the disgust for what he did. What I don''t understand is the sentiment so many seem to have that people can''t change. Yes, some people only give the appearance of change, but others really do have a change in attitude, thought process or values. I''m not going to judge what Michael Vick (or anyone else) feels, all I can go by is his actions.

For those that say people don''t change, what is the magic age for "locking in" a life? Are we born a certain way and unable to do anything about it, or do we have continual opportunities throughout life to grow and become a better person? All I know is that I am not the same person I was twenty, ten or even just two years ago. Knowing how much I have changed, I choose to believe that others can, too.

 

[risingsun]

Date: 8/15/2009 12:15:19 AM
Author: jet2ks
Lots of emotions on this issue, huh? I understand the disgust for what he did. What I don't understand is the sentiment so many seem to have that people can't change. Yes, some people only give the appearance of change, but others really do have a change in attitude, thought process or values. I'm not going to judge what Michael Vick (or anyone else) feels, all I can go by is his actions.

For those that say people don't change, what is the magic age for 'locking in' a life? Are we born a certain way and unable to do anything about it, or do we have continual opportunities throughout life to grow and become a better person? All I know is that I am not the same person I was twenty, ten or even just two years ago. Knowing how much I have changed, I choose to believe that others can, too.

I consider what Vick did to be antisocial behavior. That type of behavior is extremely difficult to change and can determine how someone lives their life. I will be interested to see if he finds a new outlet for his actions. I hope I am proven wrong and he has gotten the biggest wake up call in his life!

 

[KimberlyH]

Date: 8/15/2009 12:14:40 AM
Author: risingsun
Michael Vick is speaking out against dog fighting and animal abuse as a condition of his probation. I''m not convinced that this indicates a true change in his values. The man may have the right to make a living, but he should not be assured of being returned to the NFL. He particpated in unspeakable acts and only stopped when he was caught. Just because you pay your debt to society doesn''t make you a decent human being.

Just in case this was directed at me, I don''t think he''s a decent human being, nor do I think the NFL and the Eagles care. I don''t understand why the reaction so many have is tied up in the NFL being involved. If he was a plumber before would it be right for him to be banned from that career forever? It''s clear part of it is the money he''ll make, but money certainly doesn''t buy happiness so how much he has doesn''t matter in my mind. And the other piece of the puzzle is stardom; perhaps if instead of being outraged about him being rehired we worried more about who we look up to and admire as a society this wouldn''t be an issue (not directed at you, Marian, just pondering).

I wonder how many people will tune in to games now to cheer against Vick; more ratings for the NFL, lucky them.

 

[allycat0303]

Well, I personally think the whole "speaking out against dog-fighting" is a whole load of poop. As if he''s actually against it. I think that''s really fake and hypocritical. It''s pretty obvious to me he''s doing all that stuff in order to be order to get back to where he was before. Privately when no cameras are involved, he''s probably laughing about it. That being said, I was surprised that anyone took a chance on him. Not based on any morality or anything, but I think just because it would have been an unpopular decision with the fan base, i.e on a purely business level.

I have always thought of Americans as being VERY compassionate about animals. They love their pets, and are very outspoken on the rights of their animals ( I would argue more then Canadians as a sort of general view). So I''m stunned that the Eagles took this decision.

As to how *bad* I think his actions are. Well I haven''t seen the pictures of the mutilated animals, because it makes me sick to my stomach. There is something about doing that to an animal that makes me think the person is inherently *cruel*. Wife beating. Well it''s bad. I make no excuses, but I think there are some men that beat their wives and feel remorse about it. Or there''s been a bit of drinking involved. I would not necessarily think that all men that have raised a hand to their wife are inherently *cruel* There''s passion and anger in that (although some certinly are cruel). While mutilating a dog calmly and methodically. Well, that seems cruel to me.

 

[risingsun]

Date: 8/15/2009 10:45:36 AM
Author: KimberlyH

Date: 8/15/2009 12:14:40 AM
Author: risingsun
Michael Vick is speaking out against dog fighting and animal abuse as a condition of his probation. I''m not convinced that this indicates a true change in his values. The man may have the right to make a living, but he should not be assured of being returned to the NFL. He particpated in unspeakable acts and only stopped when he was caught. Just because you pay your debt to society doesn''t make you a decent human being.

Just in case this was directed at me, I don''t think he''s a decent human being, nor do I think the NFL and the Eagles care. I don''t understand why the reaction so many have is tied up in the NFL being involved. If he was a plumber before would it be right for him to be banned from that career forever? It''s clear part of it is the money he''ll make, but money certainly doesn''t buy happiness so how much he has doesn''t matter in my mind. And the other piece of the puzzle is stardom; perhaps if instead of being outraged about him being rehired we worried more about who we look up to and admire as a society this wouldn''t be an issue (not directed at you, Marian, just pondering).

I wonder how many people will tune in to games now to cheer against Vick; more ratings for the NFL, lucky them.

Kimberly~my post was not in response to yours

Since we''re talking, I''ll expand on my thoughts. I guess that I hate to see someone like Vick back in the public eye after the inhumane things he has done. I don''t want to see or hear people cheering for him and calling his name. It just seems wrong to me. Like it or not, in this country people tend to look at athletes as role models. I wish it was not this way--as you do.

 

[KimberlyH]

Date: 8/15/2009 3:27:51 PM
Author: risingsun

Date: 8/15/2009 10:45:36 AM
Author: KimberlyH

Date: 8/15/2009 12:14:40 AM
Author: risingsun
Michael Vick is speaking out against dog fighting and animal abuse as a condition of his probation. I'm not convinced that this indicates a true change in his values. The man may have the right to make a living, but he should not be assured of being returned to the NFL. He particpated in unspeakable acts and only stopped when he was caught. Just because you pay your debt to society doesn't make you a decent human being.

Just in case this was directed at me, I don't think he's a decent human being, nor do I think the NFL and the Eagles care. I don't understand why the reaction so many have is tied up in the NFL being involved. If he was a plumber before would it be right for him to be banned from that career forever? It's clear part of it is the money he'll make, but money certainly doesn't buy happiness so how much he has doesn't matter in my mind. And the other piece of the puzzle is stardom; perhaps if instead of being outraged about him being rehired we worried more about who we look up to and admire as a society this wouldn't be an issue (not directed at you, Marian, just pondering).

I wonder how many people will tune in to games now to cheer against Vick; more ratings for the NFL, lucky them.

Kimberly~my post was not in response to yours

Since we're talking, I'll expand on my thoughts. I guess that I hate to see someone like Vick back in the public eye after the inhumane things he has done. I don't want to see or hear people cheering for him and calling his name. It just seems wrong to me. Like it or not, in this country people tend to look at athletes as role models. I wish it was not this way--as you do.

Marian, it wouldn't be a bad thing if it was; civil discourse is a wonderful thing, especially regarding topics people feel passionately about. I understand why it seems wrong, I just can't blame Vick or the NFL for that. Thanks for being will to have a discussion about this, it's not changed my perspective but it has opened my eyes a bit to the reasons behind the visceral reaction so many have about this; always a good thing to be able to see things from another angle.