Michael Vick is Back

[ZenTickling]

What the hell?! Didn't he just go to jail not to long ago? He got out quickly, which is ridiculous. Not only is he a free man, but he is also allowed back into the NFL. Most teams have already stated that they won't take him.

I don't mind people getting second chances, but I don't think his sentence was long enough for what he did to those animals. Yes, I am a dog (and any animal) person. If you've ever had a dog you know they can exhibit emotions and become part of a family, and what Vick was doing was unacceptable and horrific.

Thoughts?

 

[desdemona]

Unfortunately, penalties for animal cruelty are paltry and almost laughable. Animals are considered possessions by law, so what he did amounts to destruction of property under some codes. And second chances are one thing - but if no one will sign him, then I think that speaks volumes for the lack of tolerance by those in his profession. Of course, watch the Bengals sign him.....Grrrrrrrrr.

 

[meangry]

Donte Stallworth is spending weeks in jail for killing a man while drunk driving.

Sorry, but Michael Vick paid his debt to society.

 

[Fangz]

Some attention starved, downtrodden franchise will sign him in hopes of getting their uniforms on Sportscenter more. Look for the Raiders, Bills, Bengals and Seahawks to name a few.

 

[ZenTickling]

Donte Stallworth is spending weeks in jail for killing a man while drunk driving.

Sorry, but Michael Vick paid his debt to society.

Neither of them have redeemed themselves, and eventually karma will catch up with them.

 

[The Fallen Angel]

he served 2 years in jail, lost millions of dollars and is now on top of that serving a 5 game suspenison, his debt is paid and he should be allowed back in

 

[desdemona]

Karma IS a bitch...and it has ways of biting back 😉

 

[meangry]

I'm sorry, but the fact is, Michael Vick paid his debt to society. He was apprehended and punished to this extent not because of animal cruelty, but because of unsanctioned and unlicensed gambling.

He has paid the penalty. Saying all this crap about karma is just blood lust from animal rights activists.

 

[desdemona]

Sorry I spoke out of turn. I wasn't aware he had recanted his involvement in the dog killings - even after failing the polygraph tests. My point is they actually prosecuted for the felonies that carried the most weight - which is sadly the dogfighting aspect. He did make financial arrangements for the care of the dogs that were confiscated per court order. I still find the whole proceedings vile. And please, don't lump me in with animal rights activists without knowing where I stand. I'm a veterinarian and I support animal welfare, not extremist positions like the PETA or the HSUS.

 

[meangry]

Sorry I spoke out of turn. I wasn't aware he had recanted his involvement in the dog killings - even after failing the polygraph tests. My point is they actually prosecuted for the felonies that carried the most weight - which is sadly the dogfighting aspect. He did make financial arrangements for the care of the dogs that were confiscated per court order. I still find the whole proceedings vile. And please, don't lump me in with animal rights activists without knowing where I stand. I'm a veterinarian and I support animal welfare, not extremist positions like the PETA or the HSUS.

You do not have to be an animal rights advocate and be a member of those groups.

He doesn't need to recant his involvement. He plead guilty to the charge and spent his time in jail. I don't think people need him to recant or spend more time in jail. He did his bid. If he does it again, go after him. But he hasn't yet. So I really do not understand the big deal on it after the fact.

 

[Bugman]

What he was involved in is despicable.But he served his time and now he's out.If some NFL team wants to take a chance on him that's up to them. I imagine he will get a "warm" reception wherever he goes.

 

[SamuelKhan]

Ron Mexico and the Raiders belong to each other. The jumpsuited one with granny glasses who still coaches through his dopplegangers on the sideline would do anything to irritate BoltFan, DonkFan, and ChefFan.

Just winnnnnnnnnn baby!!!!!!!!!

The Raiders who brought you:

Jack Tatum in his most famous "hit" of Darryl Stingley

Their illustrious and intelligent ...ahem, fans...

Ben Davidson, who speared Len Dawson post-whistle, and in turn provoking one of the biggest flash points of the Chiefs/Raiders rivalry...and got Otis Taylor ejected. Although, he is a really good actor.

Bill Romanowski, show first in vaseline...errrr....Donkey gear, and later showing his true thuggish colors...and juicer.

So, Dogfighter should fulfill his destiny and don the hated silver and black.

He may have paid his debt to society, but us regular schmoes would still be shower bait in the prisons.

 

[Goodieluver]

What I don't understand is why the NFL would allow him back in. He may have done his time for whatever legal matters he may have done, but the fact is that he is (was?) a monster that should by no means be allowed to continue living the pampered lifestyle of a professional athlete. He took the money that lifestyle allowed him and used to, for the most part, torture animals. That's what the big deal is.

He paid his little fine (well, little to him). He did 2 years in jail (less than than you'd get for walking away with someone's laptop). Now he's trying to kick back and roll in the millions again by joining up with the NFL. Something about that doesn't feel right.

I want to say under the garbage off the field policy they have in the NFL, he cant really play a game till several into the season

He's also under conditions for his reinstatement, such as psych counseling and other things.

Pampered lifestyle? He just filed chapter 13 because being in Prison, he had no income so right now he is in bankruptcy protection. Also as he got older, his skills diminish so he will receive NOWHERE near the contract offers he got, this is assuming he is even still a viable NFL worthy quarterback. He can say he kept in shape but it takes thousands of hours to be in professional shape, ESPECIALLY for a league quarterback. He will be lucky if he gets the league minimum

I suspect that the ONLY way a team will take him is if during pre-season or mid season, a team loses their qb to injury so they will pick him up to be a 2nd or 3rd backup

I don't like the things he did but this is a country where if you pay your debt to society, you should be able to return to your life, liberty, happiness and all that.

 

[kis123]

I want to say under the garbage off the field policy they have in the NFL, he cant really play a game till several into the season

He's also under conditions for his reinstatement, such as psych counseling and other things.

Pampered lifestyle? He just filed chapter 13 because being in Prison, he had no income so right now he is in bankruptcy protection. Also as he got older, his skills diminish so he will receive NOWHERE near the contract offers he got, this is assuming he is even still a viable NFL worthy quarterback. He can say he kept in shape but it takes thousands of hours to be in professional shape, ESPECIALLY for a league quarterback. He will be lucky if he gets the league minimum

I suspect that the ONLY way a team will take him is if during pre-season or mid season, a team loses their qb to injury so they will pick him up to be a 2nd or 3rd backup

I don't like the things he did but this is a country where if you pay your debt to society, you should be able to return to your life, liberty, happiness and all that.

This-QFTW!

Not one of you animal rights folks (oh, animal lovers) have had one thing to say about Stallworth killing a HUMAN BEING, but you want to put you foot on Vick's neck over some dogs. Yes, what the man did was stupid and despicable. Yes, he deserved to go to jail for what he did. Although I don't feel he should've lost his job and his ONLY means of income over it, he did.

He's served his time, he's paid his fines, and he'll be villified long after he dies. How much more do you want to squeeze him before you feel he's paid enough?

 

[Bugman]

I want to say under the garbage off the field policy they have in the NFL, he cant really play a game till several into the season

He's also under conditions for his reinstatement, such as psych counseling and other things.

Pampered lifestyle? He just filed chapter 13 because being in Prison, he had no income so right now he is in bankruptcy protection. Also as he got older, his skills diminish so he will receive NOWHERE near the contract offers he got, this is assuming he is even still a viable NFL worthy quarterback. He can say he kept in shape but it takes thousands of hours to be in professional shape, ESPECIALLY for a league quarterback. He will be lucky if he gets the league minimum

I suspect that the ONLY way a team will take him is if during pre-season or mid season, a team loses their qb to injury so they will pick him up to be a 2nd or 3rd backup

I don't like the things he did but this is a country where if you pay your debt to society, you should be able to return to your life, liberty, happiness and all that.

Yep.

 

[McNoodle]

Just because you pick your battles on what to speak out against does not mean you condone everything else that happens everywhere in the world.
I would of liked to see the Commish suspend him for the year but obviously after much consulting and due diligence he felt the current parameters were adequate. I must say he is a better man than myself because if a criminal lied directly to my face and then appealed to me afterwards for leniency I would be more tempted to lower the boom.

That being said... It's going to be another wonderful NFL season and I can hardly wait!

 

[meangry]

What I don't understand is why the NFL would allow him back in. He may have done his time for whatever legal matters he may have done, but the fact is that he is (was?) a monster that should by no means be allowed to continue living the pampered lifestyle of a professional athlete. He took the money that lifestyle allowed him and used to, for the most part, torture animals. That's what the big deal is.

He paid his little fine (well, little to him). He did 2 years in jail (less than than you'd get for walking away with someone's laptop). Now he's trying to kick back and roll in the millions again by joining up with the NFL. Something about that doesn't feel right.

Why wouldn't they allow him back in? The NFL has people in it like Leonard Little who have KILLED people with drunk driving. The NFL isn't about your off the field transgressions; it's whether you can play on Sundays.

You don't have to root for him, but don't begrudge someone else from making a living in their desired field.

 

[kis123]

Why wouldn't they allow him back in? The NFL has people in it like Leonard Little who have KILLED people with drunk driving. The NFL isn't about your off the field transgressions; it's whether you can play on Sundays.

You don't have to root for him, but don't begrudge someone else from making a living in their desired field.

Agreed.

Or they can kill as many people as they can get away with, but don't touch the dogs.........

 

[meangry]

Agreed.

Or they can kill as many people as they can get away with, but don't touch the dogs.........

Exactly.

The issue with it, from my perspective, has to do with arbitrary postmortem justice. He did his stint in the pen, and regardless of length, it was what was agreed upon. Making statements like some you see regarding Vick sound like an angered populous screaming from his head on a pike.

I do not condone his crimes.

He paid his penalty. Saying he deserved more time, or that she should be banished like Oedipus just seems redundant to me.

 

[desdemona]

Exactly.

The issue with it, from my perspective, has to do with arbitrary postmortem justice. He did his stint in the pen, and regardless of length, it was what was agreed upon. Making statements like some you see regarding Vick sound like an angered populous screaming from his head on a pike.

Nope, his gonads would suffice. Fed to the dogs he mistreated.


I do not condone his crimes.

We weren't the judge and jury. We can only accept what the statutes allow. It does not mean I have to like it or stop criticizing the man. I think some convicts need constant reminders not to make the same mistake twice. Sort of like registering sex offenders - I don't think anyone should sell or adopt any animal to this man.

He paid his penalty. Saying he deserved more time, or that she should be banished like Oedipus just seems redundant to me.

Yes, he paid the prescribed price. And unlike other athletes who have NOT been allowed back into their respective sports due to their criminal activities (I'll cite Pete Rose since I'm not a fan of his although he was a Cincinnati Reds fan favorite and still is), he's being allowed to return to his profession. It's strange because a felony record keeps you out of many job choices, but in the NFL, it seems to be a golden ticket. And Oedipus? Come on, the man was at least blind to half of his actions. I don't equate epic tragic heroes with scum like Vick.

 

[Goodieluver]

Just because you pick your battles on what to speak out against does not mean you condone everything else that happens everywhere in the world.
I would of liked to see the Commish suspend him for the year but obviously after much consulting and due diligence he felt the current parameters were adequate. I must say he is a better man than myself because if a criminal lied directly to my face and then appealed to me afterwards for leniency I would be more tempted to lower the boom.

That being said... It's going to be another wonderful NFL season and I can hardly wait!

It would set a standard which will affect every other player. Pacman jones got an indefinite suspension for a fight(the one after the strip club shooting) But he wasn't even convicted of ANY CRIME!
Chris Henry got suspended for less crap. Hell, Tank Johnson got suspended for felony gun ownership, but it wasn't even in the act of a crime! He just had them at his house. All in the name of "we need to set a good example" Sports athletes should not be role models yet the leagues market them as such.

As of now Vick can practice and be in the last 2 pre season games but is suspended from pro games till atleast WEEK 6 of the season. Why should Vick be suspended for a year? You can say he's been suspended the past 2-3 seasons due to his incarceration.

 

[kis123]

Yes, he paid the price. And unlike other athletes who have NOT been allowed back into their respective sports due to their criminal activities (I'll cite Pete Rose since I'm not a fan of his although he was a Cincinnati Reds fan favorite and still is), he's being allowed to return to his profession. It's strange because a felony record keeps you out of many job choices, but in the NFL, it seems to be a golden ticket. And Oedipus? Come on, the man was at least blind to half of his actions. I don't equate epic tragic heroes with scum like Vick.

And what is your opinion on Donte' Stallworth? Or Ray Lewis? Or Kevin Mack (retired)? These are people who committed crimes against other people. They did their time (except Lewis) and were re-entered back into society and back to their athletic professions. Why is Michael Vick different? Over dogfighting? Should he have no life after he paid his dues because some "animal lovers" have the NFL by their balls over what he did? That's completely insane to me.

I'm hearing people crying out about Vick, but he isn't the first person who messed up legally and won't be the last. Why is he villianized as much as he is and why should he NOT be allowed back into the NFL? I know of physicians who have comitted crimes against other people and don't get as villianized. I see no difference between the two IMO.

 

[desdemona]

No, you're right. Other athletes have done worse. But since this post was about Michael Vick and it touches on me personally and professionally, I spoke out. I shall withdraw so as not to offend.

 

[Goodieluver]

Yes, he paid the prescribed price. And unlike other athletes who have NOT been allowed back into their respective sports due to their criminal activities (I'll cite Pete Rose since I'm not a fan of his although he was a Cincinnati Reds fan favorite and still is), he's being allowed to return to his profession. It's strange because a felony record keeps you out of many job choices, but in the NFL, it seems to be a golden ticket. And Oedipus? Come on, the man was at least blind to half of his actions. I don't equate epic tragic heroes with scum like Vick.

Usage of anabolic steroids is illegal in the USA but wasn't tech illegal in Baseball or was just not thought about. Potentially its felonious but people have been "discovered" to have juiced. Should they be factored into the whole "he's got a felony record, he needs to be banned"? Steroids are not banned in football and you can damn well believe many of them juice because they are paid to destroy their bodies

Pete Rose was never convicted of betting. He admitted to it in 04 but the ONLY legal issue he ever really had was an old tax evasion case which he settled in whichever way he did which did involve prison time. So Pete Rose was not barred from the HOF cuz of "illegal activities" because there was no proof at all, only suspicion. He was banned because he signed an agreement with MLB on the side which said he would be ineligible until a certain date.

 

[meangry]

Yes, he paid the prescribed price. And unlike other athletes who have NOT been allowed back into their respective sports due to their criminal activities (I'll cite Pete Rose since I'm not a fan of his although he was a Cincinnati Reds fan favorite and still is), he's being allowed to return to his profession. It's strange because a felony record keeps you out of many job choices, but in the NFL, it seems to be a golden ticket. And Oedipus? Come on, the man was at least blind to half of his actions. I don't equate epic tragic heroes with scum like Vick.

Whether Oedipus was blind or not to his actions, he still performed them. There is a long standing belief that Vick might have been aware of what was going down and took part. I have no clue what he did exactly. I would be surprised if he was taking part in all the dog torture, fighting, and killing just given the timing of when events transpired.

And the NFL isn't your workplace. The NFL is part of the entertainment industry which already has inherent double standards.