One of the female pit bulls seized from Michael Vick's property
Just this past week, NFL quarterback Michael Vick was released from federal jail after serving a 23 month sentence for dog fighting (which it was proven that his illegal activities lasted at least 6 years), and was also indefinitely suspended from the NFL. Once the highest paid player in the NFL, Vick brutalized and murdered his dogs by methods including severe beating, electrocution, and hanging at his Bad Newz Kennels, and these acts tarnished his public image. Luckily, many of the remaining dogs rescued from his property were able to be rehabilitated and adopted out to loving homes.
The question remains has Vick served the time appropriate for the crime and should he be restated into the NFL? ASPCA President and CEO Ed Sayres has some pretty strong remarks concerning Michael Vick’s future. The ASPCA was part of the rescue operation and rehabilitation, along with the other agencies, of Vick’s canines. Here is an excerpt of his thoughts:
“Regardless, Mr. Vick most decidedly deserves to be employed. However, the question isn’t whether he deserves to earn a livelihood…. The question is whether Mr. Vick should be able to re-join the ranks of the elite athletes in the NFL. The NFL is not your average workplace—with stratospheric salaries, licensing agreements, corporate endorsements and tens of millions of adoring fans, the NFL represents, to many, the achievement of ‘The American Dream.’ These athletes are looked upon as our heroes… our role models… and with Mr. Vick in the enviable role of quarterback, they are viewed as leaders.
Given the stature of what it means to be a part of the NFL, it is crucial that Mr. Vick first express remorse for what he has done—something that he has yet to do throughout his incarceration. It is also critical that Mr. Vick take advantage of the opportunity granted to him by Wayne Pacelle and the Humane Society of the United States. Through his association with HSUS, Mr. Vick has a tremendous opportunity to address those many years of horrific judgment and finally demonstrate responsible community behavior.”
So what do you think? Do you agree with Sayres? Should Vick be allowed to be a part of the NFL or not? Let me know what you think.
Click here to read Ed Sayres statement in its entirety.
Image credit: The Humane Society
