May 09 2009
NFL Commissioner Says Michael Vick Need to Show Remorse to Return to the Legue
The commissioner of the NFL Roger Goodell wants Michael Vick to show remorse before he allows him to return to the NFL. Does he want Vick to hold a press conference where he begs him and the so-called Animal Lovers to forgive him in order to make a living for his family?
Michael Vick was convicted along with two other conspirator’s for dog fighting and is near the end of a twenty-three month jail sentence. He is set to be released into a half way house in July. If the commissioner need to see remorse, he need look no further than the letter Vick wrote to Judge Henry E. Hudson before being sentenced. In the letter he mentioned growing up not witnessing any one being jailed for Dog Fighting. He stated that his record was clean other than a ticket for a traffic violation. He mentions the loss of his NFL contract, endorsements, family, and ultimately his freedom. He told Judge Hudson that if given another chance, he would never commit another crime. The judge felt that Vick was remorseful because he could have handed him a longer sentence. If the commissioner wants to be a Judge, he should have gone to Law School.
It is not Roger Goodells position to play judge of the court of opinion and break Vick down by requiring him to plead to him and the public for forgiveness. His job is to decide wheather to reinstate Vick back in the NFL. Of course Pro Football is about money and winning. It is a business and Michael Vick is a valuable commodity. A half dozen or more teams are interested in his Quarterbacking skills. Not to mention the excitement he brings to the game will drive ticket sales up for the team that signs him. Vick revolutionized Quarterbacking with his big arm and world class speed. The standard for Quarterbacks is no longer the six foot three or taller pocket passer with limited mobility; especially with Zone Blitzing Defenses.
Vick Committed a terrible act by participating in and bankrolling Bad News Kennels and has paid with the loss of his $130 million dollar contract with the Atlanta Falcons, a felony conviction, and bankruptcy, but let us not forget that dogs are not held in high esteem in every community. In some cultures dog is a delicacy. True Animal Lovers should also come out against Zoo’s and Circuses that take animals out of their natural habitats, house and display them in the name of Animal Conservation. In some cases animals are driven to madness by being made to perform the same routine over and over again until they have out grown their usefulness. Sound familiar? Some time they attack their handlers and have to be put down. Where are the petitions to shut down Circuses, Zoo’s and Aquariums? If Siefried and Roy were highly paid Athletes, this issue would get more attention.
