The Michael Vick signing has brought me out my blogging hiatus. I've been absent from writing for some time as a result of life being hectic, but the reaction to his recent signing has irked me so that I feel i obligated to impress my opinion upon the interent world.
Let's clear the air. Michael Vick's actions and participation in the dog fighting culture was deplorable, irresponsible and senseless. It was an abuse of the status and recognition that he has acquired as a result of the God given talents that have been lent to him. His participation was exemplary of the lack of good judgement that is wide spread amongst athletes and their more than apparent sense of dominance and self proclamation of being untouchable. Further, he hurt many an animal and dissapointed those who wake up each morning staring at posters of him on their bedroom walls as they tie their cleats to run sprints so they too can "be like Mike". He let down those who work hard each day to enjoy the solace that comes as a result of spending that hard earned money on season tickets. His actions undoubtedly has saddened his peers and teammates who looked at him as an example of athletic prowess and superiority. To keep it plain and simple, what he did was wrong.
And he has paid for it. Two years of prison, no matter what the situation, is something that most of us could not for a second fathom. Having your every step outlined for you in advance, not being able to enjoy the luxuries of your life no matter how extravagant, being separated from society, friends, family and loved ones is a fate we all are afraid of. But he paid for it. His debt to society, in a multitude of ways, is paid in full.
What irks me is the reaction by some (far too many) to this young, humble, mistake making man to proceed with his life. The passion exerted by that of the opposition to the Philadelphia Eagles decision to sign Vick is immense in its ferocity and proportion. I have read facebook status messages calling for him to be fed to rabid dogs. Whether it be grandstanding or sincere, the soap box from which the disgruntled shout expletives and make demands from is tall and grandiose. They call for his expulsion from the league. They call him a murderer. They shun those that offer him a second chance in life.
And what is most unfortunate is that the root of their dissent is based not only on his crime, but his success (amongst other things. . . to be discussed later). Athletes have down worse (google Stallworth and Manslaughter) crimes, got less time and been less of a media attraction. Vick however is a game hunt for which any condemner would be proud to hang above their mantle. Their kids idolize Vick, beg for his shoes (for which he has made a considerable amount of money from), hang his photo on their walls, in their lockers and in their wallets as inspiration for greatness (despite the fact that they put food on the table each night and would love to have a fraction of said recognition) and desire to "be like Mike." He has seemingly unlimited wealth (disregard the bankruptcy filing as it is just a part of rich life . . .ask Donald Trump), access and power. All things the normal 9 to 5'er covets. And let's not forget he is a athletic dream. He runs fast, has an arm like a cannon, stunning agility and moves and can do the things you only can imagine or watch on TV. In all his greatness, his condemners despise him to the utmost. He is successful. He is young. He is talented and yes, (here comes the amongst other things) he is BLACK!
Yep, I said it. He is black. To act as if the the stain that has defined our country since its existence doesn't hold true in this situation would be asinine. And I won't permit you to scare me away with the "you're just playing the race card" retort. I provide you an example. Back in late 2008, video taped evidence bubbled up of Brian Giles abusing his mate. You may not even know who Brian Giles is. He wasn't asked to do time. He wasn't stripped of his endorsements. He didn't lose one red cent of his contract. It wasn't even a story long enough for the name Giles to be embedded in your head! Is domestic violence less of a crime than dog fighting? Ben Roethlisberger (Superbowl QB) stands accused of sexual assault. Is sexual assault worse than dog fighting? Should we skip Ben when the rings are passed out this year? When's the last you've heard of this story? Yet Pacman Jones gets about as much coverage as the Obama Healthcare plan. To disregard this blatant and obvious prejudice with respecting to condemnation is unacceptable.
What would be an acceptable trade for Mike Vick if football isn't it? If he worked in a 7-Eleven, would you be okay with that? Does that make the 7-Eleven workers who work hard to care for their families less significant than professional athletes? Is their means of making a living so discourageable that it should be looked at as punishment? What if you were to drink and drive, jaywalk or break some crime? Would it be okay for you to change professions from account manager at XYZ to selling cell phone cases at a kiosk in your local mall (. . .you'd be surprised how much money they make though)?
Find out why you actually have a problem with Vick. Address those issues (within you) and then perhaps we all can proceed on with our lives.
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