Michael Vick - my thoughts

I don't know Michael Vick. I've never seen him play football. I only know that he was convicted of, and has only served 23 months for, financing the disgusting 'sport' of dogfighting.

I don't know Michael Vick. I wouldn't ever want to know Michael Vick. I feel sick when I think about what he did. I find it impossible to understand what reason he had to get involved in dogfighting? He wasn't poor. He wasn't unemployed. He wasn't trying to make a better life for himself and his family. So why?

I don't know Michael Vick. I just know that there's no reason on this earth why he needed to get involved in such an horrendous 'sport'. All I know is that he has to be a heartless, unemotional man to be able to do such a thing.

I don't know Michael Vick. I just think that it's appalling that he is being put in a position in which he can influence the lives of youngsters who see him and think that what he did can't be that bad. He's back after an abysmally short sentence. He's back to playing football for incredible amounts of money. Let's make sure no one forgets what he did. Most of all let's keep our eyes on him and not let him go back to drowning, hanging and otherwise torturing and causing terrible unimaginable pain and suffering to dogs again. We just cannot let that happen.

(Images capped from the National Geographic DogTown programme on Michael Vick's Dogs. You can see a clip of the programme on YouTube here. Visit the Vick Dog Blog to see how twelve of the dogs are doing now. Go to BadRap Blog and see what lovely dogs Pitbulls really are.)


Here's the Reuters Report:

Vick reinstated conditionally, may play by Week 6
Mon Jul 27, 2009 7:43pm EDT

By Larry Fine

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Quarterback Michael Vick has been reinstated to the NFL on a conditional basis and a decision on his return to action will come by the sixth week of the regular season, Commissioner Roger Goodell said Monday.

Vick, who completed a 23-month criminal sentence for bankrolling a dogfighting ring, was free to sign with an NFL team, participate in practice and play in the final two preseason games.

A decision on his return to regular-season competition would be based on the progress he makes in a "transition plan" laid out by the commissioner at a news conference.

"I will decide within the first six weeks of the regular season when and whether he will be reinstated to play," Goodell told reporters.

Goodell said he would evaluate how Vick conducted himself in terms of court-mandated conditions and promises the former Pro Bowl quarterback made to him in a four and a half hour meeting he had with him last week in the New York area.

Vick said he was grateful for the chance to play again.

"I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to Commissioner Goodell for allowing me to be readmitted to the National Football League," the 29-year-old said in a statement.

Vick played six seasons with the Atlanta Falcons but was released by the club following his conviction and indefinite suspension by the NFL.

"I fully understand that playing football in the NFL is a privilege, not a right, and I am truly thankful for the opportunity I have been given," he said.

Vick, a former top overall pick in the NFL Draft and a three-times All-Pro, said he would continue to receive mentoring from former NFL coach Tony Dungy, who steered the Indianapolis Colts to a Super Bowl title.

Dungy visited Vick in prison and also saw him during a final two-month period of home confinement in Virginia.

Commissioner Goodell said working with Dungy was a key component in Vick's transition plan.

"One of the most important things that we talked about is that nobody gets through life alone," Goodell said. "You always have to have a mentor, someone who can give you guidance and support at critical moments.

"Michael needs that right now and I've asked Tony Dungy to play a more formal role on my behalf and on Michael's behalf."

Vick is currently a free agent and able to sign with any team. Besides evaluating how Vick might help on the field, teams will also consider potential backlash in their community from people outraged by his role in the dogfighting ring.

Goodell told Vick in a letter that the conditional reinstatement allowing him to practice with his team should not be viewed as punishment.

"It is intended to maximize the prospect that you can successfully resume your career and your life," Goodell wrote.

"You have submitted to me a written plan concerning your proposed living arrangements, how you will manage your financial affairs, counseling and mentoring plans, and your proposed work with the Humane Society (animal protection organization) and other groups.

"You have committed to me that you intend to abide by this plan, and as I said when we met, you are accountable for doing so."

Original Source