Vick's back – Time to wrap our heads around it

Get off your high-horse America and stop pretending to be blameless. Someone tell me why everyone is more willing to forgive Michael Phelps than they are to forgive Michael Vick. Phelps represented the nation and then misrepresented it by smoking pot. Yet you let him off the hook with no time pulled. Vick fights dogs and you still want his blood after losing everything. I know; why don't you go after the rodeo cowboys who do the bull bucking. Do you know whay they do to the bull to make them buck? Ask someone. It's far more painful and cruel than fight and shooting dogs. Yet you celebrate them. Bunch of hypocrits.

WHAT A ROLL MODEL HE MAKES FOR OUR KIDS.

I think it's great that Vick has been signed. Life is about second chances and he deserves this one. I may even change from a falcons fan to an eagles fan.

Get off your high-horse America and stop pretending to be blameless. Someone tell me why everyone is more willing to forgive Michael Phelps than they are to forgive Michael Vick. Phelps represented the nation and then misrepresented it by smoking pot. Yet you let him off the hook with no time pulled. Vick fought dogs and you still want his blood after losing everything. Why don't you go after the rodeo cowboys who ride bulls. Do you know what they do to the bulls to make them buck? Ask someone. It's far more painful and cruel than fighting and shooting dogs. Yet, you celebrate them. Bunch of hypocrits.

Vick did his time he is a great player all these people whinning about i won't watch the eagles play because they signed micheal vick. They need to grow up and except he did his time and to let him get on with his life and career quit condeming the man for something that he did his time and paid his dues to society. I think it's great that he's back. Seattle should've picked him up.

Every Saint has a past and every sinner has a future.
Oscar wilde

Ridiculous - tell a lie, get fired ; use narcotics, get fired ; get arrested, get fired - it seems the NFL is the place for employment when honesty and morals DO NOT APPLY.

Michael Vick committed a series of uncontionable crimes, he was convicted and sentenced, although made be not serious enough, but sentenced. Michael at that time endured what I can only image was an inhuman and demeaning life. How awful it must feel to an inmate to have a CO bend them over to look up there butts after each visit from a loved one. He paid his debt to society and now must have a job to reinstitute himself. Many repeat offenders on the basis of not being able to find a job resort back to there criminal activities. Having a felony disallows one the right to vote not the right to work.

WHAT DO I THINK OF VICK, HERE'S A GUY THAT USED TO ABUSE
DROWN AND ELECTROCUTE HELPLESS DOGS. HE WILL BE ON MY S- – T LIST FOREVER BECAUSE THERE IS ABSOLUTLY NO EXCUSE FOR WHAT HE DID EXCEPT FOR THE FACT THAT HE ENJOYED IT...

Michael Vick is a totally self-absorbed, amoral human being that has no further business with the NFL. Any team he becomes affiliated with will always be known as the team who cared more about profit than ethics. That team will go down. Nothing good can ever become of a man who blatantly has disregard for the life of dogs by letting them tear each other apart in a disgusting man-man sport of dog fighting. Beautiful animals were turned into hideous killing machines for the purpose of Michael Vick and others to make money off the horrible suffering of dogs who are provoked and forced to kill each other. Michael Vick is a monstrosity to mankind and I would never support a team that allowed him to be amongst their ranks. It's all for money and the dogs are immaterial in Michael's world. And if you think the dog fighting episode is over with, it isn't because somewhere another fight is happening today.

I am appauled that Michael Vick can go back to a life of fame and fortune after being a part of torturing and inhumanely killing of dogs. He should be giving his hard work, sweat and tears to helping animals that have been abused and mistreated, not using his energy on a football field to entertain fans. It is true, he did his time in prison but that does not bring back or take away the pain and suffering he bestowed on Mans Best Friend. Shame on you Michael Vick and The Philadelphia Eagles.

Robin,
I saw the evidence showing what Mike Vick did. This scum does not deserve the chance of fame, fortune, or the status that is associated with the NFL. I'll never watch the Eagles again.
Ronnie
Florida

I wish the media nad the public in general would stop creating a double standard. You're trying to hang Michael Vick out to dry, while that adulterer and resturant sex addict Rick Pitino gets the free pass. Wrong is wrong, and no dpuble standard is going to change that!

Michael Vick done his time he is a great player people need to stop hatin on him everybody done crazy things in their life look at all the abortions nobody dont go to jail for that but for killin dogs humans is less value that dogs thats ridulous!!!

I GET SICK TO MY STOMACH EVERE YTIME I SEE MICHAEL VICK'S ARROGENT NASTY FACE. HOW COULD ANYONE SIGN HIM?
ALL THAT MONEY!!! SETS A VERY BAD EXAMPLE ON ANIMAL CRUELTY. HE SHOULD BE SENT TO ALL SHELTERS AND CLEAN THE DOG RUNS ESPECIALLY THE PIT BULLS. THEN THEY SHOULD GET OUT AND USE HIM AS A FOOT BALL. HOW LOW CAN YOU GO? WHAT HORRIBLE WAYS THOSE POOR ANIMALS DIED AT VICK'S HANDS. GOD'S CREATURES ARE NOT MENT TO BE HARMED. SHAME ON YOU EAGLES.

As an animal rescuer, I have seen the maimed bodies of dogs who are forced to fight for the entertainment and financial gains of people like Michael Vick. Vick was given a plea bargin, and did not serve a full term in prison. His only remorse is for himself, and what he lost from his time in prison. I am disgusted that the NFL and the Eagles would allow Vick to be reinstated and earn a multi-million dollar contract. What is this teaching the young fans?

Do all of you people who think Vick shouldn't play remember Kobe Bryant's rape trial? Come on......Vick has at least served his time and shown remorse for his actions. I say kudos to the Eagles for giving him a chance!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPJVjd7k9uQ

WATCH THIS LINK AND THEN PULL YOU HEAD FIRMLY FROM YOUR A*#ES AND SHUT YOUR MOUTHS PEOPLE!! I'M TIRED OF THIS. I'M TIRED OF THE HYPOCRISY!!! YOU ALL ACCEPT THIS AND DON'T DEMAND JOCKEYS TO NOT RIDE HORSES. ENOUGH!! CONGRATUALATIONS VICK ON HAVING A CHANCE TO TURN A NEW LEAF. USE THE MONEY WISELY TO A. DONATE TO STOPPING ANIMAL CRUELTY, AND B. TO INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE. THANK YOU AND GOOD NIGHT!!!

I am glad that Michael Vick signed with another team. I only wish he had signed with my team the Chiefs. This whole public uproar about killing dogs and dogfighting has gotten completely out of control. Sure he did a bad thing, but the folks at PETA kill more animals than Vick could ever have hoped to kill. (60 minutes did a story on this) It kills me how we look the other way when we see homeless people or atrocities committed against people in the world yet we spend so much time and money trying to save dogs. We as Americans have completely lost our perspective on what really matters. PETA and the HSA would have been so much better off charging Vick $5M to pay towards animal shelters than locking him up. Pit Bulls were bread purely for fighting. That is why the breed was created. So if you don't want people to fight them, then quit breeding them. In fact why don't we ban the breeding of all breeds of dogs that were bred purely for fighting. Besides, if these dogs had been born in China, they would have probably wound up on someones dinner plate. Our concern for the well being of animals above all else is shamefull. Vick screwed up. He paid his debt to society so he should be allowed to do whatever he wants. I for one would make a point to attend games that Vick was playing in, especially if a bunch of PETA folks were protesting outside. In fact, I might even wear a 2009 dog fighting championship T-shirt for effect.
Lifetime dog owner.

If a person is convicted of a crime and serves their sentence they should be given the opportunity to get a job in the field in which they are trained. If they is no hope for a job thier only option is to return to commiting crimes.

It.s a tough call, yes he has fullfilled his legal commitment as far as the justice system goes, but talking about moral commitment and moral absolution, he has a long way to go. As a fellow dog lover I can attest that anybody who considers paying back his dogs attempts to please his master by electrocuting and choking and drowning him for not winning...... well I hope when he plays he has the thought in his head of the same punishment for him should he not perform to standards.
I have forced myself to pray for him and hope he is sincere and not just speaking apologetically for PR purposes.
A dog will love you unconditionally, rich poor, employed, unemployed,
A football fan will be more fickle with Vick.......

I think he (Mr. Vick) should have another chance, it is America and PETA is full of @#$%%.They need to stop their roll, they just want time in the news. The man did time, for the abuse of animals. I think and hope he's learned a lesson. I'll bet those same hatters would not go into the inner city where real crimes are taking place against humans. Example: Go to some of these big cities .. – NY and rescue the humans being forced into prostitution and drugs.

I feel like I am the only one on the planet who can see through Michael Vick's game. He got busted. He paid a big price. He is broke. Is he genuinely sorry for torturing and murdering innocent animals? Anyone of such low moral character who is capable of this hideous behavior will not be rehabilitated overnight, if ever. I personally do not think he deserves to be a big, rich, celebrity football player anymore. I'd rather see him flipping burgers in McDonalds.

I'm not so sure I would let him back. He paid his debt but I think a season suspension would be apropriate.

Look at the end of the day what Vick did was bad its done and over, but for Peta ( who I think is a bunch of freaks) need ot leave this man alone. Only god can judge. he spent 18months in jail how much jail time have most of you spent. I tell you 18months in prison and most people will come out with a change of heart. We as a nation have bigger things to worry about. I love dogs to, but they are just that dogs period.

I can't believe that people are on vick's back. He did his time and he will pay still even knowing his out. the attention should be on The dui murder. stallworth killed a human being not a dog, and he did less time in jail.

Michael Vick is making the headlines with his fresh start at the nfl playing for Philadelphia Eagles. All I see is the bad comments people are posting about him cause of his illegal interactions with dog fighting. Ok he did it he served his short term and paid his dues, and currently paying them. People are not seeing the aspect of this at all. He did a crime, he did his time, now let him start his career again. People everywhere look at this as a bad situation to hire him back into the nfl. He's a talented player, him sitting beside McNabb could be the best thing that happened to the eagles in awhile. Both quarterbacks are good for throwing, and running plays. They know how to score points, and win games. What I dont get is why people are so mad and outraged over this action. People harm animals everyday, being dogs, cats, chickens, cows, horses, mice, and so on. I mentioned this cause when someone gets mad at an animal they tend to punish it. The people who are bashing Vick are the same people who beat their dogs, cats, or even set mouse traps to kill mice. Its all cruelty if you look at it right. So should we all be punished for what we do to our animals. Well I dont have animals because I dont really care for them, but you know what I mean. People shouldnt out rage over his actions, when all he wants is a new start. Im from Pennsylvania, but my nfl team is the 49er's, and I think with Vick playing for the Eagles it will make a better football season for the NFC to win another title. People shold realize that some people can better themselves after they make a mistake in life, not to be judgemental and hold a continuous grudge for life against that person.

I feel Vick is entitled to a second chance. With that in mind I also feel that the NFL should show that what he did was wrong and not tolerated. they should impose a serious penalty, say 50% of his salary being donated to the humane society for the next two years. He's getting something many others don't get, a second chance. Play for the love of the sport, not the money.

People need to get a life, you have to have alot of time on your hands to protest outside of the Eagles training camp. Some of these people are not even football fans. I heard one call say if you go to a Eagles game or even watch a Eagles game than you condone the things Michael Vick did, that means people condone a lot of crimes cause there are alot of crimes getting commited in sports, and any form of entertainment.

The one thing many stories about Vick seem to be ignoring is the potential backlash from fans. Will the Eagles are now going to be the target of significant protests, boycotts, and other disruptive activity that may impact their operation?

There more here than a football signing, folks. It's not about the Eagles' offensive scheme, or Donovan McNabb. There is a lot of justifiable outrage and disgust at what this guy did.

And by the way – Vick says he made "terrible mistakes". This was not a mistake. Dialing the wrong phone number is a mistake. What he did was premeditated, wilful, repetitive, and purposeful. There was nothing "mistaken" about it in the least.

The one thing many stories about Vick seem to be ignoring is the potential backlash from fans. Will the Eagles now become the target of significant protests, boycotts, and other disruptive activity that may impact their operation?

There's more here than a football signing, folks. It’s not about the Eagles’ offensive scheme, or Donovan McNabb. There is a lot of justifiable outrage and disgust at what this guy did.

And by the way – Vick says he made “terrible mistakes”. This was not a mistake. Dialing the wrong phone number is a mistake. What he did was premeditated, wilful, repetitive, and purposeful. There was nothing “mistaken” about it in the least.

VICK – NO on VICK. Sports Illustrated had a slogan. . . "Hide your Beagle, here comes an Eagle." He can work elsewhere, I don't want to see him on TV, in the NFL. He says he is sorry, maybe yes, but that is his cross. I feel sorry for Vick, liked his game, but more sorry for the tortured animals. I don't feel prison is restitution for his crimes–dog torture and butchery for profit and sport! It was not a one-time thing–can't get it out of my head. . Shame on Philly. Thanks for the opportunity to comment.
Karen from CA

This is an outrage. Pro athletes who make lots of money and have high profiles are role models to our kids. With that should come a higher level of responsibility. There should be a rule: be convicted of a felony and be banned for life from professional sports. Our role models should truly be role models...and there is no room for common criminals.

Why is my comment from10:27AM still awaiting moderation?????

Thank you,

Javen

Does everyone deserve a second chance? NO! What Mike Vick did was evil, he repeatedly made dogs fight each other, and if they were not vicious enough he murdered them with his bare hands. If they were mean enough for Vick's perverted tastes, and they were female, he had all their teeth pulled so they could not object to his "breeding program". People who make a mistake deserve a second chance, Mike Vick didn't make a mistake, he took pleasure in causing violence, pain and death. Not one time, but over and over again. He is a sociopath and should never be allowed to be a potential role model for our children. What message does this send? Would we give BinLadin a second chance? Hitler? Of course Mike Vick deserves to make an honest living; what he does not deserve is to make the salary of a NFL player and be cheered by fans. What was Jeff Lurie thinking? If he wants to "help out" poor Mike Vick give him the kind of job he deserves, cleaning out the locker room after the decent players leave. It saddens me to think that we are a society where athleticism is valued above basic decency. I cannot believe that we do not have talented, hungry, non sadistic, unsigned young football players who can add more to the game. It is a disgrace some young man with talent, drive and integrity will spend the season longing for the opportunity to play professional ball while Vick (who will be booed and barked at every time he hits the field) gets his "second chance" .

What is the different between a white man going hunting and a black man fight dogs. I understand that dog fighting is illegal but Vick went to jail to pay his debt. Why is no one asking about the players that hunt like Bret Favre. I never been shot but I know that bullets and arrows hurt. Stop picking one without picking the other because both are animal cruelty.

Michael Vick has paid for his crime. What about the white men who hung black men and had a right to do so, and white men raping black women. When do they pay. Will they pay with cancer and the many diseases God allows? I am sick of the attention these Hollier Than Thou People get. I didn't like drinking out of the colored water fountain, etc. If they have a problem, I say get over it. Michael Vick has a job. Ha! Ha! Ha!

Why? You and everybody else give your opinion. That is mine.

Vick has served his time for the crime that he committed. It is time for us to move on. Have anyone heard of forgiveness? To all of you animal rights lovers you seem to care more about dogs than you care about human beings. When a man kill another man he is forgiven and gets a second chance quicker than someone that harms a dog. Get over it and get concern about healthcare for everyone. Maybe we should give some jail time to dog owners when their dog kills a human being.

There are out there people more talented and willing to do good to society than Michael Vick......
A second chance on helping animals from cruelty.... Yes!
A second chance on playing back with the Eagles..... Big NO!
We have to send a message to other sportmen before they consider
to do another act of evil........
Lets give the chance to those who want to do it right!
And don't go for second best!

ok, I am for second chances too. But Michael Vick should have this chance. I think the NFL is sending the wrong message to kids that idolized him. If you do bad things it's ok, you can still come back. What about "Mr. Baseball" Pete Rose. all he did was bet on some games, he never killed and tortured animals. But Pete is banned for life!!! major sport DOUBLE STANDARD...........

Michael Vick should be left alone. Cassius Clay changed his name, avoided the draft and is celebrated as a great champion. Those people who admit to (drug) steriod use still paly and have their runs counted. Really great examples.
Where's the justice? Too much attention paid to sports figures and celebraties and not enough to people who make a difference.

I would like to know why so much media time is being spent on this story when pedophiles have more rights to privacy and walk among us everyday after spending very little time for the crimes they commit against CHILDREN who are ruined for the rest of their lives...who is condemning this activity in our society; who's protesting, who's kicking them out of their jobs who's really outting them so we can take steps to keep our kids safe?They are a danger to society but guess that would be too hard of an issue to address and take too much time; guess it would cost too much money for the powerful media to put on their radar to help.

It only becomes a story when a child is DEAD like those little puppies people keep talking about. The only reason focus is given to this story is because it is Michael Vick although this "man's sport" has been and still is going on.

The man has paid his debt and seems the priorities are a little messed up. We have a lot more important things to worry about. It would give the media more time to do due diligence on the things that really matter and affect people than this bit of news.

I, for one, will not root for the Eagles this year!

I just don't buy it. When he pleas for us to treat our animals well you can tell that these are words spin doctors have fed him to say. He appears blatantly insincere. I even detected a smirk.

I WISH WE WOULD MOVE ON OR TURN THE PAGE ON THIS GUY. MIKE VICK DOESN'T DO A VERY GOOD SONG AND DANCE BIT. HE WENT TO JAIL , HE'S OUT, AND NOW HE'S PLAYING FOOTBALL AGAIN. WE CAN'T KEEP PUNISHING SOMEONE BECAUSE WE DON'T FEEL THEY'VE BEEN PUNISHED ENOUGH. ALL WHO HAVE DONE WRONG IN YOUR LIFE AND NEEDED SOMEONE WHOM YOU WRONGED TO FORGIVE YOU , SHOULD STOP THESE ATTACKS ON THIS MAN. YOU WOULDN'T WANT SOMEONE HANGING THE JUNK YOU DID OVER YOUR HEADS, WOULD YA?

I am an attorney. If I had been convicted of Michael Vick's crime, I would now be begging for a chance to get my law license back. I might get a second chance, but I wouldn't get a third. No matter whether Vick intended to be anyone's role model or not, a lot of American kids have his jersey tacked on their wall. He should recognize his responsibility to them and earn this chance. He owes it to them to be more than just a regular guy now. He should become a super-hero role model. And, if he gets in more trouble – he should be out.

I'm concerned that many professional athletes are not held accountable for their actions by the authorities when they cross the line and commit crimes. Every one of these individuals should be prosecuted to the fullest extent possible and this should start by taking away their livelihood. Wealth and public adulation make these athletes believe they are untouchable, a gang-like mentality. I'm tired of watching them do whatever they want and continue to flaunt their criminal behavior. At least Michael Vick was caught. He should be the example.

Bottom lime America. "Judge not or you'll be judged." "Forgive and you will be forgiven." "You without sin (none of you) can cast the first stone." "What ever a man sows, that also shall he reap." This includes unforgiveness. Unless you forgive Michael Vick for his sins, you will not be forgiven of yours. When a man falls, we are not to kick him. Instead we should reach down to help him up. Hey these are not my words. You can argue against these points all you want just remember who you are arguing against. It aint me!

If we can't get the public option... Can I at least get some good football??

I think Michael has paid for his crime of dog fighting. He deserves a second chance and forgiveness. Dog fighting is a sport practiced through out the US. I have a dog that I love dearly, but I would never put him or any dog ahead of a huma being. We should be more compassionate towards others who openly confess then faults and asks for a second chance.That's what God does for us daily.

I think a "large" portion of Vick's salary should be donated to animal shelters/dog rescues across the country to help him repay for what was done to the dogs.

Two Memories of Senator Kennedy- An Unpretentious American With a Great Sense of Humor

1. My 15-year old son and I happened to be in Boston's Logan airport to catch a flight back to Columbus, Ohio early one autumn Sunday morning. As we were walking by one gate of arriving flights, I noticed Senator Kennedy getting off the arriving flight from Washington, D.C.. I said to my son, "Look– there's Senator Ted Kennedy."

My son turned and asked "Is he famous?" Barely before I could say "yes," my son had darted forward, handed his camera cell phone to one of Kennedy's aides, and asked the aide to take his picture with the Senator. When the aide tried to get rid of this pesky15-year old, Senator Kennedy beamed and insisted on having his picture taken with my son.

After the photo session, Senator Kennedy saw me smiling with amazement at what had just happened. He winked at me and remarked, "Well, nowadays you never know where your next vote is coming from."

2. When I was an undergraduate at the University of Virginia, Senator Kennedy was asked to give a speech to the students. I remember his opening words:

"Before I agreed to give this speech, I thought that it would fitting to ask the President of the University to consider awarding me an honorary degree. The President told me that he had reviewed the transcripts of my grades when I had been a law student here. He told me that he had concluded that the law degree I received had been an honorary degree."

He's back! Deal with! If you don't like it, don't watch him play. Just shut the hell up!