Michael Vick: My View - Who is at fault for his comeback.
Why am I writing about Vick? As a Saints fan, I always felt better when we played the Falcons because if we made Vick throw it was a sure thing to get a win. I believed that until he became a better passer he would never reach his full potential.
I am writing about Vick because I think the responses to his recent situation interesting. I have a couple of points I want to make then I am pretty much done thinking about Vick.
Michael Vick with wisdom and knowledge aforethought willfully committed a crime. He did not make an error in judgment, he did not act in ignorance, and he did not make a mistake. He willfully and by choice did the things he did. He went to jail for his crimes and finished the punishment that was given to him.
Fast forward to present.
People's reaction varied in what I have read and seen on TV. Some people believe he does not deserve to play football again, some people believe that he simply made a mistake and deserves a second chance. Everyone has an opinion. Here is mine.
My View
I have nothing against Michael Vick and, I hope he will make something of his life. Here are my issues with this situation. Surprisingly enough, they do not involve Michael Vick at all.
My first issue is with Roger Goodell.
It is well documented that Roger and Michael met before this whole thing came to light to discuss his involvement. Michael lied to Roger Goodell. He had the opportunity to come clean before the whole thing came out and chose to lie.
Roger Goodell had the power to make sure Michael Vick was a non-issue in the NFL and chose to let him come back in the league. I do not know if any other CEO that had been lied to by a former employee who is a convicted felon would even of consider talking to that individual. I asked myself if I was a CEO of lemonade stand would I want to talk to someone who had lied the way Vick. Based on the way I conduct business, I would say no.
I have to question Mr. Goodell's judgment and how me makes his decisions. He could have made a choice to relegate Vick to a footnote in football history. It is not Vick's fault that Roger Goodell took him back.
My second issue is with the Philadelphia Eagles.
You have Donovan McNabb. You have an organization that is well respected and brings in alot of money each year. The Eagles have enjoyed a decade of success that makes them one of the most respected brands in football.
Then they pick up Vick. Why? I could see it if there were no other QBs available. I could see it if Vick had played in the UFL or CFL for year and then tried to make his return, but to take him now? Why would I want to bring the PETA people out in force to my place of business? Sure Tony Dungy went to bat for him, but what has Vick done since he got out of jail to show me that he could behave? The Atlanta Falcons organization wanted nothing to do with him when he got out of jail. The CFL said no way as well. The same team that let Brian Dawkins go picked up Vick!!!! Again, if I am a GM for a football team knowing what I know about Michael Vick, I tell Tony Dungy politely that we are not interested and move on. There are too many other guys who behaved and done the right thing to give Michael Vick another shot at this time. It is not Vick's fault that the Eagles paid him money to play football this year.
My last issue is with football fans.
In Atlanta new Michael Vick jerseys are being snapped up. Eagles fans cheered louder for Vick than they did for McNabb during the Jacksonville/Eagles preseason game. Are you kidding me? Donovan has had injury issues during his career, but I really enjoyed watching him play. He comes off to me as a class act that brings it to the field every time he takes the ball. I really wonder what would have happened if Eagles fans had protested the Eagles organization bringing Vick onboard? Would fans have boycotted the games? The fact that Vick (7) is the number one selling jersey in Philadelphia tells me no. I know I keep harping on this point, but if you knew a place where you did business for many years in your town hired this guy would you vote with your wallet and go somewhere else? I know there is the belief of forgive and forget, but Eagles fans are you serious? What does Michael Vick have over Donovan McNabb? In a way this makes me realize where we are as a society and I don't like what is looking back at me in the mirror.
My position is this. If Michael Vick had demonstrates somehow that he is a changed man and turns this situation into something good then great. The Scarlett letter should be removed and he should be held up as an example of redemption. I just do not see it happening right now. If I am operating like it is my company and my money I would say no. Again, there are too many other guys who made the right choice. I would rather go with them to represent me and my values.
The question you need to ask yourself is what are your values based on how you feel about Vick? I would be interested to see your answer.
I know this was a long one, but thanks for reading. Flipping the thick stack, Buckwheat Luv'in
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