Vick the Slick

No really major stories out there in the sports world or beyond for that matter, so I thought I would share a few thoughts about Michael "Ron Mexico" Vick. Once Vick was conditionally reinstated to the NFL by commissioner Roger Goodell, everyone knew it was only a matter of time before some team out there took the plunge and signed him. However, it seemed to be a pretty big surprise that the team who took the chance was the Philadelphia Eagles. Although they never formally said they were not interested, speculation did not follow the Eagles and it was an intriguing signing indeed.

Immediately after Vick signed, there was pretty much outrage in Philadelphia. Philly has some of the most passionate and vocal fans in the world and hey, they even booed Santa Claus, so the reaction was loud as expected. I hear initial reaction was about 75-25 against the signing. From my perspective though, I have no problem with them signing Vick.

Now make no mistake...I do not condone in any way what Michael Vick did. I am a dog lover and I have 2 dogs myself, so I feel that his actions were disgusting and reprehensible. However, this is why we have a legal and justice system in America, even if it seems to be broken sometimes. For the crimes that Vick committed, he pretty much got a full sentence. He did not catch a break because he was an athlete and his life as he knew it was pretty much destroyed. The man paid his debt to society and he did his time. With that, he has every right to try and pick up the pieces and try to rebuild his life.

Of course after the news broke, there were tons of people complaining and even some small protest groups that were outraged. Those people are entitled to their opinions, but I think that some of their anger and frustration is misplaced. I thought people for the most part are willing to give others a second chance in America. I also thought that the prison system is supposed to rehabilitate people and offer them a chance to come back to society as changed people who can then productively contribute to this great country. Michael Vick has every right to go back to his profession, which is an NFL player.

I think people are pissed that he is able to come back and make millions of dollars. Well guess what...tough. Vick should not be expected to come back to society and then go be a janitor and disappear. He was a football player and should be allowed to go back to that. In our society, athletes are paid huge amounts of money because they bring in huge amounts of money and people want to be entertained and that's how it is. Protest athlete's salaries in general if you want to protest something then.

I have also heard that this sets a bad example for children. Now how is that? The man paid the price for his actions and served his time. Now if you believe that he did not pay enough of a price, then that is fine. But if that is the case, then you should be angry at the justice system and go protest that. Try to change things so that Vick would have had a longer sentence. Again, all he is doing is going back to his profession and is asking for a second chance. If your child made a mistake, would you want society to make them an outcast and not give them another chance? I don't think so. If you want to teach your children, then make it clear that what Michael Vick did was disgusting and wrong and not something you would want them to do. But then also make it clear that Vick paid the price for what he did and now he has a second chance to do the right thing this time and that is what should be done if you make a mistake.

So the bottom line here is that Vick should be given a shot to make amends for his actions. If he can use his celebrity status to now do good for animal rights and continue to show genuine remorse for his actions, then it will be a good story in the end. But if you want to waste your time hating on the man just because he is going back to football and making money again, then I think you are trying to twist things too much. Be mad and disgusted at what he did. Don't cheer for him. Don't support the Eagles or give them your money if needs be. But make sure you have a clear sense of logic when you think about it. Everyone is entitled to their opinions and I just choose to not blatantly hate on the man for the sake of trying to complain or be mad about something. He should at least be given a shot to make amends and if he doesn't, then I will be right there with the people who feel the outrage.

The Game's Quick Hits

- Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger left practice yesterday after injuring his ankle, although it does not appear to be serious. Not serious...damn, that sucks LOL. Sorry, I do not wish an injury on anyone, but when you are a Ravens fan, it is hard not to wish a little ill to a hated divisional rival, especially Pittsburgh.

- The Bills finally signed their first round pick DE Aaron Maybin. This now leaves OT Andre Smith of the Bengals and WR Michael Crabtree of the 49ers as the only unsigned first round picks. The Bengals troubles are to be expected, but what the hell is up with Crabtree? I'll tell you what it is...more of the same with WRs wanting to be divas. Crabtree is pissed that WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, who went #7 to the Raiders, is getting more money than he is. Well guess what Mike, tough crap. You went #10 and you should only get #10 money. Since the #9 and #11 picks are now signed, Crabtree looks to be boxed in. I say stop complaining and get your ass signed and be happy that you are on a better team and getting the opportunity to play football for a living.

- Chad "Don't call me Johnson" Ochocinco kicked a PAT in the Bengals' 7-6 preseason win over the Patriots last night. He had some good form and it was interesting to see. Let's hope that he can shut his mouth though and stay focused this year because Cincy needs all the help they can get and Ochocinco still has some juice left if he can tone down the "diva" I believe.

- Tiger Woods has committed to play in next week's The Barclays, the first FedEx Cup playoff event. Knowing how competitive Tiger is and how much he must be stewing about what happened at the PGA Championship, I would not be surprised if he dusted everyone else and cruised to winning the FedEx Cup.

- About 2/3 of the way through the "Greatest Stars of the 90's" DVD from WWE. It is a pretty good set but not one of their elite level collections. The documentary part was well done as always and it was a nice trip down memory lane. The 1st half of the matches was pretty good, highlighted by Bret vs. Owen at Wrestlemania 10. I recommend the set all in all.

- And finally, "The Rise and Fall of WCW" is on pre-order and I am looking forward to getting it. I will be very interested in seeing the documentary part and then read up on how much revisionist history might be in it. It is about time WWE put out a good set on WCW and I will enjoy seeing some of the classic matches. I have always been a bigger fan of WWE, but make no mistake, WCW did have some magic going when the NWO was getting hot back in the day.