Even though I write a lot about how the news media should focus on truly important stories, today all three major networks offer breaking news that found my weakness...sports. I think we all need at least a 24-hour break from the healthcare debate and this story offers a debate of its own. After spending nearly two years in a federal prison and the remainder of his sentence under house arrest, Michael Vick is back in the NFL after signing with the Philadelphia Eagles. Convicted on federal dogfighting charges after admitting to funding and participating in a dogfighting operation that executed up to eight animals;Vick is now free and was reinstated into the NFL on a conditional basis earlier this month. The question: Should he be given a second chance?
Whether by choice or not, professional athletes are role models who need to take responsibility for their immediate actions and the impact those actions have on the individuals who emulate them. It is clear that Michael Vick made serious mistakes, but most people do in some way or another. The most important part of this is that he demonstrates remorse for his actions and makes a genuine effort to ensure that others don't follow his path. So far, so good, Vick has offered to participate with the ASPCA on anti-dogfighting campaigns and has also undergone pyschological evaluations as requested by animal-rights organizations. I love dogs, I have two of them at home, but he served his time and deserves a chance to prove that he is a changed man.
From the standpoint of a sports fan, this story creates other issues. According to the Eagles, current starting quarterback, Donovan McNabb actually lobbied the Eagles on Vick's behalf. It will be interesting to see what kind of playing time Vick will get assuming he is fully reinstated by the NFL at the earliest possible date, week six. Personally, as a proud Detroit Lions fan, I was hoping the Lions would sign him, because it would be perfect timing. Six weeks is about right, that is plenty of time for them to ruin yet another promising rookie quarterback. Andre Ware and Joey Harrington to name a couple, why not add Matthew Stafford to that list. If he is reinstated, putting his heinous actions aside, it will nice to watch one of the most athletic, exciting quarterbacks in NFL history.
Today I am disappointed in not the news, but instead myself, I fell victim to the media. I think they targeted me, they knew they could get me if they made a sports story the day's headline. This will be an interesting story to follow as the football season is just around the corner. Allow Michael Vick to put the past behind him and give him a chance to become the role model he should have been all along. This may not be important news, but It's the News to Me.
Oh, I almost forgot. In my commentary from Tuesday, I predicted that it would not be long before North Korea was back to the negotiating table. Well, it didn't take as long as I expected. It was reported this morning that North Korea has expressed that the door is always open to talks with the United States...and it was just a humanitarian mission, how ironic.
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I would have to disagree with you and say that most people don't make serious mistakes, and Vic didn't make a mistake he broke the law. Yes he paid his "time", but should he really be able to join the NFL again? My answer would be no. I hope he never has playing time, and if he does I hope the fans protest games to prove a point to the Eagles.
ReplyDeleteOne last thing....GO BEARS!!! :)