We Americans often manage to put a humorous spin on events completely lacking in humor. And while I’m the first to laugh at good satirical humor, let’s not lose sight of the issue currently involving Michael Vick. Ever see a “professional” dog fight? “Gypsy” has. Click on the photo on the right for a closer look. And some people still think dog fighting is no big deal?
I’ve been following the Michael Vick story - so have you if you’ve read a paper or watched TV - and had decided not to comment, at least until the dust settles. But with his recent confession, I feel obliged to speculate on where the case might end up.
Let me first say that I abhor animal cruelty in any form and especially the so-called “sport” of training dogs to try to kill one another on command for the enjoyment of betting spectators. It’s a felony and Vick has finally admitted to his involvement in it. Everyone, with the possible exception of some die-hard Falcons fans, agrees that he should be punished. But we appear to be a divided camp, with one side contending that his not insignificant loss of income from endorsements is adequate punishment, and the other believing that he should face formal sanctions like anyone else similarly charged, that the courtroom should be a place that considers only the facts of the case with sentences based on that alone. I stand squarely in the latter camp.
So now that Vick has “confessed” and shown “contrition,” what’s next? Well, we’ll likely endure the usual public teary “apologies” followed by an obligatory appearance on Oprah where Vick will blubber how sorry he is, how he’s now found Jesus, and how he hopes people will forgive him for his “mistake.” Perhaps a probing interview by Larry King will follow, and maybe a book about how he followed the wrong path, found salvation and enlightenment, and established a foundation or two to help “under privileged” children learn to do the right thing. Eventually, folks will forget about Michael Vick’s evil deeds and, if he’s still young enough to play football after serving his sentence, another team will pick him up.
Some apparently feel he should be banned from the NFL. Sorry, but that’s going too far in my opinion. I don’t believe in taking away a man’s millstone. If he serves his time and if anyone will hire him to play or offer him endorsement contracts (pretty big “ifs” right now), then fine. Neuter him? Ban him from the NFL? That would be unreasonable punishment.
As a side note, I’m often amazed and sometimes appalled at how some people manage to find ways to make a quick buck off other folk’s troubles. To wit: The Official “Vick’s” Dog Chew Toy and chewed up Michael Vick memorabilia being offered on eBay. Only in America.