Michael Vick & others~

[LuvCuteBoys]

Let me reiterate that I think he's a scumbag and that I'm disgusted that the Eagles wanted him.

All that being said, I don't think most first-time offenders receive the maximum penalty. And I have a huge issue with all the other scumbags who were let off the hook if they testified against him. They went after him because of who he was.

And I don't think he was let off easily "just because he's a football player". The reason we wouldn't be able to get a job tht quickly after getting out of jail is because an employer wouldn't hire us. His employer did. The NFL is a business just like any other business. And I think that the people who feel strongly about it should boycott the business... whether it's the NFL or the team. Personally, I think Goodell did what he needed to do. It was up to the owners to decide they didn't want him on their team.

Do I agree with it? No.
Am I glad I'm not an Eagles fan. Yes.

Do I think he got special treatment? No.

 

[IloveDMB]

Sure....he can rebuild his life doing something not in the public eye. If an average citizen committed a felony, they would have a very hard time finding a job right after their jail sentence. Why should he be let off easy just because he's a football player?
According to the ASPCA's website "In 2007, Congress passed the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act with strong bipartisan support. The Act became law in May 2007, and provides felony penalties for interstate commerce, import and export relating to commerce in fighting dogs, fighting cocks and cockfighting paraphernalia. Each violation can result in up to three years in jail and a $250,000 fine." In other words, Vick didn't receive nearly the maximum sentence, or even the average which is five years in jail. Goodell should have imposed the rest of an average sentence (at the very least) on him as a suspension.

You seriously have no idea how the NFL works. Vick was suspended and he served his time.

Goodell just can't hand out suspensions like candy or he'd be out of a job. NFL players are in a union, and the union wouldn't stand for it.

How about instead of whining on a message board you go out and volunteer at the local ASPCA if you feel so adamant about the subject?

 

[BeachGirlFLA]

You seriously have no idea how the NFL works. Vick was suspended and he served his time.

Goodell just can't hand out suspensions like candy or he'd be out of a job. NFL players are in a union, and the union wouldn't stand for it.

How about instead of whining on a message board you go out and volunteer at the local ASPCA if you feel so adamant about the subject?

I do volunteer at (and give contributions to) the local ASPCA, thank you very much. And I would guess that I probably know more about football than you do since I know more than any man that I know. I'm fully aware that there is an NFL Players' Union (headed until his death by Gene Upshaw.) I'm also aware that Goodell has handed down suspensions for much more minor infractions than this one and just handed down a year long suspension to Donte Stallworth (funny....I didn't hear the Players' Union make a big fuss over that one.)

 

[tazdev3225]

He served the time he was sentenced to by a Judge who was given authority to do so by the laws of Our Land. If you don't agree with how the Judicial System works in the United States take it up with the system not the men and women who have served their time as dictated by the authority of the system.

Bottom line he paid his debt just like any other criminal now let him rebuild his life.

My DH and DS work in criminal justice and law enforcement. Part of the reason their field is so busy is because convicted criminals are not given a second chance and therefore go back to what they know - crime. He paid for this crime now let him try and redeem himself.

Sure....he can rebuild his life doing something not in the public eye. If an average citizen committed a felony, they would have a very hard time finding a job right after their jail sentence. Why should he be let off easy just because he's a football player?
According to the ASPCA's website "In 2007, Congress passed the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act with strong bipartisan support. The Act became law in May 2007, and provides felony penalties for interstate commerce, import and export relating to commerce in fighting dogs, fighting cocks and cockfighting paraphernalia. Each violation can result in up to three years in jail and a $250,000 fine." In other words, Vick didn't receive nearly the maximum sentence, or even the average which is five years in jail. Goodell should have imposed the rest of an average sentence (at the very least) on him as a suspension.

If he was arrested before the law was enacted he is sentenced by the laws in effect at that time. He was arrested in April if I remember correctly so the new federal law was not the standard at the time he was sentenced.

I am from Philly and a die-hard Eagles fan. I have my reservations but I feel everyone deserves a second chance. I will continue to root for my home team and hope that he shows true remorse and tries to redeem himself. I am also an animal lover and owner and have a dog and 2 cats, although at one time it was 2 dogs, 8 cats, 2 birds and a rabbit.

 

[Jennasis]

I sense a disturbance in the force...

Keep in mind, kids, that the last thread got shut down. Gotta tread lightly 'round here.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

Oh wow, am I supposed to be impressed that you know who Gene Upshaw is? Wow, golly, you must know a lot about football then. You really shot me down with that tidbit of knowledge. All this time, I thought the GU patch that all the players were wearing last season on their uniforms was some sort of inside joke.

And by the way, I don't know from a hole in the wall, so I don't need to compare my football knowledge with you. I also don't judge my knowledge against that of my guy friends, and I'm sure not going to get into a pissing match with you over that.

But for the record, Stallworth was convicted of manslaughter and is going to jail, so the suspension that Goodell gave him was just, and that is why the player's union isn't arguing with it. But if Stallworth comes back next year, and Goodell tries to add more suspension time, you will see a fight from the player's union, that is how they work, just like any other union.

Please stop with the language....I'm sure you have successfully shut this thread down.

 

[DaParkers]

Sure....he can rebuild his life doing something not in the public eye. If an average citizen committed a felony, they would have a very hard time finding a job right after their jail sentence. Why should he be let off easy just because he's a football player?
According to the ASPCA's website "In 2007, Congress passed the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act with strong bipartisan support. The Act became law in May 2007, and provides felony penalties for interstate commerce, import and export relating to commerce in fighting dogs, fighting cocks and cockfighting paraphernalia. Each violation can result in up to three years in jail and a $250,000 fine." In other words, Vick didn't receive nearly the maximum sentence, or even the average which is five years in jail. Goodell should have imposed the rest of an average sentence (at the very least) on him as a suspension.

It depends on the felony, their profession, and their worth. And an "average " citizen would NOT be subject to public humiliation, their families would not be subject to public humiliation, and there is a good chance that they would not only get a salary worth about 1% of their previous earnings. I don't know your age or if you have kids, but what if he was your child? What if he, just like other kids looked up to the wrong role models and followed in their footsteps? How would you like to not be able to tell people who you are for fear of your life? How would it feel to know that so many people hated your child and didn't want him to be able to use his talents AFTER losing most of his money and going to jail? And P.S. 5 years is NOT the average jail sentence. I'm from an environment that engages in dogfighting. A fine and MAYBE 6 months in jail is usually the sentence that is handed down where I'm from.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

It depends on the felony, their profession, and their worth. And an "average " citizen would NOT be subject to public humiliation, their families would not be subject to public humiliation, and there is a good chance that they would not only get a salary worth about 1% of their previous earnings. I don't know your age or if you have kids, but what if he was your child? What if he, just like other kids looked up to the wrong role models and followed in their footsteps? How would you like to not be able to tell people who you are for fear of your life? How would it feel to know that so many people hated your child and didn't want him to be able to use his talents AFTER losing most of his money and going to jail? And P.S. 5 years is NOT the average jail sentence. I'm from an environment that engages in dogfighting. A fine and MAYBE 6 months in jail is usually the sentence that is handed down where I'm from.

Michael should have thought of his family prior to his illegal actions. He did this to his family.

 

[Nancyg56]

Sure....he can rebuild his life doing something not in the public eye. If an average citizen committed a felony, they would have a very hard time finding a job right after their jail sentence. Why should he be let off easy just because he's a football player?

I am not sure that he got let off easily but I am pretty sure that the Phillies are willing to overlook a lot if it is possible that Vick will make them money. That is what I am disgusted by. In the end it all comes down to money. I believe that what is overlooked and "forgiven" by an apology in professional sports would not be overlooked in most work places.

Michael should have thought of his family prior to his illegal actions. He did this to his family.

ITA. His family may have been subjected to a lot of negative publicity but all families are celebrities in their hometowns when thing like this happen. It is terrible but the offender was not thinking about the family. Their pain rests solely on the offender. Michael Vick caused his family pain. The publicity was part of the package. I live in a small town, if this happened here that family would still be publicized.

 

[eliza61]

I will no longer support the NFL.
I will no longer buy overpriced seats, merchandise, etc.
Will my money make a real difference? No but why does the NFL think it's just fine to allow this player & others to play again?

Vick isn't sorry, Vick is sorry he was caught.

I just can't support the way we have made icons out of professional athletes who abuse woman, have constant DUIs, drive over pedestrians, use illegal drugs & now fight dogs to the death.

Can't we find better "heroes" for our kids & the next generation?

You've answered your own question, never enough.
The NFL is "allowing" it for the same reason ML baseball "allows" atheletes on steriods to go unpunished. Money. As long as we fill up the stadiums there is no reason to change.
My dh is a rabid eagles fan. He has seasons tickets and plans on going even though I hate it and we have dogs. His attitude is Vick was convicted and did his time. He has every right to make a living (I have to agree with that also).

Whether it's Disney charging outrageous prices for "deluxe" hotels that are not really deluxe or a sports team charging outrageous prices for seats, as long as we accept it nothing will change.

Believe me, if Vick brings a winning season to the eagles, Philly will love him.

 

[eliza61]

Sure....he can rebuild his life doing something not in the public eye. If an average citizen committed a felony, they would have a very hard time finding a job right after their jail sentence. Why should he be let off easy just because he's a football player?
According to the ASPCA's website "In 2007, Congress passed the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act with strong bipartisan support. The Act became law in May 2007, and provides felony penalties for interstate commerce, import and export relating to commerce in fighting dogs, fighting cocks and cockfighting paraphernalia. Each violation can result in up to three years in jail and a $250,000 fine." In other words, Vick didn't receive nearly the maximum sentence, or even the average which is five years in jail. Goodell should have imposed the rest of an average sentence (at the very least) on him as a suspension.

He's not being let off". You have a problem with the sentence, that's not vicks fault. for whatever reason Vicks attorney's got Vick a lighter sentence. That's their job.
Whether or not he's in the public sector is a moot point. In this country we have a judicial system. That system was employeed. Vick was convicted, sentenced and did his time. According to our justice system you know the one that we are all screaming is the finest in the world, he has the right to rebuild his life.
Because you are unhappy with the method he has to do it is your problem not Vicks.

I am no fan of Michael Vicks, but I do believe in our justice system even when he benefits people I don't like

 

[GeorgeG]

It's not just about one or two professional athletes. Professional sports, in general, has become a breeding ground for everything but sportsmanship. Salaries are obscene and attitudes detract from any "hero" status they may (or may not) have earned. No, professional sports do not interest me anymore.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

You've answered your own question, never enough.
The NFL is "allowing" it for the same reason ML baseball "allows" atheletes on steriods to go unpunished. Money. As long as we fill up the stadiums there is no reason to change.
My dh is a rabid eagles fan. He has seasons tickets and plans on going even though I hate it and we have dogs. His attitude is Vick was convicted and did his time. He has every right to make a living (I have to agree with that also).

Whether it's Disney charging outrageous prices for "deluxe" hotels that are not really deluxe or a sports team charging outrageous prices for seats, as long as we accept it nothing will change.

Believe me, if Vick brings a winning season to the eagles, Philly will love him.

I believe doing something illegal is very different than any hotel charging a rate that you either agree or disagree with.

To the posters that believe they are their children's heroes. In a perfect world that would be true. I hope some children still believe that.

I believe all of us have to be accountable to what the next generation sees as right and wrong. If we keep turning the other cheek to athletes illegal behavior because we want our teams to succeed I believe we have already lost & given up. As a whole our actions speak louder than words.....

I don't expect sports fanatics to agree with my OP......they are my thoughts & my beliefs. I stand up for my beliefs. I have never been afraid to & recognize the "right" thing is not always the popular thing to do.

 

[Jennasis]

It's not just about one or two professional athletes. Professional sports, in general, has become a breeding ground for everything but sportsmanship. Salaries are obscene and attitudes detract from any "hero" status they may (or may not) have earned. No, professional sports do not interest me anymore.

Can I get an Amen!?

 

[Youarehere]

I have never been afraid to & recognize the "right" thing is not always the popular thing to do.

Sad, isn't it.

The thing that really makes me shake my head are the people who say it's normal in their area. Really? Where do you live? If I lived somewhere that killing, torturing and murder were normal, first of all I would not brag about it, secondly, I would relocate myself immediately and thirdly, I would not be ignorant enough to think that this makes it ok or lessens the crime in any way.

You people who say it is normal in your area give "your area" a bad name.

 

[eliza61]

I believe doing something illegal is very different than any hotel charging a rate that you either agree or disagree with. To the posters that believe they are their children's heroes. In a perfect world that would be true. I hope some children still believe that.

I believe all of us have to be accountable to what the next generation sees as right and wrong. If we keep turning the other cheek to athletes illegal behavior because we want our teams to succeed I believe we have already lost & given up. As a whole our actions speak louder than words.....

I don't expect sports fanatics to agree with my OP......they are my thoughts & my beliefs. I stand up for my beliefs. I have never been afraid to & recognize the "right" thing is not always the popular thing to do.

What's illegial? The Philadelphia eagles have the perfect right to hire whomever they want to. Once again Michael Vick was charged and did his time. Has he done some thing else illegial? Who turned a cheek? Did they say any thing about forgiving him? Was it even within their right to pass judgement? And there hotel comparison is not different, it's about money and as long as some one is willing to buy a "product" whether that product is a hotel room outrageously priced or a bad behaving rock star.

Worse than turning the other cheek is when we begin to take "laws and punishement" into our own hands. We have a judicial system so we don't have to resort to "MOB" mentality. How did you get to decide what is the "right" thing. That also speaks very loudly.
We did the right thing, we arrested Michael Vick, we prosecuted him and we passed sentence on him. What else should we have done?


As I said I am in no way a sports fan, but I am a firm believer in our judicial system. I loathe, hate and despise the KKK but I will defend their right to free speech. I don't like Michael Vick but I will defend his right to make a legitimate living in the profession of his chosing. I will defend his right to return to a functioning citizen. As others have stated. He was tried and punished. T

Salaries are ridiculously only because the average person is not making them. If owners were not getting a return on their investment, if people were not filling the stadiums, no way would they be able to make those salaries.
Why do you think commercials for the super bowl are 300 million bucks for 30 secs? Because companies know that the audience will buy the stuff they see on the commercials.

My problem is you guys (no one personally, general "you") are blaming the athelets for free market competition. Look in the mirror please and blame yourselves. Who's buying the nfl jersey with the atheletes number on it? Why is there a 3 year waiting list for season tickets to the green bay packers football team?

 

[FireDancer]

It's not just about one or two professional athletes. Professional sports, in general, has become a breeding ground for everything but sportsmanship. Salaries are obscene and attitudes detract from any "hero" status they may (or may not) have earned. No, professional sports do not interest me anymore.

And this is a good example as to why athletes should not be role models simply because they are athletes. As I said in my previous post, you have to earn role model status by your actions. If an athlete's actions on the field warrant role model status in the limited role of athlete that is fine. If their actions on and off the field warrant role model status in the role of athlete and human, that is also fine.

Making any celebrity a role model for life outside of their profession makes no logical sense merely because they are a celebrity. One, even children, can want to be a quarterback like Vick without wanting to live their personal life like him. If they can't distinguish between the two they need to be taught by the real role models in their lives, their parents.

 

[eliza61]

And this is a good example as to why athletes should not be role models simply because they are athletes. As I said in my previous post, you have to earn role model status by your actions. If an athlete's actions on the field warrant role model status in the limited role of athlete that is fine. If their actions on and off the field warrant role model status in the role of athlete and human, that is also fine.

Making any celebrity a role model for life outside of their profession makes no logical sense merely because they are a celebrity. One, even children, can want to be a quarterback like Vick without wanting to live their personal life like him. If they can't distinguish between the two they need to be taught by the real role models in their lives, their parents.

100% agree. I just hate when we make Michael Vick or any other bad behaving celebrity the scape goat.
WE never want to look at ourselves first. Boys learn that being a great athlete gets them special treatment at an early age. Girls learn at an early age that being pretty and skinny gets them preferential treatment at an early age. They learn it from their coaches, from their peers and even their relatives.

Then we get mad at Britney spears when she messes up or some how we can't understand how young men want to emulate Plaxico Buress.

In this country kids are taught daily, if you are a superstar or you are a super model no matter how screwed up you are you are special. You can blame all the atheletes and movie stars you want but until we change that underlying message we are pissing in the wind.

 

[LuvCuteBoys]

I don't expect sports fanatics to agree with my OP......they are my thoughts & my beliefs. I stand up for my beliefs. I have never been afraid to & recognize the "right" thing is not always the popular thing to do.

I'm an obsessive sports fanatic who can't stand Michael Vick. I respected your opinion until that last line. The "right" thing can be subjective. Just because people disagree with you doesn't make them wrong.

It's not just about one or two professional athletes. Professional sports, in general, has become a breeding ground for everything but sportsmanship. Salaries are obscene and attitudes detract from any "hero" status they may (or may not) have earned. No, professional sports do not interest me anymore.

If it doesn't interest you, that's certainly your right. But just because the ones making headlines are jerks doesn't take away from the good guys in my opinion.

For example.... (since this is a Disney board)... Kurt Warner and his wife work with the Make-a-Wish foundation to send seriously ill kids to Give Kids the World. They meet with the children's parents and have BBQs and pool parties right at WDW.

What a jerk. Someone tell those kids who look up to him as a hero that they're wrong.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

It depends on the felony, their profession, and their worth. And an "average " citizen would NOT be subject to public humiliation, their families would not be subject to public humiliation, and there is a good chance that they would not only get a salary worth about 1% of their previous earnings. I don't know your age or if you have kids, but what if he was your child? What if he, just like other kids looked up to the wrong role models and followed in their footsteps? How would you like to not be able to tell people who you are for fear of your life? How would it feel to know that so many people hated your child and didn't want him to be able to use his talents AFTER losing most of his money and going to jail? And P.S. 5 years is NOT the average jail sentence. I'm from an environment that engages in dogfighting. A fine and MAYBE 6 months in jail is usually the sentence that is handed down where I'm from.

Sorry but I'm not crying a river for Vick or his family. Not like he cared about his family when he bought that house and bought and bred those dogs soley for the purpose of dog fighting.

Nobody forced him to do what he did. He brought all this scrutiny on himself. And if he or his family is getting ridiculed or threatened, Vick has noone to blame but himself.