michael vick signed with the eagles

[agame2323]

First of all I was present at the Eagles game last night when the news was announced and people cheered. Yes cheered. But lets put football aside for the moment. Lets look at the effect this will have off the field. This is bigger than football.

This is something that is much bigger than the Eagles or the NFL. Vick is in a position to do some very honorable things that have the potential to change what goes in relation to the treatment of animals (especially in the realm of dog fighting). I’m happy Vick is back to playing professional football, but again, this is not about football. This is about what he can do with the opportunity. How can he change the mindset and actions of people who were once like him? Vick is now the messenger. Vick is the recognizable face that many young kids can look at and identify with. The question isn’t if Vick can help the Eagles win. The question is can Vick change lives through his mistakes. Its bigger than football people.


Does Vick deserve a second chance? Absolutely. He did his time and now should be allowed to move on with his life. He’s fortunate and BLESSED to have the type of God given ability that allows him to attract the attention of NFL owners. If he didn’t, he wouldn’t be in NFL. (But of course if Vick were your average Joe, looking to get back his normal 9 – 5 job, no one would care) Banning Vick from playing football does nothing for the problem of dog fighting. The answer is to make the problem part of the solution, which is what the Eagles are doing.

A lot of you hate to see this and not just because what he’s done to dogs (Lord knows this isn’t the biggest thing ever involving the cruelty of animals). You hate it because who Vick is. Some of you never identified with him prior to this incident, so why would you know. But believe me, there are some people who once supported Vick and may come from the same environment as he did. They may even be involved in some of the same actions Vick was involved in. Those are the people I pray he can reach. Talk to them. Focus on them. Those of you who don’t like him or never did…who cares? You don’t mean anything to the rehabilitation of him or people like him. If anything YOU are hampering the progress. Dog fighting the in urban communities IS real. Perhaps this can help to correct the problem.

Now…as for football. I have my season tickets!!

 

[CRB#33]

here's my post from another thread.

I think I'll stick with Tony Dungee on this one. A man who knows how people can change and wants to help them do that.

In his Dungy’s Diaries http://allprodad.com/dungy/?p=374 blog, Tony writes about some his conversations with Michael Vick and the decision he has to make, “We’ve talked about how he’s going to make those decisions and where the Lord fits into all this. Sometimes you don’t know exactly what to do or what the next step should be. That’s when your faith in Christ has to take over. You have to pray about things and let God direct your course. I want to help Michael do this…”

In a Sports Illustrated column last May, http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1155622/1/index.htm Dungy wrote, “As a Christian, I follow the Biblical model of how a community should be structured—wisdom should be passed down from elders to juniors, and when that doesn't happen the results won't be good. That's why I'm concerned about the number of young men growing up without active fathers in their lives. This is an increasing problem all across society but especially in African-American homes.
It's ironic that, as I'm leaving pro football, one of the people I'm trying to help was once one of the NFL's biggest stars. But I'm concerned about Michael Vick's life, not his career. And Michael's future, just like those of thousands of other inmates around the country, is worth saving.”

I pray Tony Dungy will be listened to. By us and by Vick. And I hope Vick doesn't let garbage get in the way of what could be a good life. A life that could be spent reaching out to others who have such enormous potential, but awful upbringings.

God forbid, we just shove people who have made mistakes (big and small) in a little corner of the world somewhere so as not to offend those who haven't made big mistakes.

 

[meloneyb21]

He did the crime, he paid his time, he's been out of football for two full seasons, he is now working with Tony Dungee - one of the greatest men in the NFL (and I'm a Jaguar fan, so he was the "enemy" for many years) - and also working with the Human Society and other animal groups.

We are all human and make mistakes. He grew up in an area that dog fighting was a regular occurance - doesn't make it right but it isn't like he invented the thing, he just got caught up in something that a lot of his elders were doing. If I had ever wanted to do so growing up I could have gone to dog fights or **** fights, etc. - they were happening regularly. Sometimes run by grown men who owned many dogs, would cry at Where the Red Fern Grows, would do anything for their pet dogs or hunting dogs but still had a few fighting dogs. It happens.

If he has changed and now goes around for the rest of his life sharing his story with children, teens, and adults trying to stop fighting in the future, does that not make him a role model? Does the potential for change and improvement not make him a possible inspiration?

If he doens't change and gets caught being involved with that sort of thing again then by all means throw the book at him. Until and unless that happens he deserves a chance to prove himself and to live his life unmolested by irate people who evidently would prefer to never get a second chance themselves...

I don't understand why people think Vick should be banned from the NFL. The NFL is not a company that refuses to employ felons. In fact prior crimes and conviction are common among some players. So what makes Vick so different? It is obvious Beachgirl that you love animals, but NFL players have done much worse than Vick and been allowed to play. He did his time and should be allowed to resume his career.

Felons deserve to be allowed to work? why do you have such a big problem if his work is in the NFL?

First of all I was present at the Eagles game last night when the news was announced and people cheered. Yes cheered. But lets put football aside for the moment. Lets look at the effect this will have off the field. This is bigger than football.

This is something that is much bigger than the Eagles or the NFL. Vick is in a position to do some very honorable things that have the potential to change what goes in relation to the treatment of animals (especially in the realm of dog fighting). I’m happy Vick is back to playing professional football, but again, this is not about football. This is about what he can do with the opportunity. How can he change the mindset and actions of people who were once like him? Vick is now the messenger. Vick is the recognizable face that many young kids can look at and identify with. The question isn’t if Vick can help the Eagles win. The question is can Vick change lives through his mistakes. Its bigger than football people.


Does Vick deserve a second chance? Absolutely. He did his time and now should be allowed to move on with his life. He’s fortunate and BLESSED to have the type of God given ability that allows him to attract the attention of NFL owners. If he didn’t, he wouldn’t be in NFL. (But of course if Vick were your average Joe, looking to get back his normal 9 – 5 job, no one would care) Banning Vick from playing football does nothing for the problem of dog fighting. The answer is to make the problem part of the solution, which is what the Eagles are doing.

A lot of you hate to see this and not just because what he’s done to dogs (Lord knows this isn’t the biggest thing ever involving the cruelty of animals). You hate it because who Vick is. Some of you never identified with him prior to this incident, so why would you know. But believe me, there are some people who once supported Vick and may come from the same environment as he did. They may even be involved in some of the same actions Vick was involved in. Those are the people I pray he can reach. Talk to them. Focus on them. Those of you who don’t like him or never did…who cares? You don’t mean anything to the rehabilitation of him or people like him. If anything YOU are hampering the progress. Dog fighting the in urban communities IS real. Perhaps this can help to correct the problem.

Now…as for football. I have my season tickets!!

ITA!!!!!!!!!!!! I thought it was gonna be hard to find someone (on here) who feels the way I do.

 

[Jennasis]

I'm just curious about the "he did his time" crowd. Would it matter if he'd served his time in relation to a different crime? How about Drugs? Domestic Violence? Pedophilia? Murder?

I can't imagine everyone would be so eager to have, say a convicted pedophile on "their" team, EVEN if he had served his time...and anyone who says otherwise is outright lying.

I think many of the "he served his time" folk, don't view his crime as all that serious.

 

[meloneyb21]

I'm just curious about the "he did his time" crowd. Would it matter if he'd served his time in relation to a different crime? How about Drugs? Domestic Violence? Pedophilia? Murder?

I can't imagine everyone would be so eager to have, say a convicted pedophile on "their" team, EVEN if he had served his time...and anyone who says otherwise is outright lying.

I think many of the "he served his time" folk, don't view his crime as all that serious.

Well, actually, it NOT as serious as the examples you have given. He was not convicted of any of those, it's clear what it was for and that's what we are responding to.

 

[Feralpeg]

I don't understand why people think Vick should be banned from the NFL. The NFL is not a company that refuses to employ felons. In fact prior crimes and conviction are common among some players. So what makes Vick so different? It is obvious Beachgirl that you love animals, but NFL players have done much worse than Vick and been allowed to play. He did his time and should be allowed to resume his career.

Felons deserve to be allowed to work? why do you have such a big problem if his work is in the NFL?

Well, that about says it all for me. An organization that puts winning a game over its integrity rates very low in my book. Business or not, they represent a city and, in some cases, a state. I think it makes them look really bad. If anything, they should set higher standards. I'm sure there are many young, incredibly talented players who would give anything for a chance and yet, they hire someone who has proved to be a low-life.

Someone mentioned whether felons should not be hired by other companies. Many companies won't hire convicted felons. I have no problem with a convicted felon, who has served their time, being employed. I just don't think they should be employed by an organization that should be representing high standards and where he will be a role model for young people.

 

[BeachGirlFLA]

First of all I was present at the Eagles game last night when the news was announced and people cheered. Yes cheered. But lets put football aside for the moment. Lets look at the effect this will have off the field. This is bigger than football.

This is something that is much bigger than the Eagles or the NFL. Vick is in a position to do some very honorable things that have the potential to change what goes in relation to the treatment of animals (especially in the realm of dog fighting). I’m happy Vick is back to playing professional football, but again, this is not about football. This is about what he can do with the opportunity. How can he change the mindset and actions of people who were once like him? Vick is now the messenger. Vick is the recognizable face that many young kids can look at and identify with. The question isn’t if Vick can help the Eagles win. The question is can Vick change lives through his mistakes. Its bigger than football people.


Does Vick deserve a second chance? Absolutely. He did his time and now should be allowed to move on with his life. He’s fortunate and BLESSED to have the type of God given ability that allows him to attract the attention of NFL owners. If he didn’t, he wouldn’t be in NFL. (But of course if Vick were your average Joe, looking to get back his normal 9 – 5 job, no one would care) Banning Vick from playing football does nothing for the problem of dog fighting. The answer is to make the problem part of the solution, which is what the Eagles are doing.

A lot of you hate to see this and not just because what he’s done to dogs (Lord knows this isn’t the biggest thing ever involving the cruelty of animals). You hate it because who Vick is. Some of you never identified with him prior to this incident, so why would you know. But believe me, there are some people who once supported Vick and may come from the same environment as he did. They may even be involved in some of the same actions Vick was involved in. Those are the people I pray he can reach. Talk to them. Focus on them. Those of you who don’t like him or never did…who cares? You don’t mean anything to the rehabilitation of him or people like him. If anything YOU are hampering the progress. Dog fighting the in urban communities IS real. Perhaps this can help to correct the problem.

Now…as for football. I have my season tickets!!

I loved Vick before he did what he did. I even made a comment when his brother, Marcus, got in trouble that it was a shame that his brother turned out so differently from him. Maybe, if I saw him show some real remorse I'd forgive him but I haven't. I've seen him give lip service but actions speak much louder than words.

 

[BeachGirlFLA]

Well, actually, it NOT as serious as the examples you have given. He was not convicted of any of those, it's clear what it was for and that's what we are responding to.

Actually, in my opinion it is just as serious as pedophilia or domestic violence. He abused and in some cases, killed the defenseless.

 

[Jennasis]

Well, actually, it NOT as serious as the examples you have given. He was not convicted of any of those, it's clear what it was for and that's what we are responding to.

That's what I am saying. It's the crime. The people who think he's deserving of a second chance don't think the crime was all that big of a deal evidently. Many people, on the other hand, DO think it was a heinous crime and he doesn't deserve a second chance.

My question really should have been, what crimes would you be no longer be willing to forgive even the most talented player? As someone pointed out earlier, Pete Rose was banned for gambling.

 

[meloneyb21]

Actually, in my opinion it is just as serious as pedophilia or domestic violence. He abused and in some cases, killed the defenseless.

Understood, but technically it's not. But, that is, YOUR opinion. Good thing it's not you he has to go to for a job.

 

[Jennasis]

Well, that about says it all for me. An organization that puts winning a game over its integrity rates very low in my book. Business or not, they represent a city and, in some cases, a state. I think it makes them look really bad. If anything, they should set higher standards. I'm sure there are many young, incredibly talented players who would give anything for a chance and yet, they hire someone who has proved to be a low-life.

Someone mentioned whether felons should not be hired by other companies. Many companies won't hire convicted felons. I have no problem with a convicted felon, who has served their time, being employed. I just don't think they should be employed by an organization that should be representing high standards and where he will be a role model for young people.

I think my garbage collector is hiring...

 

[meloneyb21]

There are so many contradictions on here it's laughable....lol...I've got grocery shopping to do. I've wasted enought time.

 

[CathrynRose]

First of all I was present at the Eagles game last night when the news was announced and people cheered. Yes cheered. But lets put football aside for the moment. Lets look at the effect this will have off the field. This is bigger than football.

This is something that is much bigger than the Eagles or the NFL. Vick is in a position to do some very honorable things that have the potential to change what goes in relation to the treatment of animals (especially in the realm of dog fighting). I’m happy Vick is back to playing professional football, but again, this is not about football. This is about what he can do with the opportunity. How can he change the mindset and actions of people who were once like him? Vick is now the messenger. Vick is the recognizable face that many young kids can look at and identify with. The question isn’t if Vick can help the Eagles win. The question is can Vick change lives through his mistakes. Its bigger than football people.


Does Vick deserve a second chance? Absolutely. He did his time and now should be allowed to move on with his life. He’s fortunate and BLESSED to have the type of God given ability that allows him to attract the attention of NFL owners. If he didn’t, he wouldn’t be in NFL. (But of course if Vick were your average Joe, looking to get back his normal 9 – 5 job, no one would care) Banning Vick from playing football does nothing for the problem of dog fighting. The answer is to make the problem part of the solution, which is what the Eagles are doing.

A lot of you hate to see this and not just because what he’s done to dogs (Lord knows this isn’t the biggest thing ever involving the cruelty of animals). You hate it because who Vick is. Some of you never identified with him prior to this incident, so why would you know. But believe me, there are some people who once supported Vick and may come from the same environment as he did. They may even be involved in some of the same actions Vick was involved in. Those are the people I pray he can reach. Talk to them. Focus on them. Those of you who don’t like him or never did…who cares? You don’t mean anything to the rehabilitation of him or people like him. If anything YOU are hampering the progress. Dog fighting the in urban communities IS real. Perhaps this can help to correct the problem.

Now…as for football. I have my season tickets!!

Gross. Really. It's one thing to be "well, he deserves a second chance" (which I don't agree with, anyways) but to be cheering? Really? Yuck.

I wonder if Vick had all his teeth pulled out - like he did to one of his dogs? I wonder if Vick ever was tied to a 'rape rack' - like he did to one of his dogs? I wonder if he was ever drown, beaten, electrocuted buried alive - like he did to his dogs??

You know, and contrary to popular belief, not all Pits are 'gamey' - in fact most don't make good fighting dogs. Known and convicted pit breeders/fighters have said numerous times, they're lucky if they get *one* puppy from a litter with the 'game' in them. Which means he was beating, drowning, electrocuting a whole lot of them. Go Vick? Really????

And you're wrong. He was on my radar, when my son looked up to him as a player.

 

[agame2323]

I loved Vick before he did what he did. I even made a comment when his brother, Marcus, got in trouble that it was a shame that his brother turned out so differently from him. Maybe, if I saw him show some real remorse I'd forgive him but I haven't. I've seen him give lip service but actions speak much louder than words.

Okay, well give his "actions" time to manifest.

 

[Jennasis]

Okay, well give his "actions" time to manifest.

IMHO his "actions" were the dog-fighting. That's what I will forever judge him on. Anything he says or does now is simply to try to keep up appearances.

 

[Uuaww]

Vick did his actions to dogs. An animal. What makes one animal such as a dog different from say a rats that you kill and slaughter at will in your house? Is it intelligence? the ability to feel pain? What makes one animal different then another? Is it the status society has put on animals, like dogs and rats. If Vick had trained rats to fight to the death, would you care as much? would he have even gone to trial?

Anything less than a human is a totally dfferent game.

 

[BeachGirlFLA]

Vick did his actions to dogs. An animal. What makes one animal such as a dog different from say a rats that you kill and slaughter at will in your house? Is it intelligence? the ability to feel pain? What makes one animal different then another? Is it the status society has put on animals, like dogs and rats. If Vick had trained rats to fight to the death, would you care as much? would he have even gone to trial?

Anything less than a human is a totally dfferent game.

By the way, you never came back with any defense or denials about what I stated about the Raiders and Al Davis (maybe because there aren't any.)

 

[hereyago]

I live in Newport News, where Vick grew up.

He has stated he knew it was wrong when he was growing up when he saw it, but there wasn't any real punishment for it, the police weren't out looking for that.
WHen it all broke about the dog fighting, he said his cousin was living there and Vick knew nothing about it. Well, one of his boys told on him.
DOgs that weren't his, their collars were found on his property, smaller dogs that were taken from other people's yards in different cities that were used as bait for dogs to fight.
Yes, everyone should get a second chance, but you see, Vick started working with the local Boys and Girls club as a fitness assistant, that was his second chance. He said he wanted to be a positive role model. The boys and girls club took a chance with him, there were people who wanted their kids to be there just for the Vick being there.
Before all this, he and Marcus would go to the local kid's clubs and hand out presents for Christmas, but both of these guys have just totally lost their way.
Recently, Vick wanted the people of his hometown area to give a party for him, the ones who ralllied for him during the trial, the same peopkle. He didnt show up, he was doing a thing for PEta. It has all been a publicity stunt and apparently has worked.
Now the NFL says come on back. Yes, NFL has let others come back, but honestly where would it stop? You rape someone, come on back, DUI's, come on back.

 

[hereyago]

Vick did his actions to dogs. An animal. What makes one animal such as a dog different from say a rats that you kill and slaughter at will in your house? Is it intelligence? the ability to feel pain? What makes one animal different then another? Is it the status society has put on animals, like dogs and rats. If Vick had trained rats to fight to the death, would you care as much? would he have even gone to trial?

Anything less than a human is a totally dfferent game.

I don't care if he had Beta fish fighting. If he was such a "man" , let him dook it out with someone instead of being a little B and having animals fight for him to show how bad he was.

 

[Uuaww]

By the way, you never came back with any defense or denials about what I stated about the Raiders and Al Davis (maybe because there aren't any.)

Name players who the Raiders had who were such horrible human beings. Name times that Raiders fans got violent and hurt someone. Bring up hard evidence. Raider-lore that the team is evil is all false. Kids go to these games and have fun. Yes Al Davis is a stingy owner, but it's his money. If he wants to try to save money, that is his business. It is complete legal matter away from the game. Stop talking bad about the Raiders, we have no worse players than any other team. Just because we have in the past taken in a few players with a flaws doesn't mean the whole organization and its fans are bad people.