Michael Vick Wants to Get a Dog (Seriously)

[Slingin Sammy 33]

I'm sure he's rehabed.....and had absolutely no knowledge or involvement in the shooting that happened at his (30th I think) B-Day party here in VB just a few months ago.

F Vick. I can't see how anyone can have an ounce of compassion for this cold-blooded, heartless PoS. The only remorse he has about his direct involvement (hands-on) in the torture and killing of dogs is that he got caught.

Yes, he served his time. Yes there are those in the NFL that have done worse. And every time he takes the field I hope he fails miserably or gets injured. And I'm no fan of Ray Lewis, Caruth, etc.

[SirClintonPortis]

Also, Vick was serving time for an illegal interstate gambling operation. That's what he was tried for and convicted of. Technically, he has not served any time for dogfighting itself.

[JoeRedskin]

Originally Posted by SirClintonPortis

Also, Vick was serving time for an illegal interstate gambling operation. That's what he was tried for and convicted of. Technically, he has not served any time for dogfighting itself.

Yes, and the Civil War was "technically" about State's Rights. That was the legal tenet upon which the southern states based their ability to secede from the United States - slavery had nothing to do with it.

Vick was convicted for participating in an illegal interstate gambing operation based on dogfighting. He pled guilty to "Conspiracy to Travel in Interstate Commerce in Aid of Unlawful Activities and to Sponsor a Dog in an Animal Fighting Venture". As part of the plea bargain and as factual admissions, Vick admitted to providing most of the financing for the operation and to participating directly in several dog fights in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina and South Carolina. He admitted to sharing in the proceeds from these dog fights. He further admitted that he knew his colleagues killed several dogs who did not perform well. He admitted to being involved in the destruction of 6–8 dogs, by hanging or drowning. The "victimization and killing of pit bulls" was considered as aggravating circumstances that led prosecutors to exceed the federal sentencing guidelines for the charge.

First you give away redemption, now you minimize the violent and inherently deceitful nature of his original actions by mischaracterizing them? Maybe I'm misreading you, but It seems to me, you just don't think what he did was all that wrong.

[JoeRedskin]

First, please don't generalize about my beliefs - I try hard not to do so about others. True, I think what he did was indescribably evil. I don't think, however, that "there's no hope for him". "Fellas like me" firmly believe in redemption of the spirit. I just don't think redemption is something purchased easily - Vick has seemingly made a good start towards redemption but that is long road and Vick has barely walked the first mile.

As to all those guys who exposed him to such an environment? You know what - some will get the fixing they deserve, but, as always in life, some who deserve to be punished will skate on. It happens in all levels of society, not just in the circle Vick grew up in. All we can do as a society, is hold Vick responsible for his actions. He committed his actions, not the "culture" he was raised in. Just b/c lots of different parts of society needs "fixing", doesn't mean individuals who commit despicable acts should have those actions whitewashed.

Do you think Vick's cohorts in crime are being treated better than he? I sincerely doubt it. For sooo many jobs, if he weren't "Michael Vick, NFL QB", Vick would simply be DQ'd. Period, end of story. His co-conspirators don't have the physical talents that make them everyone's media darling ("Oh, look, Vick is throwing touchdowns, let's help him get 'rehabilitated'!"). No, it is more likely they will actually have to really work at regaining society's trust.

As I said, sure there is hope for Vick's redemption. From your posts, however, you appear to think redemption is something to be given based on jail time and a few good acts done while in the spotlight of fame and fortune. I, on the other hand, believe it to be something purchased much more dearly.

[mlmdub130]

Originally Posted by JoeRedskin

First, please don't generalize about my beliefs - I try hard not to do so about others. True, I think what he did was indescribably evil. I don't think, however, that "there's no hope for him". "Fellas like me" firmly believe in redemption of the spirit. I just don't think redemption is something purchased easily - Vick has seemingly made a good start towards redemption but that is long road and Vick has barely walked the first mile.

As to all those guys who exposed him to such an environment? You know what - some will get the fixing they deserve, but, as always in life, some who deserve to be punished will skate on. It happens in all levels of society, not just in the circle Vick grew up in. All we can do as a society, is hold Vick responsible for his actions. He committed his actions, not the "culture" he was raised in. Just b/c lots of different parts of society needs "fixing", doesn't mean individuals who commit despicable acts should have those actions whitewashed.

Do you think Vick's cohorts in crime are being treated better than he? I sincerely doubt it. For sooo many jobs, if he weren't "Michael Vick, NFL QB", Vick would simply be DQ'd. Period, end of story. His co-conspirators don't have the physical talents that make them everyone's media darling ("Oh, look, Vick is throwing touchdowns, let's help him get 'rehabilitated'!"). No, it is more likely they will actually have to really work at regaining society's trust.

As I said, sure there is hope for Vick's redemption. From your posts, however, you appear to think redemption is something to be given based on jail time and a few good acts done while in the spotlight of fame and fortune. I, on the other hand, believe it to be something purchased much more dearly.

very, very well said

[Longtimefan]

For a society that professes to pride itself on forgiveness and second chances, some find it very difficult to live down the first chance.

TBH two years ago, I didn't think I'd ever see Vick in the position he's in right now. Watching him being interviewed on NFL Network last week, I was just thinking to myself how far he has come from being written off by so many of his critics. I just hope he continues to maintain his direction, he's paid his dues, he should be allowed to have a dog or anything else legally within his right.