JOLLYJO

This is another in our series of posts on Michael Vick. Here, guest-writer Kelsey Black pleads for a second chance for the quarterback who once promised to be "king of the world".

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When Michael Vick’s little brother, Marcus, made mistake after mistake during his college career, many of us felt sympathetic toward his older brother, Michael. We empathized with Michael for having to pick up after another family member’s mess.

At Virginia Tech, the alma mater for both Vick brothers, they demonstrated endless patience for Marcus, permitting him to re-enroll after being convicted for indiscretions with minors in March 2004 and drug possession charges in July 2004. He flipped off fans in October 2005, and drove with a suspended license in December 2005.

Finally, the patience and enduring feelings toward Michael Vick wore off when Marcus stomped on an opponent’s leg in the Gator Bowl and was arrested on gun charges. They kicked him off the team, and America wondered how one brother could turn out so different from the other. In retrospect, however, it has become apparent that Michael Vick was no better than Marcus; he just better at not getting caught.

Michael Vick was born on June 26, 1980, in Newport News, Virginia. He grew up in a public housing project in a financially-depressed neighborhood ridden with crime. Sports became an outlet for Michael, and he credits athletics for keeping him off the streets. He was a star football player on his high school team and heavily recruited by many colleges and universities. He decided to stay in Virginia and was awarded a full scholarship to play football for Virginia Tech.

Michael attended Virginia Tech for three years and led them to an 11-0 season in 1999, which culminated in their appearance in the BCS National Championship game. That same year, he led the NCAA in passing efficiency, and in 2000, he rushed for 210 yards against Boston College. After his sophomore year, he elected to leave Virginia Tech without graduating and enter the NFL draft, stating that his reasons were financial and that he wanted to buy his mother “a home and a car.”

In the 2001 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons chose Vick as the number one overall draft pick, making him the first African-American taken as a number one pick. Vick played sparingly in his first season with the Falcons, throwing for 785 yards and two touchdowns.

In 2002, he became an MVP candidate at the age of 22, and was elected to the Pro Bowl, carrying the ball for 777 yards, passing for 2,936 yards, throwing for sixteen touchdowns and running for eight.

In 2003, Vick suffered a fractured bone in his right leg and missed the majority of the season. He came back in 2004 by rushing for 902 yards and passing for 2,313, throwing for 14 touchdowns and rushing for three. Again, he was selected to the Pro Bowl and led his team to the NFC championship game, where they lost to the Philadelphia Eagles.

At the end of the 2004 season, Vick signed a 10-year, $130 million contract with the Atlantic Falcons. The contract made him the highest paid player in NFL history. Vick was selected for the Pro Bowl, once again, in 2005 and became the spokesperson for many companies such as Nike, Coca-Cola, PowerAde, Rawlings and Air Tran. Forbes ranked Vick thirty-third among its top 100 celebrities.

His downfall began in March 2005, when a woman sued Vick for knowingly transferring genital herpes to her. She alleged that prior to engaging in sexual contact with Vick, he received treatment at numerous clinics for the disease under the alias “Ron Mexico.” He settled the lawsuit with her for an undisclosed amount. In 2006, he made an obscene gesture at fans in Atlanta, causing many to question his character.

In April 2007, an investigation regarding dog fighting activity on one of Vick’s properties drew media attention. Over seventy dogs, mostly pit bulls, were seized by authorities. The dog fighting ring operated under the name “Bad Newz Kennels,” which was a nickname for Vick’s neighborhood where he grew up.

Initially, Vick denied the allegations, placing the blame on friends and family, who he claimed took advantage of him and his property. As the investigation continued, it became increasingly clear that the American people were actually the ones being taken advantage of. Vick was directly involved with the dog fighting ring. He financed the operation and participated in dog fights and executions.

As more and more of the gruesome facts were revealed, fans grew silent. America couldn’t believe that this Nike sponsored, hundred-million dollar athlete would stoop so low. Federal and state charges resulted, and on December 10, 2007, the court sentenced Vick to twenty-three months in federal prison.

Never has an athlete tumbled as quickly and furiously as Michael Vick. In four short months, he went from being one of the highest-paid and extremely talented professional athletes in the business to being stripped of his sponsorships and suspended indefinitely from the NFL. Dog fighting implanted itself into the minds and hearts of Americans across the country. The images of helpless animals being tortured to gratify the greed of soulless individuals to make a quick buck felt so inhumane that virtually everyone has turned their back on Michael Vick. He’s the Mike Tyson of football.

But, the big question is: Should Michael Vick have the opportunity to play again?

The answer is yes. He should have the opportunity to redeem himself. America was founded on equality and justice for all. He will have served his time, but he has been stripped of his dignity. The climb back will be slow, and many will never forgive him. However, some of us should.

We’ve forgiven Ray Lewis, who likely murdered two individuals after a Super Bowl party in 2000. The only reason authorities didn’t formally charged Lewis with the murder was because Lewis pled guilty to lesser charges and agreed to testify against his friends. We’ve also forgiven Leonard Little, who got drunk, jumped in his car and killed another motorist in 1998. He was sentenced to three months in prison and back on the football field the following season. He still plays with the St. Louis Rams, despite being arrested again in 2004 for drunk driving. Good lawyering won him an acquittal on the charges.

What Michael Vick did was undeniably heartless. He enslaved and tortured weaker creatures for what we have to assume was for more of the almighty dollar. He lied to his fans and the NFL. When there was nowhere else to run, he came clean and begged for our forgiveness. He said all the right things, took full responsibility for his actions, and “turned his life over to God.”

Vick has a long road to recovery in front of him, but while he’s in jail, he can maintain his physique and skills. Teams are not going to open their arms to him upon his release, and it will, no doubt, be a struggle for him every step of the way. Nonetheless, Vick deserves the opportunity to prove himself. This is America; we give second chances. We let justice run its course, and when it’s done, we generally forgive.

Vick’s battle will not be an easy one, and he might not make it. But, just like every American, Michael Vick should be given a second chance...a chance to atone...a chance to one day represent the NFL again...a chance to dazzle like only Michael Vick can...and finally, a chance to prove to diehard fans that their unwavering support was not in vain!