I’m betting that Michael Vick makes it. I’m betting that he comes from the depths of federal prison for the worst kind of crimes and becomes a star again in the NFL. I’m betting on Michael for lots of reasons. He has so much to teach us.
He can teach us about athletes. This kid is out of jail at 29. Is that old in NFL years? Not if you didn’t get hit for two years. In addition, Michael was a lazy athlete. Last to practice, first to leave, least time in the weight room, you name it. This is his last chance. He’ll wring every drop out of what’s left in his body, you watch.
Michael can teach us about ourselves. He went to prison for running an illegal dog fighting operation. Vick didn’t just fund the thing, he ran it. He hired the vets who pulled out their teeth, he funded the pens where they trained by killing and maiming other dogs, he hosted the fights and even killed the dogs that had outlived their usefulness. Michael has shined a light into a dark enterprise, right?
Michael can teach us about crime and punishment. After all, he did the crime and then did the time, right? On top of that, he’s apologized publicly, and promised to donate time as well as money to animal cruelty awareness. Shouldn’t he be allowed to return to his chosen field?
Michael can teach us about forgiveness. If a person says he or she is sorry and proves it by serving a public punishment and doing public atonement, do we not have to understand that we, too are merely fallible humans who need our own forgiveness on a daily basis?
That’s the general response I’ve heard about Michael Vick and his imminent reinstatement to professional football. But I have my own list of reasons why I hope Michael makes it.
I hope Michael can teach us about ourselves. Dog fighting, abhorrent as it might be to many of us, is actually common and practiced in private, crowded backstreet arenas all over the country. True, the dogs are horribly mistreated and thrown away like so much trash when they’re no longer fit to fight. But tell me, is that so different than the fate of greyhounds at countless dog tracks, which operate legally? Once those dogs slow down, it’s curtains for them too. Just like Michael’s dogs. Just like countless horses who also got too slow. Are we learning anything yet?
Perhaps Michael will teach us about crime and punishment and forgiveness. After all, why shouldn’t he get his job back? He did wrong, paid a fortune, lost everything, went to jail and now he says he’s sorry. What else do we need here? Oh, I forgot; it’s a privilege to play pro football, not a right. We need the lords of the sport to approve. The same people who once owned a player for his entire career? Who wouldn’t show players their medical records until they were cut for their injuries? The same people who watched their players turn steroid abuse into an art form are now going to decide on morality? I can’t wait!
But most of all, I want Michael to teach us about our “heroes.” Athletes aren’t role models, they’re athletes. The only kids who should admire athletes are other young athletes themselves. If they have something to teach you, learn it. Otherwise, sit back and be entertained because that’s what athletes are, performers. Many are imperfect, selfish, cold and uncaring. Much like your doctor or lawyer or radio host, only athletes are usually more entertaining.
So, be entertained. Michael Vick is one of the most gifted athletes ever to play in the NFL. If we are all very lucky, he will come back from his time away and be a great player again. Most Eagles fans will be thankful that he is on their team and not playing for the competition. They will also know that while they may want him on the team, they are very glad he’s not their next door neighbor. That’s a good lesson to learn.
Corbett
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