Michael Vick Signs Two Year Contract With Philadelphia Eagles
Filed under: animals, sports — Michael Parrish DuDell @ 9:21 am
August 14th 2009
Yesterday news broke that Michael Vick has signed a two year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. I posted an editorial on our sister site, VEGdaily.com. Here’s how it went down:
Take a quick glimpse on the ol’ Facebook page and you’ll see that the veggie world is pretty fired up about the Philadelphia Eagles giving Michael Vick a two year contract. But you know what? I’m not. Now hold your fire and let me explain.
Dog fighting is an awful, terrible thing and should be without-a-doubt punished by law. And it was. Michael Vick confessed to the charges brought against him and served almost 2 years in prison for his involvement. He did the crime and served the time.
Now what?
The football player is free and has the right – just like any ex-convict in this country – to go back to work. Whether you believe him or not, Vick has shown public remorse for his crimes and has even agreed to work with the HSUS campaigning against dogfighting. What better educator than a reformed sinner?
Many of us choose a cruelty-free lifestyle because we believe that all animals should be treated with compassion. Let us not forget that humans are animals too. What Michael Vick did was horrible – hands down. But what would also be horrible is showing the world that those who stand up for the welfare of animals do not stand up for the welfare of their fellow man.
Michael Vick has the right to work and we have the right to give him a second chance. I choose that right. Even if it means I stand alone.
What do you think about this story? Chime in and share your thoughts on the Philadelphia Eagles’ decision to sign Michael Vick.
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Tagged: michael vick
Shame, shame, shame on the Eagles, the NFL and shame on you. This man deliberately broke the law over and over and over and over again. He tortured poor, helpless animals over and over again. He knew what he was doing. Why doesn’t he really make a statement and donate half of the 6.8 million to the shelters who take care of these animals?
that would impress me a little, but not much. I will never watch the NFL again, and neither will everyone that I have spoken with. The Eagles are done….big mistake on their part, huge mistake. Bigger mistake for the NFL.
“HE WITHOUT SIN CAST THE FIRST STONE”
Vick spent 2 years in prison? That is not even equal to the number of years that he single handedly put hundreds of dogs to their demise for sport. He should have spent FAR MORE time in prison, doing HARD TIME, and not sitting in some COUNTRY CLUB JAIL. This is a discusting individual whom should not be engaging in professional sports. SHAME on the Eagles for hiring him.
Already posted my comment on VegDaily, but could not agree more with Karen and Susan. What he did was simply atrocious to us animal lovers and to any person with common sense.
Really? Hanging dogs from trees? Really? Electrocuting them? Really? Utilizing a rape-like device to impregnate aggresive females? REALLY?
Yet, some people are still defending him. They probably treat their pets the same way.
All –
We have to remember that dogfighting is still deemed acceptable (and encouraged) in many communities in this country.
Sean Moore is one of the most effective educators for the HSUS’s End Dogfighting Program and for 15 years he himself fought hundreds of dogs on the streets of Chicago.
He says:
“I could bring you into the ‘hood right now and we could get a 7- or 8- or 9-year-old boy or girl and ask them what these dogs are bred for—and they’ll tell you these dogs are meant to fight.”
Now I understand that Michael Vick is an adult, and like all adults he should be held accountable for his actions. And he was. Vick committed cruel, thoughtless acts and sacrificed two years of his freedom because of those acts. But now he is free, and like every ex-convict he has the right to work.
I know that some aren’t happy about the money and fame he will receive, but if Michael Vick keeps his side of the bargain and publicly speaks out against dogfighting he could have a great effect on young people who still think it’s cool.
Since last night I’ve read my fair share of vile, violent comments from many animal-rights activists who are angry over this decision. But I argue that in times like these we must remain level-headed and smart about our activism, not aggressive and volatile.
If we’re going to preach compassion as a community, we must follow it up with compassion for our fellow man.
Let us not forget Ghandi’s words:
“Anger is the enemy of non-violence and pride is a monster that swallows it up.”
Sure! He should be allowed to work again… in construction, as a dock worker, at a restaurant, or really any average job that many American ex-felons would be happy to have. His old job – prior to his breaking the law – gave him fame, status and made him a role model to young football players for his natural talent. He might still be good at that job, but he doesn’t deserve it. He can work a regular job like you or me, get paid a fair wage and play football on a rec team if he loves the sport.
“let us not forget that humans are animals too”. some crappy line to defend some piece of shit. This is well beyond simple dog fighting from some guys from the “hood” who were raised that way and simply dont know better. what he did ranks to the most sick and perverted sadistic animal cruelty.
Then again, Michael has a point, if the guy continues to work with the HSUS and trule has remorse he can be a good rolemodel and maybe make other dogabusers think twice.
I couldn’t agree more with Karen’s comments. Two years is nothing compared to his heinous crimes. And I don’t believe he is at all remorseful for what he’s done. I think he is only sorry for himself and for the fact that he got caught.
Although I highly doubt the guy is truly sorry for what he did, if he contributes somehow to decrease dog fighting maybe he deserves a second chance… (but not a third!)
However, someone who deliberately does what he did isn’t and never will be a good person (that’s my personal opinion).
It would be nice if people could repent and make amends ‘just like that’. But that’s not how things unfortunately work.
I don’t have specific statistics, but look at the number of criminals that after doing time go back to a life of crime. There are many reasons for that, but mainly because there is no proper education and rehabilitation of these people. Did he undergo any kind of psychological rehabilitation?
I guess only time will tell if this guy is truly committed to stop dog fighting (and thus make amends for his terrible actions) or if he’s just doing this to get his old status back…
Unfortunately the animals he murdered will never have that second chance!!!
What Vick did was cruel and no animal should have to go through that. It’s heartbreaking to think of what he did to those dogs, but the fact is, that there are people that still do that or are well on their way to doing that. By having Vick speak to them, it will reach people that otherwise would not be reachable, and it’s been very successful in Chicago. If he even gets the message out to one person, who then decides not to commit similar acts of cruelty, it will help save the life of atleast one dog.
Ok he killed some dogs…I am very against that but he has paid for it now let’s move on. Are all of you people saying that this man should not work at all and should just die on the street from starvation? He deserves to work and feed his family it just so happens that he plays a sport what about all the other people are dog fighting why don’t you go after them as hard as you are going after M.Vick. On that note why not take some of this energy and put it against some of the people that are raping women and children. Why not take this energy and put it to use to putting these perverts that like to touch little kids in jail……I love dogs but a dog is not a human let’s put things in perspective.
This issue leaves me conflicted. I do feel that people deserve a second chance, but should he be able to step back into his old life? I don’t know about that, we’ll have to wait and see how much activism he really does now that he’s out of prison. Maybe if he donated a generous portion of his salary to stop dogfighting? Too soon to tell if he’s rehabilitated in my opinion. I do agree whole heartedly with Michael’s statements on compassion though, as advocates for compassion we need to extend that comapssion to all living creatures, even when it is difficult.
People these are still just dogs we are talking about. Rapists often serve less than 2 years and some drunk driving manslaughter charges result in less than 2 years served. He did his time and is now on strict probation during his parole period. People can reform, that’s what the prison system is all about.
Yes, Michael Vick served his time. But being able to play for the NFL is a very valuable privilege, and one that Vick lost when he made the decision to torture and kill animals.
I for one will never support the NFL again.
I don’t think anyone said that dogs are kids, so that statement is beside the point. I consider myself an animal activist and as such I have expressed the anger and frustration felt when I heard those news. Wether you think I am right or wrong does not bug me, what bugs me is that at some point Vick probably saw dogs as just that: dogs. Sentient beings reduced to a means to make a buck whatever the means are. That is what is troubling.
I hope he does good work with the HSUS, since it’s best when someone kids look up to spreads the word that dogfighting is unacceptable. However, Vick is a monster. He didn’t kill dogs. He pulled their teeth out with pliers, threw family pets into the ring to be torn apart; drowned, electrocuted, and hanged dogs instead of wasting bullets to kill them. Sick.
I agree with the others who said they feel he’s lost the privilege to play for the NFL.
In many places a convicted felon cannot vote, cannot do lots of things and certainly shouldn’t be glorified in this sport where he’s a role model to kids.
I don’t care if he’s reformed or not (and I don’t think he has) he should have lost the privilege!
The problem is the NFL wants to make some
MONEY and they don’t care about the kids or the dogs or anyone except making serious cash.
I am disgusted by the NFL and have no respect for them whatsoever.
Erin
I don’t believe for a moment that Mr. Vick feels any remorse for his savage crimes. (Though I do believe that he feels a great deal of regret for getting caught…) But, I think Richard Cohen says it better than I can right now (Too sleepy. Profound later. *yawwwn*), when he says “When Vick takes the field, I for one will imagine the thrashing of pacifist puppies as they are drowned or twisting in the wind as they are hanged. And throughout the land every kid will know — if they do not already — that what matters most is not that Vick has paid his debt to society or is remorseful, but that he could still throw the ball. Maybe an athlete can’t quite get away with murder, but drowning dogs is a different matter.”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/10/AR2009081002454.html
You know, that “he who is without sin” thing (2nd comment in this thread) is yet another downright ridiculous part of the Bible. If only those without sin may judge, then no one can judge. If no can judge, then everyone has licence to do whatever they want.
He’s dead to me. I’ll never be able to cheer him again. He may as well have killed my favorite cousin. Dogs and all animals are the innocent of all innocent living beings. Yes, living beings that feel pain and cannot understand what is happening.
Humans are a very dangerous species.
A reminder, 98% percent of the American public eat eggs, meat & dairy. At least half of them know exactly what’s the meaning of it (torture and murder). For the cows, chickens, pigs & fish, they are no less criminals than Michael Vick.
I agree with the above comment. If we’re gonna get that angry- we’ll have to throw the majority of the population in jail for contributing to the torture of cows, chickens, and pigs. It’s an ugly part of human nature that hasn’t quite evolved yet. I’m waiting (hoping) to see Vick do some good to show everyone that he has evolved from this experience and can be a good role model. Given his talent, he has the rare opportunity to really make a difference in a good way. I hope he does.
Professional athletes are the only ones who can
1)have sex with young girls in hotel rooms up the @#$* when they’re married and still people cheer them on (even their wives- hi Kobe)
2) have HIV that they got while cheating on their wife and know one cares they have HIV or that they cheated or if they get AIDS. They’re MAGIC!
3) Kill torture and drown beautiful pets and fight those creatures for money. Somebody Sic on Vick!
THAT is the twisted sick disgusting world of professional sports and their players. Boycott the NBA NFL etc. It’s the ONLY way!
Erin
There something wrong with someone torturing the helpless: children, mentally challenged, the elderly, and animals. What he did was not just a crime of property like stealing a car. It was thought out, executed and intentional for quite some time. Sure he “could” be a spokesperson and turn kids around who think dog fighting is a sport. But there is something wrong with an ex-convict who committed this type of crime to make a million, and have crowds cheer him. Yes, he said he was sorry but countless other convicts whose crime wasn’t against the helpless said that too and received far less. I work with parolees. Crimes against animals hide a far deeper and darker mind. Those who commit torture against the helpless later lead to or haven’t yet been caught at countless heinous acts. He could’ve begun another career to show remorse but it’s buisness as usual in sports yet again sending what kind of message to children regarding consequences?
dogfighting is cruel and wrong and always will be, but michael vick has done his time, and we need to be willing to give him a second chance–but i am very surprised that someone actually signed him. despite his immense tallet, having a convicted dogfighter on your team is generally considered bad PR. we’ll see what happens, i guess.
I am offended that Micheal DuDell would accept Micheal Vick’s animal murder and torture that easily. Growing up poor or in “the ghetto” does not mean that you should accept things like animal abuse, gangs, rape, etc. Plenty of people who grew up poor ended up become animal rights activists/vegetarians/vegans. I grew up in a small redneck town where hunting is acceptable but I managed to grow up into a vegan and animal rights advocate. Growing up in a certain community has NO BEARING on your morals, ethics, or acceptable behavior. My beliefs and ethics are completely different than my parents and community’s. People have the ability to decide what is right or wrong. Murdering and torturing animals is wrong and evil. Two years in prison is not enough to make up for that horrible crime. It is murder, plain and simple. Regardless of what species, animals are sentient beings that can feel pain, suffer, and think. Torturing and killing a sentient animal is no better than torturing and killing a human because both suffer equally. I realize that “humans are animals too” and that we should “have compassion for humans” but no human has the RIGHT to be a pro-athlete or a millionaire. It is not a right that we all share. Vick doesn’t deserve to be a pro-athlete and he doesn’t need to be one. Most ex-convicts can’t even get a job at a fast food restaurant. Vick should find a job in construction or fast food and be thankful for it. He does not deserve success. I’m sure that there are plenty of moral, amazing athletes who could take his job.
Anybody find it ironic that the organization that’s giving Vick his “secound chance” wasn’t advocating a secound chance for his surviving dogs? If it had been left up to the HSUS then those poor dogs would have been destroyed! Maybe Vick’s work with the hsus will garner more donations to the HSUS so they can keep paying Wayne’s 300,000 dollar a year salary. The HSUS, Vick and the NFL can all kiss my ass!
Maelstrom,
I gotta say I agree with you here on this one. I was very disappointed that HSUS wanted to kill the dogs.. but thankfully Best Friends (and Last Chance for Animals behind the scenes) were able to save them and adopt them out.
I’m so glad they didn’t euthanize them (though I can think of many criminals who treated them badly who I’d much rather see euthanized instead!!)
E
Your VEGdaily link is screwy.
The NFL commissioner who allowed Vick to return to playing ball should be strung up. Whatever team signed him would be carrying a huge burden – but it would be at least one team – and he is a talented player.
He should have never been allowed to return to the NFL but since he is – I think his millions should be dedicated to fighting animal abuse. That would really punish him and show how sorry he is.
i am going to stop coming to this website. if you think the slap on the wrist that vick received for murdering and brutally torturing innocent, sentient beings is sufficient punishment then you can go to hell.
I am ‘happy’ to see so many people outraged by the 2nd chance this guy has been given.
This because when my comments are a bit tougher I am often accused of being intolerant or extremist (among other more insulting things!).
Therefore, I urge all the Americans who believe he doesn’t deserve another chance in NFL to send e-mails to the NFL protesting against his comeback. You could also demand that he must be more publicly active against dog fighting and that a large percentage of his salary should go to the rescue and rehabilitation of dogs used in dog fighting.
I don’t know much about the NFL and couldn’t care less, so I don’t know how you can do that, but I’m sure you’ll figure it out.
After all, veg*ans who are real activists are more evolved and intelligent people than the average ‘Joe’.
Whoever…. You have strong convictions AND you don’t like football!?
A rare breed indeed
Erin
No one is saying Vick doesn’t deserve a second chance. He does. But playing the NFL is a privilege, and he should not have the privilege of being a role model again. If he wants to work, he can work construction, in retail, some job with little prestige, but that will pay him for an honest day’s work.
Perhaps if people cracked down on talented athletes when they started showing signs of being predatory assholes, there would be fewer Michaels, Kobes, Shaqs, and so on.
Ok Ok Ok!… What he did was wrong but everyone deserves a second chance its over and done. i think he is sincere about what he has done and he is trying to overcome from that. just let the man play.
For those who believe Vick has paid his dues, I would have to differ. He has not and will not spend a single day behind bars for animal cruelty as his federal charges were for racketeering. And as for remorse, Vick pled NOT GUILTY to animal cruelty charges at his state trial – and it was dropped in a plea deal. How can this man be remorseful for his crimes if he does not even believe he was cruel to animals?”
“Racketeering” is the act of operating an illegal business or scheme in order to make a profit, perpetrated by a structured group. It is a broad category of criminal acts that includes bribery, sexual exploitation of children, and illegal gambling, among many others. Racketeering is closely associated with organized crime, since both are conducted by groups.
Yes, I do believe people deserve second chances. But, I do not think he should be allowed to be a role model for our children!
Anyone else would have a hell of a time trying to find a job even at a McDonalds, or a restaurant because of past criminal records without a pardon. So why should he be able to reassume his position?..
The world loves money, not the world.. Its a shame.
http://www.examiner.com/x-18851-Tucson-Dogs-Examiner~y2009m9d2-The-Victimization-Of-Vick
Paid his dues my ass! I spent more time in the joint back in the 80’s for a bag of weed than this dork got for running his mini canine Gitmo. Give me five minutes, a baseball bat and a rape rack and I’ll make him pay his dues.
The only thing here that seems to miff people is that Michael Vick is going to be making a ton of cash. You couldn’t care less if he was a nobody out there looking for a McDonald’s job. Haters, Haters. Michael, make that dough 5 million times!