Let Michael Vick Get on with His Life and NFL Career

It is time for animal rights groups and activists to lay off Michael Vick and let him get on with his life and career. Since his NFL reinstatement on July 27th, Vick has continued to come under fire from various animal rights organizations and individuals who believe that Vick has not shown enough contrition for his cruelty (how these groups or individuals know what is inside Vick's heart is beyond me). Now, don't misunderstand-what Vick did was cruel, completely devoid of any humane compassion and he was justifiably punished, but his time is served and he deserves a second chance.

ASCPCA president and CEO Ed Sayres says that "We are simply not convinced that Mr. Vick has demonstrated compassion toward animals as living beings or the necessary remorse for his criminal actions against them." Vick even offered to work with the ASPCA to educate the public about dog fighting, but was refused by the group, with Sayres saying that Vick should do more, "It is important to state that the ASPCA is extremely disappointed that (Eagles) owner Jeff Lurie hired him for his team before it was clear that Mr. Vick has truly developed a sense of compassion for his victims, the animals whose lives were taken by him."

Another animal rights group, DogPAC, says it has no interest at all in working with Vick. Tom Hickey, Sr., president of that organization plainly states that "The animal welfare groups really have no interest in working with Michael Vick". Rather, Hickey is asking the Eagles to match Vick's salary dollar for dollar in donations to dog shelters, rescues and other organizations that protect dogs in the Philadelphia area.

And then, of course, there are the PETA people, who if they had their wish would ban Vick from ever pursuing a career in the NFL again. The less said about that radical group, the better.

I'm not really sure what more Mr. Sayres, Mr. Hickey or PETA want Michael Vick to do. Vick offered to work directly with the ASPCA and he has pledged to work within the Philadelphia community to make the public more aware of animal cruelty and dog fighting. In addition, the Eagles organization has met with local animal rights groups to address their concerns regarding the Vick signing. Most importantly, though, is that Vick has served his penance for his crime-18 months in a federal prison, the loss of untold millions of dollars and a stain on his name that will not be easily removed-at least not if some animal rights groups get their wish.

Sources:

Laura Wisely http://www.delcotimes.com/articles/2009/08/25/news/doc4a935e1598e8c725790901.txt, The Delaware Co Times

Sean Leahy, http://blogs.usatoday.com/thehuddle/2009/08/michael-vick-supporters-to-rally-claim-animal-activists-want-to-hold-him-hostage-for-the-rest-of-his.html, USA Today sports

http://savingpuppies.com/