Michael Vick Attains Role Model Status

As undoubtedly one of the best players in the NFL, Michael Vick has struggled to grasp the concept of "role model", but after all his troubles it has finally arrived. Michael Vick's role model legacy will be the example that is used over and over to explain to talented athletes "what not to do". He will join the small, but growing list of the infamous that failed to recognize their gifts and talents, squandered their opportunity to positively influence thousands, took a pass on the "hall of fame" and instead selected the "hall of shame".

Dozens of those that contributed to his rise to fame should question the counsel they provided to this young man. Family, friends, teachers, clergy all failed to provide the example that Michael Vick would follow. In fact one has to wonder where the role model for "dog fight promoter" came from. Virginia Tech coaches and academicians should revisit his days as a student to identify what deficient quality in this young man was overlooked. One can be certain that the attributes that caused him to engage in the barbaric and illegal enterprise of dog fighting were present in other behaviors.

It has been widely reported that he settled a young woman's STD claim out of court. He garnered additional shame when he was caught bringing a bottle of water with a secret compartment on board an airplane. Could that have been a "dry run" for potential future illegal activity? Given today's circumstances it is valid to wonder. These behaviors should have been cause for concern. One can surmise that there were other episodes that indicated trouble. Did he never reveal his dog fighting venture to any team members or other confidants?

The crowd of Vick followers that celebrated his accomplishments on the football field are now being introduced to the seedy side of his life. He has joined the many other athletes, politicians, Hollywood celebrities and our neighbors down the street that have all fallen victim to the dark side of human behavior. Fortunately, they are in the minority and the vast majority of the rich, talented and gifted use their fame and fortune to promote goodness. There are hundreds of NFL players and thousands of other famous athletes and personalities that contribute positively to a myriad of wonderful causes and events. Perhaps in time, Michael Vick can gain entry into that honorable fraternity of role models.

Michael Vick misunderstood that it is a privilege to play football for the NFL. He failed to understand that "to whom much is given, much is expected." One can only hope that he successfully confronts whatever demons are present in his psyche and rises from the ashes of shame to reclaim the mantle of an inspirational role model. This struggle will prove much harder than any he has ever confronted on the gridiron. Many wish him well on the journey.