Michael Vick Is Back, but Should He Be?

Michael Vick completed his second practice with the Philadelphia Eagles earlier today. Having been granted a second chance in the NFL after being incarcerated for his sponsorship and involvement in a dog-fighting ring, Vick has become a polarizing figure to the American public.

As a matter of opinion, I feel it is right that he has been reinstated to the National Football League. True, his crimes were inhuman and there is no justification for committing such acts, but he has paid the price through the US justice system. Additionally, this was not a fluke decision by Roger Goddell, NFL commissioner. He based part of his decision upon whether he felt that Vick was sincerely apologetic for the crimes he committed. If he did not come to such a conclusion, Vick would not have signed with Philadelphia, or any other club, and we would be looking at a different circumstance.

Some people have been vocal critics of the NFL's decision to allow Vick back into the NFL. They feel his ban should have been lifelong. I do not agree with this position. As stated, in no way do I condone the actions he took. The murder of dogs for sport is absolutely horrible. This cannot be argued. But the fact remains that he spent time in a federal penitentiary, performed community service, and paid his penance. I do not understand those who feel he should not be able to football. Do they feel he should not be able to work? Football is a job. The whole industry is merely business, a sad commentary on modern sports perhaps, but a true comment nonetheless. So why should he not be able to do a job, especially one in the private sector?

Michael Vick has expressed remorse for the crimes he committed and paid a tremendous price. In addition to the fact he served time in prison, one must also consider the fact that the man lost millions of dollars. This fact is not being mentioned to invoke any kind of sympathy for the man. He chose to commit atrocious crimes and paid the price for it. But that right there is the point; he paid the price for it. It was the NFL's decision to allow the man back into their league.

This nation is a nation of second chances and redemption. Our prison system is based on the hope of rehabilitation. It may not be a perfect system, but the intention is to try and help people get their feet back under them. This is exactly what is happening with Michael Vick, and that is why it is not wrong that he is back in the NFL.