Michael Vick - Should He Be Given a Second Chance in the NFL?

To be a player in the NFL today is a great accomplishment but it is one that comes with responsibilities. As a professional football player, many children looked up to and wanted to be Michael Vick. Vick jerseys when he played for Atlanta were all over the place. Many from all over the country looked up to Vick not just by the fans in Atlanta.

Then the news broke. Michael Vick was being investigated for a dog fighting scandal. Crazy it seemed. Dogs were being treated like a piece of meat and not like the innocent animals that they were and all of this was happening under Michael Vick's watch at his house.

Yes he served his time in prison...Whether or not it was enough is debatable. The big question now is whether or not he deserves a second chance in the NFL. My argument is no. While he worked his way into the NFL his actions should have banned him from the NFL forever. The NFL is arguably one of the best run sports leagues in the United States however it seems that those that commit crimes are consistently offered second chances. This is sending the wrong message to our children.

I am a big believer in second chances but being a player in the NFL comes with certain responsibilities and by behaving the way that he did with his participation in the dog fighting Michael Vick rid himself of his responsibilities to the NFL to act in a professional manner and to represent the NFL in a positive light.

Michael Vick was paid millions of dollars to go out every Sunday and play a game. He was paid millions of dollars to represent the Atlanta Falcons in the best light possible. He was paid millions of dollars to be a role model to children everywhere. He was not paid millions to participate in dog fighting that ended in abuse and death of some animals. His actions were wrong and he knew they were wrong. He was given an opportunity in the NFL and he made a choice to blow it.

Does he deserve the chance to be a free man again? Yes. Does he deserve the chance to make what he did right by participating in animal groups like he claims he is going to? Yes. Does he deserve the chance to be paid millions again after disappointing his teammates, children everywhere and Atlanta Falcons fans? No. While the Philadelphia Eagles may disagree it is my thought that Michael Vick should not be allowed to play in the NFL again. That is a right that must be earned.