Michael Vick's Second Chance

With Michael Vick's recent release from prison, and his even more recent return to the NFL, arguments have been taking place all over the country as to whether or not he deserves to play football again. In reality, there is much more to it than that. It is not just about him playing football again, and it is not about him playing football for my beloved Philadelphia Eagles, though that is a thorn in my side. It is actually a combination of many things all rolled into one. Included in any of the arguments there are probably random comments and references made to race, talent, integrity, and second chances, and who receives those reprieves in life and who does not.

One of the main issues that seems to be playing a role is whether or not Michael Vick deserves a second chance. I am all for second chances. Almost everyone deserves the right to redeem himself, but that is usually a slow process. Most people do not generally walk out of prison and have everything handed back to them on a silver platter. Silver platters are generally reserved for celebrities and sports stars. The average person's second chance usually means performing menial labor in situations no one else wants. If Michael Vick were not Michael Vick, instead of playing at the stadium, he would more than likely be scrubbing toilets at the stadium or selling food in the stands.

Another issue that seems to be playing a role here is race. It seems like any person who opposes Vick's getting to play again just does not want to see a black man make money. But that thought never crossed my mind. I know that race plays into things sometimes, but I do not think along those lines unless someone blatantly accuses me of racism or points the concept out to me. If I had thought that way, I certainly would have stood against people in recent history but didn't. I thought people were attacking Barry Bonds unfairly and should have left him alone, but I never considered that to be a race issue until someone made that claim. I do not care about the color of a person's skin; I look at people and their behavior. And the fact remains that Vick committed a crime, and the color of his skin does not deepen the level of criminality.

This concept of looking at people is also at issue here. It is funny how society picks and chooses who receives favor and why. Because Vick has talent, he deserves a second chance, but a person who has never amounted to anything or exhibited any talents or gifts is a throw away. People who are attractive deserve a break, but those who society considers undesirable are shunned and cast aside. Regardless of the crime committed, some believe Michael Vick deserves the opportunity to revive his football career because to do otherwise would be a waste of his talent.

In the end, it appears that Vick's star power and talents rule over what is right and just. He is going to have an opportunity to play football again. But I want to know why he has to play for the Eagles? Why can't he play for Atlanta? If he deserves a second chance, why won't the team he was with before this happened take him back? Why don't they want him? Better yet, let him go play for the Cowboys. After all, I couldn't hate them anymore than I already do.