Michael Vick was always one of my favorite NFL players. Between the way that he could run at the quarterback position like a running back could, his incredible moves on the field, and even what he did in video games, I was a full fledged Michael Vick supporter.
I saw him play live twice against the Patriots in 2001 taking over for an injured Chris Chandler. He didn't do much getting smothered by the Patriots D. I also saw him play against Seattle in 2002. The Falcons won and he had a great deal to do with it. He was a magician and leader, I was hooked.
Then came a win in the playoffs against the Packers in Green Bay of all places. Not many fans can pull this off, and I was instantly sold some more on Vick and his future. I had Vick apparel and merchandise and was truly one of his biggest fans.
I'd watch Vick in action as often as I could during the next few seasons, and he was always just as exciting. During the 2005 campaign, he almost led the Falcons to the Super Bowl. The team was stopped in its tracks by the Eagles, but Vick embodied the future of the NFL. 2006 looked nearly as good, and then the drama ensued in 2007.
He was indicted on dog fighting charges. He trained them. Gambled on them. Tortured them and in the end, killed them. There is no doubt; he hung out with the wrong crowd. However, I was shocked, appalled, and downright disgusted about his decisions and actions. How could any human being do this to an animal? It was downright cruel and inhumane. My respect and admiration for the athlete died. I tossed my jerseys in disgust and his collectibles are in storage somewhere. Would he ever overcome this travesty? Would he ever return to the NFL?
Two years later, Vick is back and the league is willing to give him a clean slate. Having signed with the Eagles, it looks like he has a genuine chance to redeem himself. He deserves this second chance, but I'm still not ready to forgive him.
What kind of baffles my mind is looking at players like Donte Stallworth. Stallworth was responsible for hitting and killing a man with his car while driving drunk, and Stallworth is getting far last time than Vick did (just four weeks of time). I feel that both actions are unforgivable, but can't believe Stallworth is getting off more lightly than Vick.
While both men made huge mistakes, it seems like all of the attention is on Vick. Stallworth will surely be given a second chance as well, and I can only say that they both make the most of these chances.
I saw him play live twice against the Patriots in 2001 taking over for an injured Chris Chandler. He didn't do much getting smothered by the Patriots D. I also saw him play against Seattle in 2002. The Falcons won and he had a great deal to do with it. He was a magician and leader, I was hooked.
Then came a win in the playoffs against the Packers in Green Bay of all places. Not many fans can pull this off, and I was instantly sold some more on Vick and his future. I had Vick apparel and merchandise and was truly one of his biggest fans.
I'd watch Vick in action as often as I could during the next few seasons, and he was always just as exciting. During the 2005 campaign, he almost led the Falcons to the Super Bowl. The team was stopped in its tracks by the Eagles, but Vick embodied the future of the NFL. 2006 looked nearly as good, and then the drama ensued in 2007.
He was indicted on dog fighting charges. He trained them. Gambled on them. Tortured them and in the end, killed them. There is no doubt; he hung out with the wrong crowd. However, I was shocked, appalled, and downright disgusted about his decisions and actions. How could any human being do this to an animal? It was downright cruel and inhumane. My respect and admiration for the athlete died. I tossed my jerseys in disgust and his collectibles are in storage somewhere. Would he ever overcome this travesty? Would he ever return to the NFL?
Two years later, Vick is back and the league is willing to give him a clean slate. Having signed with the Eagles, it looks like he has a genuine chance to redeem himself. He deserves this second chance, but I'm still not ready to forgive him.
What kind of baffles my mind is looking at players like Donte Stallworth. Stallworth was responsible for hitting and killing a man with his car while driving drunk, and Stallworth is getting far last time than Vick did (just four weeks of time). I feel that both actions are unforgivable, but can't believe Stallworth is getting off more lightly than Vick.
While both men made huge mistakes, it seems like all of the attention is on Vick. Stallworth will surely be given a second chance as well, and I can only say that they both make the most of these chances.
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