Has Michael Vick Earned Redemption?
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By Debbie “D2” Edwards
Michael Vick saw his first action in a Pittsburgh Steelers uniform on Saturday, and, as expected, the return was fueled with a plethora of emotions from fans and detractors alike. Vick’s first snap from the line of scrimmage yielded Pittsburgh a 63-yard completion to Martavis Bryant, which led to a field goal by Garrett Hartley. The crowd was elated and relieved, as a solid backup quarterback seemed secure on the depth chart.
Not everyone is elated with Michael Vick’s arrival in Pittsburgh. A scroll through sports forums and social media will quickly reveal this. Some people are strongly objecting to Michael Vick’s joining the Steelers based on his 2007 conviction in an illegal interstate dog fighting ring where he was given 21 months in a federal prison, two months house arrest, paid close to $1 million dollars in restitution, was banned from the NFL for approximately two years, and lost all of his endorsements. As a result of this, Vick was forced to file Chapter 11 Bankruptcy.
Various petitions and protests have been organized to force the organization sever ties with Vick. Objectors, specifically in Pittsburgh, point to the extreme cruelty that was associated with the dog fighting ring. The movement seems to have reached its peak during National Dog Day, where protesters gathered outside of the Pittsburgh Steeler’s practice facility. Several of the protesters voiced their displeasure with Vick’s signing, even stating that the season has been ruined due to Vick’s signing. One protester even stated that Vick’s remorse and community service is merely a PR stunt, and that he should be released from his contract with the Steelers immediately.
In a country that prides itself on opportunity and forgiveness, what factors merit a person receiving a second chance? At what point in time do we extend forgiveness….. often, the same forgiveness that we find ourselves in need of? Does public outcry resonate louder with some crimes as opposed to others?
Pennsylvania is not immune to crimes by high profile individuals. In 2000, the state’s House of Representatives member Thomas Druce plead guilty to leaving the scene of a fatal accident that killed Vietnam War veteran Kenneth Cains. Druce initially attempted to cover up his crime by having the vehicle repaired and falsifying insurance paperwork. The vehicular homicide charges were dropped, and, as a non-violent offender, Druce served the minimum sentence of two years. Contrast this to Vick, who, as a first time offender, could possibly have avoided jail time for his conviction. Yet, he served closer to the maximum amount of his sentence, with the judge citing the heinous nature of the crime.
Granted, these crimes took place in different states and in different courts. Yet, the same community that is expressing outrage over Vick’s crime of nearly a decade seems to have little passion over the loss of a veteran’s life and subsequent cover up by an up and coming politician. Druce claimed to have hit a barrel on a turnpike. Yet, the evidence on his bumper proved otherwise. While free on bail, Druce worked as a political consultant and kept his driver’s license. Granted, there are differences in the two crimes, but one serves as a gauge of sorts as to just how our society views crime, punishment, and redemption. While protesters express heartburn over Vick’s resurgence professionally and financially, Druce has reportedly managed a similar resurgence, albeit largely out of the public eye. What should be the determining factor in forgiveness?
When asked this very question, one protester gave an interesting response. She stated that she felt that Vick needed to make amends by speaking out on animal cruelty. Obviously unbeknownst to the protester, Vick has partnered with the Humane Society in an “End Dogfighting” campaign. He has also volunteered at school fund raisers, food drives, after school programs, hurricane shelters, Children’s Hospital, and mentored children in his community. Additionally, Vick has managed to redeem himself financially, efficiently executing his 6 year plan to recover from bankruptcy. If actions speak louder than words, Vick needs no microphone or artificial noise makers to champion his cause. Yet, his story could and should serve as a reminder and an example to athletes today. Take personal responsibility for your actions, realizing that you will be accountable. Be careful of your associates and your choices. And most importantly, plan for your future. In the words of the Honorable Judge Santoro, who presided over Vick’s bankruptcy hearing, “you cannot be everything to everybody. If you do, you’re going to be nothing to anybody”.
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