SUSSEX, Va. -- Former NFL quarterback Michael Vick pleaded guilty Tuesday to a state dogfighting charge, a move that could make him eligible to leave prison early and potentially speed up a return to pro football. Vick, 28, arrived wearing wrist and ankle shackles with his gray suit, but the restraints were removed by the time he entered his plea. The one-time Atlanta Falcons star also pleaded not guilty to a count of cruelty to animals, but that charge was dropped under his plea deal. He received a three-year suspended sentence -- far less than the maximum of 10 years he could have faced.
I detest cruelty of any sort. Those who would engage in such blatantly inhuman behavior deserve to dealt the harshest sort of punishment. Like many folks, I have a soft spot for animals...as well as a deep and abiding hatred for those who engage in cruelty toward animals. The idea that Michael Vick could be soon be be chairing an NFL huddle absolutely makes me want to vomit. Call me cynical, but from what I've seen of Vick on television, contrition doesn't seem to be on the menu. It seems to be about emptily mouthing whatever words will get him released as soon as possible in order that he might resume career and hop on the NFL gravy train.
Remorse? Contrition? Recognition of the cruelty that he inflicted upon animals for his own entertainment and that of his friends and business partners? Hardly. This is a man that deserves to be released early so that he can play football? Michael Vick threw family pets into the dogfighting ring, thinking it great fun to watch dogs trained to kill rip them limb from limb.
Certainly, I believe in rehabilitation and the power of a second chance. I can't help but wonder, though, how VIck warrants early release. The emphasis seems to be on whatever gets him back on the football field fastest, and not on paying for his crimes. Here's a man who had it all- wealth, fame, a fabulous career- and then some. Then he apparently decided that he was above the law. Given his renown, his athletic prowess, and (at that time, at least) his vast wealth, there were plenty of enablers willing to help him evade accountability. Thankfully, our judicial system worked as intended, and Michael Vick is behind bars. That he is still attempting to finagle the system to his advantage only speaks to how little he truly gets it.
The truly sad thing about this sorry saga is that there are still a large number of people who honestly feel that what Vick did is no big deal, and that he deserves to be back on the football field. Yesterday. Speaking of not getting it....
