Dude.. Get off Michael Vick.

Bravo, BRAVO David Zurawik for having the courage to say what many decent Americans are thinking, and what many interviewers should have the guts to say. Thank you for a great read on something truthful. Not a fluffy article about what a great ball player Michael Vick is, but about the fact that he brutally tortured and killed many dogs with his bare hands, and now is rewarded for such behavior by being allowed to play NFL ball. What a shame that the majority of animal lovers are not screaming at the injustice of it all. I know there is a special place in hell for Michael Vick and his murderous cronies.

Sorry Michael Vick & NFL. There are so many deserving young people who work hard that should be given an opporturnity of the NFL Dream.

I will never be able to get those images of animal cruelty out of my head.

You couldn't and wouldn't print my thoughts on Michael Vick.

I can only hope that Karma pays him a visit in this or some other life and that every evil and malicious act he performed on those dogs is repaid one hundred percent upon him. Evil, evil piece of human flesh. I won't even call him a man.

Give it a rest. And if their was truly karma several folks would be dead. People make mistakes everyday. Bottom line we are talking about ... dogs. Cows, horses, pigs, fish, and every other animal is slaughtered on a daily basis. I could careless. I would care more if it was a human being.

Edited for corase language. Z

I really would not have expected it to go any other way. From the beginning the Brown interview, the NFL letting him play, no one has really be tough on Michael Vick. He can't work hard enough on the field in my opinion for the cruelty and torture of the animals that he killed. In my opinion he should not have played again. I would imagine the protesters are very upset with the coverage, they should have been front and center and interviewed. But, that might have ruined the pre-game.

Michael, is just another in a long line of people who have had to say, "I'm sorry" only because they were caught. If they hadn't beencaught, they'd still be doing what they did. Vick said at some point he was horrified, so why did he continue watching ... drown, beat-to-death and electrocute aninmals because they didn't win?

Vick like the South Carolin's Governor, Bill Clinton, Craig from what ever stae he's from and the ... from Florida ...

The bottom line is that corporate sports will forgive anyone as long as they can make the bucks for the franchise or the team. InMaryland under law, Vicks would have had ten years with no parole or clemency.

Guess, I should get myself together and buff up...

They guy on the pre game is nothing more than a corpprate whore doing his job to keep the money flowing ang the game going.
Money, like Cindy Lauper song says, changes everything!!!!!

JB

Had to edit for language....Z

Hey David, (I hate my newcomputer becaue the keys seem to befaster than I am and usually requires backsteps to make sense). Jessica Lange was perfectioninGrey Gardensbut Drew Barrymore was the focus & shouldhave won the Emmy. I remember writing to you the evening after seeing a spectacular evet on TV I loveMs. Langebut Barrymore got shafted!
Between meandyou

JB

Drew Barrymore was my pick as well. Z

I'm not really sure how you think the networks should have handled Vick's return. I saw the interview with James Brown, and I agree that they definitely pushed the redemption angle, down to the lighting and backdrops (soft and white), but Vick served his time, an employer that happens to be a professional football team chose to hire him after he served his debt to society and now it's putting him to work.

I believe the crime and punishment was covered pretty thoroughly when it occurred. Now what comes next is being covered, and that's the return/redemption. What else is the story at this point?

(BTW, I'm still so very thankful that Vick isn't a Raven, even if I'm not against his return to the NFL.)

I agree with you on the Ravens part. Thanks. Z

....

This will taint Vick for the rest of his life and we only have his word on his regret but we have to leave it at that as humans.

He killed dogs. Not nice but he has served his punishment although is still being punished.

Sunday was about sport and being back in the NFL - as professionals they had an obligation to leave it off the field. They did.

those were my thoughts exactly, now therey're trying to make it seem like Vick is this great story and such a great individual, bull...

The only thing that drives me nuts about this continued hatred for Vick is that I don't see the same outrage for what the Brown's Donte Stallworth did, and HE KILLED A HUMAN BEING! He got 24 days in jail and has to sit out one year of play for hitting someone with his car while drunk....So folks like "LegalNurse" until I see the same comments for Stallworth, enough with the venom for Vick!! I am not saying what Vick did should be forgotten, but this double standard that is so apparent with most people really aggravates me to no end.

You got it just right. Thank you for your thoughts.

The way it went in the pre-game doesn't surprise me at all. Brown was easy on Vick in the interview. The NFL has been easy on Vick. He couldn't work hard enough on the field to make up for the torture and killing of animals. The protesters should have had their time in front of the cameras. This is setting a very bad example for young people aspiring to the NFL.

What Vick did to his VICTIMS should never be forgotton and HE never EVER mentions them...it is all "ME, ME, ME and I, I , I" There is not even any team about Michael Vick. Let us not forget that this is the SAME Michael Vick who was giving the "finger" to fans in the stands (where presumably there could have been some kids...)before all this happened. There is no remorse in this man. And please spare me about how "proud" his grandma would be of him...if he was my grandson...I would be so heartsick, that I would likely be physically sick.....I really hope there are LOTS of hard SACKS in his future.

I hope Vick dies on the field.

The only way anybody in this universe can say anything bad bout anybody is if they never comitted 1 sin, and i'll be ...if that aint so, so before u judge anybody Judge Yourself but u too pathetic to do that n too perfect, i like dogs but he did his time and he doesnt need any of you to forgive him, u are human like all that matters is that God and Jesus forgive him, people hit dogs and cats every ...day and keep driving and be the main people talking about they love animals, and if yall still judge him and hate him, do us both a favor and...

Great article David Zurawik! Michael Vick is a Piece of Trash! He knew about ,and participated in the ABUSE, TORTURE, and KILLING of dogs for 6 YEARS!! How is that a "mistake"? His phoney "I'm sorry" speeches are a joke. Anyone with half a brain knows HE IS NOT SORRY!! He does not deserve forgiveness, a second chance,or the NFL! He TORTURED dogs for entertainment!! Vick is SCUM!!!

Thank you Bill for reminding me of that. Let me clarify something I am against any felon getting another shot at NFL, NHL, Baseball, soccer, and on and on and on getting to resign a contract and make bookoo bucks after committing a felony. Sorry guys, but I teach my kids if they play life by life's rules they will be rewarded. Everyone is replaceable, give another person a shot. I know they did their time they were punished. That is just not the point at all with me.

Vick's actions were reprehensible, but I smell hypocrisy in the self-righteous determination to shun a man fresh from serving his time in prison. Vick's crime was animal cruelty against cute animals, and we won't stand for that. Meanwhile, a typical football tail-gate party entails the grilling of all kinds of animals that were inhumanely bred, raised, and killed, but which surrendered their right to feigned human indignity regarding their fate as a result of their failure to be born cuddly.

How many of those disapproving of Vick had to put down their hot dogs, cheeseburgers, or wings in order to give him the thumbs down?

WOW what a witch hunt
the man did not deserve the punishment he got neither did those dogs
what about people doing harm to each other but you are worried about dogs what about real issues why are we not putting the people killing the innocent in iraq and other active war zones in jail bush cheny rice rummy oh yea brainwashed americans watching football
wake up AMERICA

Two years for torturing sentient beings? No people. He hasn't served his sentence until he has stopped breathing.

While I condemn Vick's crimes, he paid the price for them and is returning to his job like anyone else would. The dogs Vick abused probably didn't live lives any more miserable than what you ate for dinner last night, yet I bet you're not quite so outraged about that.

Leave Vick alone, until you understand his background and how he was raised a "product of his environment." People make huge mistakes and people deserve second chances. You people are concerned about a man who committed a federal offense and now gets a second chance? But why? You need to be more concerned about our blatant president and good ole Timmy G.

Vick is a despicable person. It saddens me to see that nothing is too horrible of a crime for the NFL.
This was NOT a mistake on Vick's part. He simply got caught and has to "act" sorry for what he did.
I will never spend MY money on another product endorsed by the NFL.

How many professions will allow a convicted felon to just resume their professional positions.I am in the medical profession and if I am convicted of a felony, I lose my license to practice my profession.Same with doctors,Lawyers, policemen,etc.What makes "professional athlete" different?Tired of the double standard in this country.

Dog lovers are sick.
Dogs are throwaway items, people aren't.
Persecute those that harm people.

If Michael Vick was a Raven I'm sure you would be more forgiving. Like everyone forgave Ray Lewis.

I hope all u perfect people never sin or make a $100 million dollar mistake. Half of the opinions out there are by people who commit crime everyday. They just have been caught or won't man up just like Vick. I forgot we are all the creator, judge and jury. We all have our own jugement day. He was wrong, he apologized. When you can't forgive it only ruins your own soul...

Edited for ethinically offensive language." Z.

There's no "good" about him. Was, is, and will be a sad, pathetic, sociopath who enjoys bringing harm to blameless animals and people. Just wait. He loves killing. He'll kill again.

I'm so sick of you self-loving, never give a guy another shot, pseudo Christians that I can't think straight!! I mean, for the love of all things holy, he did two years, lost plenty of money and now he is back to work for less money than than his resume' suggest he is worth. I mean dude has been punished, why do some of you folks want him dead, i mean really? Personally, I think that if you do a crime, you do your time and that's it. If some employer is willing to give you another shot, then cool, if not, then oh well. I think that all of us have remorse after the fact. Do i think he is sorry, maybe. Do i think he says he is sorry because he got caught, ... YES!! How long is he supposed to suffer and to what degree? Z, how long are the networks supposed to talk about the crime that he committed? I mean, has it not been discussed in great detail over the last two years?

Vick is evil and you can not change that. He has a long history of bad behavior and crime, just look at his rap sheet. In sports it is all about money, and I guess the NFL thinks they can make money on him. Many people cry he paid his debt and deserves a second chance. Well he may have paid his debt to the justice system but certainly not to society and he has had 29 years of second chances. What he did is unexcuseable and it is a known fact that individuals that abuse animals move on to abuse people. The guy has a huge ego, and his handlers put all the words in his mouth. I see no remorse or only remorse for getting caught. You were right on with your comments, it is a shame that we don't keep his evil past in the limelight. His game Sunday was weak, maybe others will begin to see that he is not a contributor to football or society.

Isn't rotting in prison for a few years and losing nearly everything you ever owned enough? Were we supposed to stone Vick when he took the field?

Give it up. He paid his dues--now let him move on with his life.

Anybody else who commits a felony would not be offered their old job back. In fact, they'd have trouble finding work. Why should this convicted felon be brought back to the NFL to earn big money? It sends a wrong message to today's young people. If you're rich and famous in America, you can get away with anything.

"Dog lovers are sick.
Dogs are throwaway items, people aren't."

Fred, YOU are the one that's sick. I cannot believe you actually wrote this. I feel sorry for your family. Please get help before it's too late. I would throw away YOU before any dog. Dogs are innocent creatures. You however, are pure evil.

David your comments are right on the money..nothing to add there.
As for the shot at Ray Lewis? He is no saint but, in my experience, few Ray bashers seem to know the two men arrested with Ray were tried for murder and found INNOCENT. As Ray would have been.

Hi, thanks. And just to be clear, you are refrring to a commenter who took a "shot" at Lewis -- not me. Thanks. Z

Thank you. The cowardice of the networks and sports casters by handling this sociopath and his 'redemption" with kid gloves is really pathetic. Do they think no one notices? As a former Eagles fan, it's apparent that his definition of redemption is returning to a 'super star' status. I'm shocked at the way he's being coddled and propped up by coaches, media and even the fans.

Time to let this go ow. Yes,what he did was horrible,but there seems to b little outcry about the animals being brutally tortured "with their bare hands" at slaughterhouses and factory farms across the country. Stop being hypocrites!

I think all of this media attention is ridiculous. Vick will pay on the field. I am sure there are lots of players who are ready to torture him as they should! Vick's career in the NFL is over. He was never a quality QB. He got caught. Plain and simple. So tired of hearing about this POS!

He paid a high price for his abberant behavior and now it's time to use Vick's fame in order to save more dogs than he tortured and killed. He can reach out to a younger generation that is involved in fighting dogs and quite possibly help them change their ways. Dick's sporting good banned the sale of Vick jerseys when they should have taken some of the proceeds for youth programs and dog recues etc...

Thank you, Z, for your most refreshing column regarding this sociopathic individual. I can't help but equate his actions to those of the Nazis who treated Jews "like animals". The Nazi offenders were hunted down and executed, as they deserved. Animals are living creatures - they think, feel and are completely at the mercy of the almighty human. Vick's crime was not a mere "mistake in judgement" . Andy Reed equates Vick's "mistake" to the plight of his own sons - completely different scenario, Andy. Of course he should not be allowed to play for the NFL - certainly not for my beloved Eagles. He is a sickie and has not "atoned" at all - should never be trusted again, any more than we trust sexual predators or those who in the Church aided and abetted them. I cannot look at him and am so sorry that he is being allowed to taint the Eagles football team. Thank you again so very much for your column, Z.

Vick doesn't deserve the right time of day much less a career in the NFL. But, hey, this is America and guess what? There he is. Your commentary is right on and hopefully the strange justice that goes around in life will someday find him. Thought the Eagles would have more class than pick up this pick of trash.

Hey to me the guy has payed his dudes he convict and did his time.He really llost a lot .Not to mention a lot of money.He's not makeing even close to what he was.I thought once you have payed your debt to society you should be giveing anew start.A lot of the reason a person ends back in prison is because we want give him a chance.Let it go he's payed his dudes.

Quick question: How is James Brown the leader of the hype-a-thons when NFL Network had their interview up 3 hours beforehand?

He had his interview up in August.Z

GET OVER IT GUYS, THERE ARE WORSE THINGS IN THE WORLD TO WORRY ABOUT, STOP BEATING UP ON MICHAEL VICK OVER WHAT HE DID. HE HAS PAID HIS TIME AND IS TRYING TO DO THE RIGHT THING LET THIS GO!!!

First, I want to say -- GET OVER IT PEOPLE. Didn't the man serve time in accordance with our justice system? So he's paid his dues. He lost his money, his reputation and the respect of many of his family, friends and fans. How long does one have to try to make amends before he is forgiven? Are we not supposed to forgive and then move on. That’s what I’ve learned that to forgive is divine. Is there ever going to be anything good enough to make up for what he did in your eyes? I too think what he did was horrible, but I also understand that some people see animals a little differently than others. Some people treat animals just as well as they would their own children, even go as far as to call them their babies. But, let me tell you, in my home growing up animals were definitely treated differently than we "the kids" were. We had and loved every pet imaginable, but that's what they were pets, not my sister or brother whom I had to treat with the utmost of respect and not hurt them in anyway. But the dog, cat, bird, fish, turtle, rabbit, gerbil and any other pet we had that I may have forgotten. Cats and dogs didn't come in the kitchen, they did not get on the furniture, they did not sleep in our beds, they did kiss us nor did we kiss them. So you may or may not understand and I'm not trying to justify what he did, but if you listen to him instead of living in your world of oh it's sooooo horrible maybe just maybe you could show a little compassion and recognize that he realizes he made a terrible mistake and has paid the price. He is no longer obligated to prove himself to me, you or anyone else but himself. The NFL is a career, it's not public office or your clergyperson. He is not a hero or role model. He is a man who is paid to play football, plain and simple. I wish everyone would get so outraged when a human being is treated this way. Terrible atrocities are committed against human beings to each other everyday and I don’t hear this outrage. People who consciously hurt one another not caring for the next person on the street. We have got to keep things in perspective people. During one of his interviews I heard him say his elders took him to dog fights. As a child, when someone of authority did things I assumed they were right, legal or how it was supposed to be. Children learn from their parents, family members and other adults. That’s why we need to be careful in what we do around them, so this type of behavior does not continue. Parents feed their kids the wrong foods and we wonder why obesity is out of control. I was at a concert a few months ago and there was this middle aged couple with their tween son. The mom was so drunk she could barely stand and the father wasn’t too much better, but this is what they were showing their child. I stood there thinking I hope neither one of the are driving, so I followed them just to see who was driving. Guess who was driving?, The mom got behind the wheel. I couldn’t believe it. So she just sent a message to her child that hey it’s okay to drive drunk. It’s okay that you take a chance on your life as well as any other bystander who may be unfortunate enough to be in your path. I said all this to say, we need to stop being so judgmental and start showing compassion. This man is trying to do make amends, but why should he continue to try when all he is going to receive is criticism in return. I think you people are horrible you have forgotten one of life most precious lessons. We all make mistakes, but it’s what you do afterward that determines who you truly are.

Gale4ever,

Have to disagree that Vick is not a role model. He is seen on the NFL there are going to be young people looking at him. I agree no hero after what he did to the animals. They were slowly tortured, slammed on the ground until they died. That could never be justified in my opinion, he shouldn't be playing. He tried to blame it on the fact that other adults were abusing and fighting animals around him growing up and the police did not even stop so he felt it was okay. I can't see that as an excuse at all. Children know right from wrong even if the adults around them are acting irresponsibly. Maybe the child of the drunk driver should have refused to get in the car, my teenagers have good judgement.

Sherry T.,

A lot of parents think their children have good judgment until they are around their peers. Peer pressure is a tremendous influence, even on those with the best of judgment. It's my responsibility to not only tell them whats right and wrong, but show them what's right by my actions. That's how kids know right from wrong. It's a learned behavior not automatic. Me, I teach my kids that their role models are me and their father. Therefore, I do watch what I do and say around them. You may look to be one of those people you see on TV, but I want them to be like me or my husband. They may see characteristics in others they admire, but don't look to someone just because they may be a star athlete or a great actor. That says nothing of who they really are. I want them to admire those who make sacrifices for others, who love unconditionally, who work hard for what they want and work hard to keep what they've gained. Just because you have made it to the NFL does not justify that. Look to what it is they do that they are not being paid to do. The things that I teach them and show them daily in my everyday life is what I want you to find in a role model. If you find those qualities, then yes they should be your role model. I think people have lost the meaning of role model. A football player is not a role model, it's an occupation. I ask my kids when they get all excited over these football players or movie stars what else can you tell me about them outside of the stadium or off of the movie screen. You shouldn't have a role model you can't know. I mean really know. Even those who have managed to keep their dirty laundry secret don't make it as a role model. So, I stick to my statement - Vick is not and never was a role model pre and post the dog fighting. He was someone fortunate enough because he had a talent that got recognized by the right individuals. Him playing football has nothing to do with his character. I believe in giving people a second chance. I don't believe in a justice system which has individuals serve time in jail and then make it next to impossible to re-enter the world because they can't find a job. How is that rehabilitating? I'm glad the NFL reinstated Vick because as far as I'm concerned he's paid enough. I guess some would prefer it if he didn't get reinstated and had to stand on a corner begging for a handout. Now that's an attitude that's admirable. He has to start his life over all over again. Starting over again is another form of punishment. I believe that if a person has committed a crime and went to jail for rehabilitation they should be able to re-establish themselves back into society. That's great you expect a 11 or 12 year old to be able to tell his parent - no I'm not getting in the car when this has been something that has probably happened his entire life. He has been inadvertently taught by his parents that this was ok.

I am sick and tired of people finding excuses for Michael Vick's involvement in dogfighting! He had all the perks most of us could only dream about, yet he decides to ABUSE , TORTURE, and KILL dogs for 6 YEARS!! He did not need the money, DOGFIGHTING WAS ENTERTAINMENT FOR HIM!! What kind of sadistic low life gets off watching animals suffer?!! Enough already with the forgiveness, second chances, he served his time, leave him alone CRAP!!
Vick and his "partners in crime" are CRUEL, COLDBLOODED, PIECES OF TRASH!! By the way.........look closely at Michael Vick's face...............HE LOOKS LIKE A FREAKING PIT BULL!!! (no offense to pit bulls).

Gale4Ever,

Some of your points are well taken. I just don't think we will ever agree on the fact that NFL players are not role models for young people. I still think a lot of people in sports not just the NFL are looked up to by American young people who want to aspire to the dream. Sometimes God can be the only judge for a persons life and I will leave it at that. That is what I teach my children, respect for everyone, yes they will have faults. I can't judge Vick for what he did, but I can hold to my opinion that for me although he served his time he should have been reinstated into the NFL, I don't agree!