Polarizing Superstar

Michael Vick roared back from a forgettable 2009 season and reminded us in 2010 why he once was and still is possibly the most electrifying player to ever play the game. Despite Vick's ability to resurrect his troubled life and playing career, there are still many fans and lay people that wish the worst on him. While scanning ESPN articles this morning I came across this gem http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/news/story?id=6108605.

Before, I continue I feel that it is necessary that I preface my following statements by telling you that I am an avid animal lover and have been around dogs my entire life. Nevertheless, I could not believe what I was reading. How could a fellow athlete still be so bitter as to wish personal loss and injury on Vick? In a country where individuals are excessively punished and true criminals go free every day, could someone really be this dense? 

My favorite part of the article is when Mark Buehrle allegedly claims that "something bad needs to happen to these guys." Could spending two year in a federal penitentiary, having to repay twenty million dollars to the Falcons, losing all endorsements, or being suspended from your place of employment be considered "bad"? Well, if so, Vick was forced to deal with all of these things, not to mention the complete destruction of his public image.

I realize that I am writing this in the context of an Internet blog and will keep its length as such. The argument between those who have forgiven Vick and those who despise him can stretch for many pages and last for several hours. Nonetheless, I must iterate that while Vick committed truly horrible, sadistic actions, he deserves  a second chance in the court of public opinion. 

No matter what your opinion on Vick, the fact of the matter is that Vick did not commit these actions on a fellow human being or another sentient being. Furthermore, he is not the first person to fight dogs in the inner-city community and he certainly will not be the last. His group was not the only ring to engage in animal cruelty: whether it was legal or illegal. 

If you are going to condemn a man for mistakes that he has made as a result of our societal stratification then do it relatively.