Michael Vick Reinstated to NFL - Almost

Almost two years after he pleaded guilty to a federal charge of bankrolling a dog fighting operation at a house he owned in Virginia, Michael Vick has been reinstated to the National Football League. According to an NFL statement, Michael Vick will be considered for full reinstatement and to play in regular-season games by Week 6. He can participate in practices, workouts and meetings and may play in his club's final two preseason games under the conditions of his reinstatement, the league said.

Michael Vick, in his own statement, thanked the league's commissioner and former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy, who has served as his mentor. Dungy has agreed to continue working with Vick as an adviser and mentor, the NFL statement said.
Vick said, "I fully understand that playing football in the NFL is a privilege, not a right, and I am truly thankful for the opportunity I have been given."

The former Atlanta Falcons player is a free agent and has not been signed by any team yet. The league suspended Vick indefinitely in August 2007 after his guilty plea. Although he was released from federal custody July 20, he must serve three years of probation, the league said.

According to the NFL commissioner, this step-by-step approach is not meant to be further punishment and should not be viewed as such. Instead, it is intended to maximize the prospect that he can successfully resume his career and his life. Michael Vick will also on programs aimed at preventing youths from getting involved in dog fighting and on programs to assist young people who have been involved.

Don’t you just love the self-righteous people that complain that Vick is a felon and therefore should not be allowed to earn a living? I thought that was the American Way – to forgive after a person pays for their mistakes. It doesn't mean what he did wasn't wrong, we all know it was, but nothing can change the past.

We support politicians who have done worse, we support movie stars who die from overdose, support stars you have molested young children, yet we are "disgusted" by a man who has the opportunity to lead others from making the mistakes he has made. Every step he takes will be followed by the over-zealous media hoping to catch him making a mistake. I believe he will use this platform to teach people that it is possible to actually feel remorse for the mistakes made in life.

I thought that once you have paid your debt to society, you should be given another chance. Otherwise, we might as well execute anyone who commits a crime. To what extent do people of color have to continue paying their debt? Michael Vick was incarcerated, paid fines and lawyer’s fees. Again, when is enough - enough when people of color have paid their debt to society?

I don’t see any animal lovers picketing the rodeo, horse racing or the circus. Look into the detail of these animal cruelties main stays of U.S. society. Or better yet look into the places most of your lovable little dogs originate.

Mike Vick has paid dearly for his crime and I truly believe he deserves a second chance to rehabilitate himself. He is going to be working with the Humane Society. God allows us to make mistakes, but he still forgives us. I don't condone what he did, but that is what repentance is all about.