Mike Vick: The Worst Criminal in the NFL

That is how most of the Michael Vick headlines are painting the once highest-paid NFLer of all time, and it is complete trash. I detest that Michael Vick financed a dog-fighting ring. I hate that all of those dogs were injured/killed, and I am glad that he was punished for his actions. I also think his punishment more than fit his crime. He spent 21 months in a federal prison and has a 21 month old daughter; you do the math. His multi-millionaire status is extinct, and he no longer has a spot on any roster in the league. To top it off, it seems to be a forgone conclusion that any team that takes a chance on Vick will be subject to more scrutiny than they care to handle. I say, give the guy a second chance. If the news is accurate, he is working hard to rebuild his image and character by coordinating with The Humane Society of the United States to eradicate dog fighting among the nation's youth. The COO of the Humane Society, Michael Markarian, met with Vick while he was in prison and made positive statements regarding his intentions and sincerity. Who can say that they have never received a second chance? I realize that not many people have funded dog fighting scandals, but not many have been punished to the extent that Michael Vick was. In our justice system, he has done his time and deserves a chance to rehabilitate himself and have a positive influence on society.

I grew up with dogs, and my wife and I have a rescued dog. I hated Michael Vick two years ago, and I will never condone his actions. But, let's see what he's made of.