Michael Vick Wants to Get a Dog (Seriously)

[JoeRedskin]

Originally Posted by SirClintonPortis

So it's assured he's gonna start up another one of those dogfighting rings and once he pays off his creditors, there's going to be Bad Newz Kennelz 2.0. Gotcha. Because that's what he has to "rehab" out of his system.

Generally, real rehabilitation requires more than merely "doing your time". It means exhibiting a change of heart over a long period of time such that people can reasonably and credibly trust that you will not relapse into the problem behavior. IMO, other than for long term prisoners, rehabilitation doesn't really even begin until a person reenters society. Only then can the individual begin to compile the evidence that they have had a true change of heart.

To me, that's the key for Vick. Let's see how he does after the fame and glory go away. Is he still concerned about doing the right thing? Does he maintain his good works? Only after an extended period of time can we tell if Vick has truly rehabilitated himself and agreed to conform to societal norms.

BTW - As others have stated, excellent post skinsnut. I particularly agree with point No. 3, and, also, with the NFL's hypocrisy when it comes to violent behavior.

[SirClintonPortis]

Originally Posted by JoeRedskin

Generally, real rehabilitation requires more than merely "doing your time". It means exhibiting a change of heart over a long period of time such that people can reasonably and credibly trust that you will not relapse into the problem behavior. IMO, other than for long term prisoners, rehabilitation doesn't really even begin until a person reenters society. Only then can the individual begin to compile the evidence that they have had a true change of heart.

To me, that's the key for Vick. Let's see how he does after the fame and glory go away. Is he still concerned about doing the right thing? Does he maintain his good works? Only after an extended period of time can we tell if Vick has truly rehabilitated himself and agreed to conform to societal norms.

BTW - As others have stated, excellent post skinsnut. I particularly agree with point No. 3, and, also, with the NFL's hypocrisy when it comes to violent behavior.

I'm quite aware of that. But fellas like you believe that he's so filthy that there is no hope for him. What about all the guys he grew up around who exposed him to such an environment? They need to have a fixing too. How shall that be implemented?

[SirClintonPortis]

Also, Vick was serving time for an illegal interstate gambling operation. That's what he was tried for and convicted of. Technically, he has not served any time for dogfighting itself.

[JoeRedskin]

First, please don't generalize about my beliefs - I try hard not to do so about others. True, I think what he did was indescribably evil. I don't think, however, that "there's no hope for him". "Fellas like me" firmly believe in redemption of the spirit. I just don't think redemption is something purchased easily - Vick has seemingly made a good start towards redemption but that is long road and Vick has barely walked the first mile.

As to all those guys who exposed him to such an environment? You know what - some will get the fixing they deserve, but, as always in life, some who deserve to be punished will skate on. It happens in all levels of society, not just in the circle Vick grew up in. All we can do as a society, is hold Vick responsible for his actions. He committed his actions, not the "culture" he was raised in. Just b/c lots of different parts of society needs "fixing", doesn't mean individuals who commit despicable acts should have those actions whitewashed.

Do you think Vick's cohorts in crime are being treated better than he? I sincerely doubt it. For sooo many jobs, if he weren't "Michael Vick, NFL QB", Vick would simply be DQ'd. Period, end of story. His co-conspirators don't have the physical talents that make them everyone's media darling ("Oh, look, Vick is throwing touchdowns, let's help him get 'rehabilitated'!"). No, it is more likely they will actually have to really work at regaining society's trust.

As I said, sure there is hope for Vick's redemption. From your posts, however, you appear to think redemption is something to be given based on jail time and a few good acts done while in the spotlight of fame and fortune. I, on the other hand, believe it to be something purchased much more dearly.

[JoeRedskin]

Originally Posted by SirClintonPortis

Also, Vick was serving time for an illegal interstate gambling operation. That's what he was tried for and convicted of. Technically, he has not served any time for dogfighting itself.

Yes, and the Civil War was "technically" about State's Rights. That was the legal tenet upon which the southern states based their ability to secede from the United States - slavery had nothing to do with it.

Vick was convicted for participating in an illegal interstate gambing operation based on dogfighting. He pled guilty to "Conspiracy to Travel in Interstate Commerce in Aid of Unlawful Activities and to Sponsor a Dog in an Animal Fighting Venture". As part of the plea bargain and as factual admissions, Vick admitted to providing most of the financing for the operation and to participating directly in several dog fights in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina and South Carolina. He admitted to sharing in the proceeds from these dog fights. He further admitted that he knew his colleagues killed several dogs who did not perform well. He admitted to being involved in the destruction of 6–8 dogs, by hanging or drowning. The "victimization and killing of pit bulls" was considered as aggravating circumstances that led prosecutors to exceed the federal sentencing guidelines for the charge.

First you give away redemption, now you minimize the violent and inherently deceitful nature of his original actions by mischaracterizing them? Maybe I'm misreading you, but It seems to me, you just don't think what he did was all that wrong.

[mlmdub130]

Originally Posted by JoeRedskin

First, please don't generalize about my beliefs - I try hard not to do so about others. True, I think what he did was indescribably evil. I don't think, however, that "there's no hope for him". "Fellas like me" firmly believe in redemption of the spirit. I just don't think redemption is something purchased easily - Vick has seemingly made a good start towards redemption but that is long road and Vick has barely walked the first mile.

As to all those guys who exposed him to such an environment? You know what - some will get the fixing they deserve, but, as always in life, some who deserve to be punished will skate on. It happens in all levels of society, not just in the circle Vick grew up in. All we can do as a society, is hold Vick responsible for his actions. He committed his actions, not the "culture" he was raised in. Just b/c lots of different parts of society needs "fixing", doesn't mean individuals who commit despicable acts should have those actions whitewashed.

Do you think Vick's cohorts in crime are being treated better than he? I sincerely doubt it. For sooo many jobs, if he weren't "Michael Vick, NFL QB", Vick would simply be DQ'd. Period, end of story. His co-conspirators don't have the physical talents that make them everyone's media darling ("Oh, look, Vick is throwing touchdowns, let's help him get 'rehabilitated'!"). No, it is more likely they will actually have to really work at regaining society's trust.

As I said, sure there is hope for Vick's redemption. From your posts, however, you appear to think redemption is something to be given based on jail time and a few good acts done while in the spotlight of fame and fortune. I, on the other hand, believe it to be something purchased much more dearly.

very, very well said

[Longtimefan]

For a society that professes to pride itself on forgiveness and second chances, some find it very difficult to live down the first chance.

TBH two years ago, I didn't think I'd ever see Vick in the position he's in right now. Watching him being interviewed on NFL Network last week, I was just thinking to myself how far he has come from being written off by so many of his critics. I just hope he continues to maintain his direction, he's paid his dues, he should be allowed to have a dog or anything else legally within his right.