Michael Vick

[tjr]

The question seems to me to be: Should public figures, in exchange for the wealth and status they derive from fame, be held to a higher standard of conduct than "ordinary" folks?

In our town we have sort of a Vick-Ultra-Light situation going on: Our very successful college basketball coach got caught having extramarital relations and then (depending on whose story you believe) either demanding or paying for an abortion. Now the big debate here is should any sanctions happen to him. If he were just joe schmoe, he'd probably lose some friends and maybe his wife and kids. If he were a less-successful coach, he'd be out the door (there is a can't put the university in a bad light clause in his contract.)

If Vick were just a guy looking to get his job on the forklift back, I'd say he's paid his debt, let bygones be bygones. I sure wouldn't let him pet sit for me. But to have a chance to once again be a hero to young men, many of whom have close acquaintances or family members who've spent far more time in jail than Vick, seems to send the wrong message.

[gjat]

People should have a chance to redeem themselves. Mike Vick lost his job, went to jail, and lost millions in earning potential. If he gets back into football, does well, and activley distances himself from the previous behavior and demonstrates other changed behavior, then what a great example for others.

I will keep an open mind and will root for him and my team if the Bucs sign him. If he commits the same BS again, then he will get what he deserves.

[cgallery]

The question seems to me to be: Should public figures, in exchange for the wealth and status they derive from fame, be held to a higher standard of conduct than "ordinary" folks?

...

If Vick were just a guy looking to get his job on the forklift back, I'd say he's paid his debt, let bygones be bygones. I sure wouldn't let him pet sit for me. But to have a chance to once again be a hero to young men, many of whom have close acquaintances or family members who've spent far more time in jail than Vick, seems to send the wrong message.

Wow. Extremely well put.

[jussi]

but after all it is business and let them do what they want for what they can get. Some teams need his skills and are willing to pay the price in fan support.

It is a business and if the NFL feels that it will hurt their brand they should have the right to refuse a player playing in their league. Players get punished all the time for things they do off the field. This is a private organization and they should have the right to do as they wish. I'm assuming the commissioner will make the final decision in this? If he makes an unfavorable one, the teams who really wanted Vick should put pressure on him to change his mind or have him replaced.

Just because the law has found that he has paid for his crime doesn't mean the NFL has. Nor should they be forced to.

[tommyt654]

Well he,s in Philly now as an eagle.

[billwmeyer]

It is interesting that he landed in a town that is famous for booing Santa Claus. I am just tired of hearing about him and other disruptive players. If a TO story or interview comes on the tube, I usually mute it. I love the NFL, but I would rather hear about the game. I guess I went to the Circus for the Artists not the clowns.

Bill