Michael Vick

by Chiefs n Chopper on Aug 20, 2007 3:30 PM CDT

I know this topic has been disgustingly over-talked about ever since the first story broke, but I find it hard to believe the way people are reacting. Yes, Michael Vick did a terrible thing and should be punished for it, but at the same time I think this country might be overreacting. I just was at espn.com and they have a poll up about Vick, and I was amazed at the results that were shown after I took the poll. I realize that everyone is entitled to their opinion, and I guess mine just happens to differ from most. A couple of the results that I was amazed to see were as follows:

4) Would you want Vick to play for your favorite NFL team after he completes his still to be determined jail sentence?
83.5% No
16.5% Yes

Isn't Vick one of the most talented athletes in the game? After he serves his time, obviously in the eyes of the law he is able to go back and contribute to society, and that many people wouldn't want Vick on their team? I for one, would love Vick on my team, because I think he's one of the most exciting players to watch, not to mention he can make plays. I'm sure before his legal troubles, this poll would have gone in a completely different direction.

5) Will you think negatively of the NFL if it gives Vick a second chance after he completes his jail time?

44.4% Yes
30.2% It will depend on whether Vick shows remorse for his actions
25.3% No

6) How should the NFL punish Vick in addition to whatever time he might spend in jail?

40.7% Lifetime ban
20.7% One-year suspension
18.7% Two-year suspension
10.4% No additional punishment
9.4% More than two-year suspension

That many people would think negatively of the league for allowing him back in? 40% think he should be banned for life? Where are all these people, did they forget Leonard Little killed a human being while drinking and driving? He served 8 games after pleading guilty, and obviously hasn't shown remorse because he's been pulled over since then for driving under the influence, the same crime he committed that resulted in the death of another person! (Don't forget, Little is still in the league). Where is the outcry for Little to be kicked out of the league? Does Little jeopardize the safety of his teammates by being on the field with them? No, only if they decided to get in a car with him after a night out.

Originally, I think there was a demand for the NFL to boot Little, but I don't quite remember. But anyway, my point is that rarely do you see Little's name mentioned anymore in connection with that incident except for when another NFL player breaks the law. To my knowledge, there aren't thousands of people protesting outside St. Louis before games because Little is still playing, or boycotting the league because he was allowed to come back. Instead he's still in there, contributing, and playing pretty decent. What's to say this won't happen for Vick in a couple years? I just think that after all the media frenzy and publicity dies down in a year or two from now, Vick will still have a lot to offer the league and the NFL shouldn't restrict him after he's served his legal punishment. If Michael Vick wants to come back and play football I think he should be allowed to, and if Brodie hasn't panned out by then, I wouldn't mind seeing Vick running circles around the Broncos wearing Chiefs red...

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Arrowhead Pride's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Arrowhead Pride writers or editors.

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Hmm.

Portis caught a lot of shit from the media for saying something very similar to you.

I wouldn't ever want Vick on my team, even if the dog fighting scandal hadn't broke. He is the type of player that will sell seats but never win a championship with. I'd take Damon Huard and Joey Harrington over him. He isn't an accurate QB. Yes, he gives you that extra play making ability with his legs, but at what cost? A broken leg? Very, very high chance of injury? Not worth it to me. He doesn't make very good decisions. If he were to come to our team we would have to completely re-tool our offense to fit his style. He's already shown that he can not run the West Coast offense. To me, he's a coaches nightmare. Every coach feels like they have to change him into a drop back passer when that's not what he is. He is not good as a drop back passer. To me, the bad outweighs the good in the situation.

by Joel Thorman on Aug 20, 2007 4:05 PM CDT reply actions

Also, Leonard Little

was not the face of the NFL or a franchise like Vick was. Yes, it is unfortunate that DUI's seem to be more accepted in our society than dog fighting.

Also Little had to the fortune of this not happening under Goodell, who is obviously much more stern when it comes to things like this.

As for Vick coming back, it looks like best case scenario for him would be in 2 years. He'll miss a year (at least) while in jail, and suspended (at least) a year by the league. Pretty much every team has their QB of the future already within the organization except for us, the bucs and possibly the Vikings (who am I forgetting--Panthers)? Vick would have been out of football for two years at this point. He wasn't a great QB (instead a good athlete) in the first place. Do you really think he'd be ready to come back into the league and play for a team (that was actually willing to take him)?

by Joel Thorman on Aug 20, 2007 4:30 PM CDT reply actions