Vince on "Vick"

So, Michael Vick lands an NFL gig sooner than later, and that has sparked fierce debate, and it should. But we're still not dealing with a bigger, underlying issue. So, I will.

But first, let's review. The Philadelphia Eagles signed Vick to a 2-year deal. Year one will pay him $1.6 million, and the second an option year at $5.2 million. The team will hold a press conference on Friday (August 14th).

And, you can bet Vegas money that PETA will be out in force protesting, as well as many other pro-animal groups and individuals. And, good for them--it's their constitutionally-given right to do that. But I also say good for Michael Vick. After all, he served his time--at Leavenworth of all places!!--and is now back looking for a job--a job in a field he worked in before he got convicted of his crimes. Now, I ask you honestly: would you condemn somebody in your own family and/or your circle of friends for doing the same thing? Just asking.

And, I'm also asking you to think about some things that we don't like to think about, and one of them is front and center--albeit invisibly--in the whole Michael Vick thing: sub-culture. Yes, like the sub-culture of dog-fighting that's evidently alive and well in parts of our nation. Much like the cock-fighting sub-culture in other parts, and even the fraternity and/or sorority hazing sub-culture. Oh, yes, hits a little close to home for some, eh? You know--things that go on, but in the shadows and crevices of our society so that we don't have to think badly of ourselves.

Well, Vick--and his sub-culture-- got caught and exposed. Vick got caught lying to his former NFL team owner Arthur Blank, federal prosecutors, and even himself--all for something that's a dirty little sub-culture. And he's paid for it--although not as dearly as some of those dogs that were tortured. Totally reprehensible. Totally wrong. But now comes the age old question: he's paid his debt, but has he really paid it?

I say not yet, but that's no reason to keep him from playing in the NFL when his time comes. I have a feeling that a lot of people out there have a belief that a person convicted of such a crime should never be able to earn the kind of money Vick will with the contract he just landed. If Vick were to go to work in a shoe factory earning--let's say--ten bucks and hour? They'd probably have no problem with it. But big money on the biggest sports stage in the land? NEVER!! And, I think that's totally erroneous. Look, the NFL is about wins, losses and dollar signs. And if a team believes that Michael Vick can help it win and make money? He's in. And, even with all the protests and signs of wounded and tortured dogs that'll be hoisted around Lincoln Financial Field this season, folks will still buy tickets and put their fannies in the seats--and some of them just to see the spectacle that will be Michael Vick once NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell upgrades Vick's conditional reinstatement to full reinstatement in Week 6 (October 18-19, 2009).

There have also been comparisons to guys like Leonard Little and Donte' Stallworth--both of whom have caused the deaths of humans. Stallworth pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter after hitting a man while driving drunk, and has been suspended for the upcoming season. Similary story for Leonard Little back in 1998. He served some jail time, and the NFL suspended him 8-games. Many say both Stallworth and Little should have been banned for life because of their off-field atrocities, and that Vick should be as well. I'm not going to go that far. I do feel strongly that Vick should prove over a year's time that he has changed, and after that, give him a try-out and/or a contract. After all, he's served his time.

But, I also feel as strongly that we have to shine the light on the various sub-cultures that spawn folks like Vick. But that takes some courage and self-examination that no PETA sign can cover up.