Mike Vike just recently signed a two year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.  Yes, the same person guilty and convicted of heinous crimes against animals.  Vick's name is very well known in almost all homes nationwide as a supremely talented Pro Bowl quarterback turned unmerciful dog fighter and killer.  The latter offense is which he is seemingly most remembered for.

I don't want to come across as as a Vick apologist at all, as I absolutely love dogs and the companionship they bring.  The fact of the matter is that Vick committed an absolutely atrocious crime and has paid his debt to society for it.  Yet while he has on numerous occasions admitted and whole heartedly apologized to being involved and contributing to the fighting and killing dogs, he's seen as a pariah by a large contingent of society. These people, dog lovers, animal lovers and animal activists have a solid ground on which to stand in regards to what he did.  The majority of them seem to want to continue his punishment even now though.  They've showed up and picketed and protested at the Eagles practice facility.  They are asking why would the Eagles take such a risk in signing Vick, and possibly alienating the fan base and sponsors.  The answer to me is simple Vick is a talented player and has reconciled as best he could.  Not everyone is ready or willing to accept his apology, but he has seemed more than sincere and forthright with it.

To me this is the overwhelming theme in regards to Vick and his punishment and him trying to get back to his life.  As a society when is enough enough?  The man has served almost two years in federal prison and lost over a 100 million dollars in wages and endorsements.  To continue punishing him would be an abhorrent act, of judgement and character.  None of us have made all the correct decisions, and to continually hold one act, as a gauge of his morals, values and character is beyond ridiculous.  Do we hold ourselves or those we know, read or hear about who have committed malicious or indecent acts to the same standard?  In a very large portion of this nation if you are contrite, apologize and are committed to showing these feelings you are forgiven, maybe not initially but eventually.  So why such the animosity and benevolence held towards Vick?  Is the crime of which he has been convicted to unforgivable, as to not being able to get a second chance?

His actual playing with the Philadelphia Eagles will be very limited.  He's behind one of this generations best QB's in Donovan McNabb, so no controversy there.  McNabb is a much maligned and under appreciated QB and fixture with the Eagles by the Philadelphia fans and nation.  Vick is a very accomplished NFL QB he's in no position mentally or physically to take the reins of any team.  This actually works to his advantage, he can get into shape after missing two years of football and learn under two of the best at what they do in McNabb and Head Coach Andy Reid.  In getting integrated back into the NFL Vick couldn't have ended up with a better place to do so.  McNabb is the unquestioned face and leader of the Eagles, so Vick doesn't step into a situation where a team is counting heavily on his contributions.  Also he's in one of the best organizations in all of the NFL, where there is a strong team and management structure snd winning mentality in place to help him be the person he says he wants to be.  Whatever on the field exploits Vick contributes this season are an added bonus to an already loaded club and Super Bowl contender.  Vick's addition will be a bonus for both the offense and defense which will see him everyday in practice.

While some may feel as though Vick has had the chance to succeed and make more money and live a charmed life. They feel he's wasted and disrespected that chance.  He deserves another one, period point blank.  If we as youths could rescind our biggest mistake at that time in life, would we be the people we are today? Mistakes are and will forever be a large part of life no matter how old or young.  The only thing you can do is make amends for them, learn from them and move on.

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