Sunday, August 16, 2009

The Race to Nowhere: My Review of Michael Vick's 60 Minutes Interview


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There has been a heated debate over Michael Vick's reinstatement in the NFL since the day it hit the deadlines. These debates took on more flames when the Philadelphia Eagles signed him to a two-year (one year optional) contract to play for their team. I was sitting in Lincoln Financial Stadium when the news hit, and wow, were there mixed emotions about bring Vick to Philadelphia. An older woman that was sitting next to me was "disgusted" by the decision. The same choice word that Michael Vick used in describing how he felt about his actions; after the door to his freedom, slammed shut on him.

Sports Analyst, James Brown, did a phenomenal job in questioning the once highest paid player in the NFL. And Michael, well, was a new man. Michael was known by his professional peers, for being lazy . But this Michael Vick wasn't the immature uber-talent that amazed audiences across the nation with his scrambling skills. This Michael was, well, finally accountable for his actions. He actually felt horrible. It doesn't matter what it took for him to feel horrible about his actions. The fact of the matter is, he matured enough to recognize that his upbringing failed him.

James Brown asked Michael what did he receive from dog fighting; what drove him to continue. Michael didn't want to answer that question. He didn't want to go back to the thrill that he felt fighting dogs. He was no longer that man; which is what he'll have to prove over time.

A second chance is something that he does deserve. Socially, he was let down. And in turn, his immaturity led to him letting down those that believed in him. I would hope that if people pull anything from this interview, that they take a long look at their children and ask, "am I doing right by my child?" It is very important that parents across this great country introduce themselves on a daily basis to being the best example for their children and their community. Look at it this way, Michael Vick didn't start fighting dogs on his own.

2 comments:

  1. Despite what the sports media wants us to believe, this isn't a "second chance," it's more like a twelfth chance. Vick has a rap sheet a mile long when it comes to league offenses.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Vick#Early_incidents

    I am NOT happy he's back in the NFL.

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  2. I respect your opinion, Adam. As well as understanding why you feel the way that you do. If Michael can turn his life around in a way that reshapes others, he still won't erase his past; he'll change someone else's future for the better. Damn, this dude is the face of dog fighting... how infamous is that...

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