For some, the performance probably didn’t make a difference. I hear from a lot of people back home in Philly, many of whom own dogs and are animal lovers, talk about what an animal they think Vick is for his misadventures a few years ago with his underground dog fighting outfit, Bad Newz Kennels.
As we all know, Vick rightly pled guilty back in ’07 and did almost two years in federal prison. During the trial days and the media blitz, both dismayed fans and angry dog lovers were able to shop for a plethora of Michael Vick dog chew toys like the one pictured above. Sure he deserved the criticism and the chew toy products were probably the best novelty gift since Osama bin Laden urinal cakes.
In comparison though to Vick, other pro athletes have not so easily admitted their guilt and done the time for the crime. One example, Rae Carruth, who was indicted for conspiracy to commit murder, fled the law and then hid in the trunk of a car until he was found and arrested. Also, Jayson Williams, on old NBA favorite of mine, ruined his post-NBA career as one of the more thoughtful sportscasters by accidentally shooting a friend and trying to disguise the incident as a self-inflicted gun accident. Who knows how different it would have been if Williams had not tried to cover it up.
Even guys not facing felony charges, particularly baseball players alleged to have used banned substances, have hid behind lawyers and maintained a veneer of innocence.
Both Andy Pettitte and Mark McGuire did what became the usual song and dance among many of the 89 players identified in the Mitchell Report. While being grilled before Congress about alleged drugs use, McGuire essentially pleaded the 5th Amendment, though he wasn’t (yet) on the stand before a court. And Pettitte put on a patronizing smile and made it like it wasn’t a big deal at all, just a misunderstanding.
Ah, Osama bin Laden TP… That was the good old days…
Vick, perhaps solely on the advice of his attorneys against the charges he faced, did admit his guilt and actually stated publicly that he had done an awful thing and that maybe he “needed to grow up.” Plenty of people, who despise Vick, probably don’t think that statement means anything.
Not every athlete can be impeccable as both a performer and a professional like Derek Jeter or retired NBA great David Robinson. But Vick has long since done his time. And as an observer of sports and a fan for 38 years of my life, I still think Vick’s statement was one of the most honest and refreshing that I have ever heard about any misstep, particularly a felony.
I’m not saying you have to feel sorry for Michael Vick; or even that as an Eagles fan that you should buy and wear his jersey. Burn it, or use it as a dribble pad for your cat's litter box for all I care.
But it’s about time that people give Vick a break and let him play football.
Andy Frye writes about sports and life at here and tweets throughout the day on Twitter at @MySportsComplex.
Written words © 2010. Vick toy picture above courtesy of The Consumerist.com
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