Patterico's Pontifications

7/27/2009

NFL Reinstates Michael Vick

Filed under: Sports — DRJ @ 5:57 pm



[Guest post by DRJ]

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reinstated Michael Vick today “with conditions,” so now Vick can play in the upcoming 2009-2010 NFL season if a team is willing to take a chance on him. Goodell charitably described the reaction to his proposal to reinstate Vick:

“Goodell said he spoke to numerous current and former players and coaches as he weighed his decision and that the responses were “very mixed.”

“I do recognize that some will never forgive him for what he did,” Goodell said. “I hope that the public will have a chance to understand his position as I have.”

There you go — we fans just need to be more understanding. I’ll do my part by not linking the horrific photos, videos and stories about the dogs killed and maimed by Vick and his business associates.

On second thought, I’m not that understanding so I’ll link this report.

There is some good news, though. JayHub won the bet with his wife.

— DRJ

40 Responses to “NFL Reinstates Michael Vick”

  1. He will never play a down. He wasn’t that good to begin with (as an NFL QB), he is 29, and he hasn’t taken a snap in three years. There isn’t an owner crazy enough to take a chance on this guy and the terrible PR is is sure to bring (other than maybe that one in Oakland).

    Roscoe (c63744)

  2. I hate PETA but I’m hoping that they protest every game with posters of dead puppies.

    SPQR (26be8b)

  3. He paid for his crimes. He’s too young to just give up on. He’s definitely more worthier of fame and fortune than lots of people here in Los Angeles what have tons of both.

    happyfeet (42470c)

  4. Goodell can rot in hell, right next to Vick.

    I sent the following letter to Mr Goodell, and if you would like to send the man a letter, you can do so at Roger.Goodell2@nfl.net

    You now act solely out of greed.

    In 2007, your letter suspending Vick said “Your admitted conduct was not only illegal, but also cruel and reprehensible.”, but obviously not reprehensible enough.

    I am disgusted that you would even consider allowing Vick to return to the NFL, let alone actually make it possible.

    I used to enjoy watching NFL games, and looked forward to the SuperBowl every year – no longer. I will never have anything to do with any activity that could even possibly benefit the NFL in any way, shape or form. I would sooner be set on fire than know a single penny went to your organization because of something I did.

    I pray to God more are like me, and that you get to enjoy the consequences of your actions.

    – Scott Jacobs

    Scott Jacobs (d027b8)

  5. Michael Vick paid what he was due. Our court system provided a punishment for his crimes and if he had been a diamond cutter no one would be complaining about his returning to his job.

    However, the NFL does have certain expectations of its employees – as do many other companies. One of those is not flat out lying to your boss on 3 separate occasions about the same matter. So I have no problem with Michael Vick being ‘suspended’ upon his return.

    seePea (6a01ac)

  6. We knew the NFL was pretty much a group of assholes, but the reinstatement of Vick makes that description an insult to assholes.

    Let ’em pay for their own stadiums. And they can start by returning the taxpayer funding for the existing ones as well.

    Apogee (e2dc9b)

  7. SeePea,

    No one is arguing that Michael Vick hasn’t paid his dues as decided by the court of law. But my guess is that in the court of public opinion, he certainly has a whole lot more time to serve before he is welcomed by more than a very few.

    p.s. of course no one would be complaining if he were a diamond cutter. There is not torture, cruelty and death imposed on an innocent creature when cutting diamonds. I can only assume you were joking.

    Dana (57e332)

  8. i think there was a disconnect somewheres

    happyfeet (42470c)

  9. I frankly have no problem with this and think prolly only racists do. That is what Rich Puchalsky taught me.

    JD (07af0d)

  10. yes. it’s time you racists let the man heal.

    happyfeet (42470c)

  11. “I’ll do my part by not linking the horrific photos, videos and stories about the dogs killed and maimed by Vick and his business associates.”

    Maybe he could get a job making our chicken, beef and pork products.

    imdw (603c39)

  12. He’s going to be Obama’s new Dog Czar.

    Official Internet Data Office (6ac5ad)

  13. imdw,

    Are you familiar with Temple Grandin’s work? Many processing plants hire her to design their facilities in order to minimize the animals’ fear and pain. I haven’t seen any reports that suggest Michael Vick shares those concerns.

    DRJ (6f3f43)

  14. DRJ, I have followed Temple Grandin for a lot of years. She is just remarkable, and to see her know such a unique success in spite of (or perhaps, in part, even due) to her autism never ceases to amaze me. She is an incredible story.

    She would not even be a blip on Michael Vick’s radar of comprehension and understanding.

    Dana (57e332)

  15. one more reason to not patronize the NFL…..

    redc1c4 (fb8750)

  16. Well, since I am opposed to animal cruelty laws I see this as nothing but a good thing.

    However the comment that Vick wasn’t that good is true so I hope the owners take that into account.

    Soronel Haetir (2a5236)

  17. Vick could actually play in the 2009 season if he finds a team to sign him, not just the 2010 season.

    Joshua (4ba0de)

  18. Good point, Joshua. I should have said the 2009-2010 season (that starts this Fall) and I’ll correct it now.

    DRJ (6f3f43)

  19. I could see this totally working if a team signs him on the condition he donate half his contract to the SPCA.

    Vick could be, for all we know, genuinely remorseful and changed. I think it’s too early to say his primary means of paying off his debt to society should be cut off.

    And of course some team will sign him. Probably the Bills.

    wt (0b42ec)

  20. “Are you familiar with Temple Grandin’s work? Many processing plants hire her to design their facilities in order to minimize the animals’ fear and pain.”

    I am. I’ve gone to see her speak.

    imdw (ea40bd)

  21. I’ve read Temple Grandin’s work and heard her interviewed. She’s autistic.

    As for PETA, they’ve said as long as Vick behaves, he’s paid his time and they won’t protest.

    The NFL will keep him on a very short leash – get it, leash??? HA HA HA HA HA!! Somebiody wil pick him up, Oakland or the Bills, maybe Detroit as an experienced back up.

    JEA (b4350b)

  22. imdw – If you have gone to see her speak, and are familiar with her work, then your prior comment was especially douchebaggy.

    JD (3ab713)

  23. Michael Vick has openly admitted to the fighting, torture, and murder of many pitbulls on his land in Virginia. These dogs were not only fought but murdered in some of the most brutal ways-beating, drowning, hanging, and even electrocution.

    Due to your reinstatement of Michael Vick, I will no long support anything that involves
    the NFL. I will not watch or go to any games, I will no longer buy or wear any NFL
    attire. How low do you really want to set the bar for people who represent your
    organization?

    Gary Baumann

    Gary Baumann (d2c1c3)

  24. As for PETA, they’ve said as long as Vick behaves, he’s paid his time and they won’t protest.

    That’s DISGUSTING. Paid his time? Who cares? He’s not a human being anymore in my eyes, and his membership in any selective organization is an afront.

    PETA is almost always wrong about everything, and they like to kill pets too, so I’m not surprised or concerned about their opinion on dog torture. But as an animal rights organization that is supposedly edgy, they are easily bought.

    Juan (bd4b30)

  25. How many of Vicks dogs die from fighting, drowning, hanging, electrocution, etc? 50, 100, 200. Vick was involved in dog fighting for fun, money, pride, or? What compassion did he show for his dogs? I will not watch NFL football.

    Jim (3cf898)

  26. Let’s just leave out the animal cruelty aspects of Vick’s crimes (despite my belief that a man who could kill a dog with his bare hands in the ways Vick did is an utter psychopath who would do the same thing to a human being if he thought he could get away with it). We’re still left with two things – Organized Crime over a several year period, and Gambling, lest we forget that dogfighting is not just a gladiatorial funfest for its participants. Two things that ought to anathema to any professional sports organization.

    The NFL is INSANE for having anything more to do with this guy.

    RC (046ebe)

  27. The only job Vick should be allowed to have is picking up the dog poo at a dog park. At minimum wage.

    PatAZ (9d1bb3)

  28. As for PETA, they’ve said as long as Vick behaves, he’s paid his time and they won’t protest.

    Seriously? The people who think killing researchers is justified if it stop animal testing? The people who call KFC a holocaust??

    The people that put out “Why daddy kills” in relation to FISHING??

    They said they are all good with Vick?

    Seriously… How much did he pay them?

    Scott Jacobs (d027b8)

  29. despite my belief that a man who could kill a dog with his bare hands in the ways Vick did is an utter psychopath who would do the same thing to a human being if he thought he could get away with it

    To be fair, I’m pretty sure *I* could kill a dog with my bare hands, but the ONLY reason I would be trying is if it was attacking me or my family…

    I think you mean to add “For absolutely no valid reason”.

    Scott Jacobs (d027b8)

  30. Well, I had hoped that the “in the ways Vick did” would cover me on that.

    RC (19ffa5)

  31. “imdw – If you have gone to see her speak, and are familiar with her work, then your prior comment was especially douchebaggy.”

    You know, temple grandin’s work hasn’t eliminated cruelty from our factory farm system. It hasn’t made it’s products any less tasty either.

    imdw (612dd7)

  32. Contrary to Roscoe’s comment, Michael Vick won’t be going to the Raiders. Al Davis has too much invested in JaMarcus Russell, and spent good money on Jeff Garcia as a top-notch backup, and starter if Mr Russell falters. If Michael Vick couldn’t sign until mid-season, all bets would be off: then it would depend on which team had an unexpected quarterback problem.

    My guess: he goes to the Vikings.

    Commissioner Goodell did it just about right. It isn’t an immediatre reinstatement, but it lets him back in the league. He’s a one-tyime offender ex-con: if anyone deserves a second chance, it’s the one-time offender. If we don’t give them a chance, we might as well never release anyone from prison, ever.

    The Oakland Raiders' fan Dana (474dfc)

  33. vick might have paid for his crime here on earth but he has not paid god price i think the nfl is making a big mistake i will and all my thousands of my friend will never watch any game he play in

    dogman (1a09e1)

  34. Let him play!! I can’t wait to watch the massive protests that will haunt whatever crappy team owner that decides Vick is a good idea.

    By the way, Ex-cons don’t get this kind of second chance in regular society. They have to beg and plead for any kind of work. Total double standard for a low-rent sports star who is clearly a loser and always will be.

    PJ (0e0dfb)

  35. Goodell is quoted as having discussed Vick’s return with past & current players & coaches and received very mixed responses.

    Gee, did Goodell talk to John Garcia, dog trainer at Dogtown (Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah) who cared for and trained many of the Vick dogs? Or, did he talk to any of the veterinarians at Dogtown?

    Did Goodell talk with any football fans? Did he talk with any of the major TV sponsors of the NFL?

    I agree with many of the previous posters….he may have done his time, but I don’t want the NFL further blemished by his presence.

    Jody H (8a6213)

  36. this issue seems to be stirring up a lot of controversy out there, and this comment stream shows it! everyone has extreme opinions one way or the other, and the media are no different. Here’s another quick look at what some people have been saying about this issue:http://www.newsy.com/videos/vick_gets_shot_at_redemption

    Max (0f77f3)

  37. Vick may have paid his legal time in jail but for me it was not enough . In his case I believe in public shunning. What he did was so outside the norms of society that we should not have to have him on public display as a foot ball “hero” (a diamond cutter is not in public view and glorified). If the NFL believes he deserves this spot and the glory that comes with it shame on them. I am the adult in my family and control the TV. The NFL won’t be on our televisions at all because this says more about the morals of the NFL then at this point Michhael Vick.

    Joanne (b5eb51)

  38. PETE ROSE BANNED FOR LIFE FOR BETTING,HE DID’NT KILL ANYTHING!! VICK SHOULD NEVER BE ALLOWED NEAR A FOOTBALL OR ANY SPORTS ACTIVITY THAT HE PROFITS FROM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    s.crain (96e41c)

  39. s.crain – I lost a lot of money betting on that f*ucker Rose. He should be banned.

    daleyrocks (718861)


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