Let's Talk About: Michael Vick.

Over the past few days, I've read a lot of semi-interesting opinions on this whole thing and I'd just like to let my two cents be known.

I have a pretty good understanding of the criminal justice system and I know that he is innocent until proven guilty. This is a right extended to all defendants in America. He does not have to prove his innocence; instead, the prosecution must prove his guilt. I understand. Really, I do. But I also understand he's a well-known player. I have no doubt that many kids look up to Vick as some sort of role model. This is not Vick's first run-in with the law. Whether you're a fan or not...he's a suspicious character.

Let's examine his history... Most noteworthy is the Ron Mexico incident. For those of you who aren't familiar, Vick allegedly gave some broad genital herpes. She sued him for this, claiming he didn't inform her of his infection before sleeping with her. (Surprise?) She also claimed he knew about his status because he was seeking medical treatment under the name "Ron Mexico." Vick settled out of court in April '06 for an undisclosed amount. Newsflash: You don't settle if you're innocent.

Then there's the time he shot a big fuck you to his fans after losing a game. That was about 6 months after he settled his Ron Mexico fiasco. He flipped not one, but two birds to Falcons fans. What was he thinking? I know he's apologized and been fined but really, that's just tasteless. If it weren’t for those obnoxious people screaming in the stands, your dumb ass wouldn't have millions of dollars or even a job. Very smooth.

I barely need to discuss the airport-water bottle incident with all these other random acts of stupidity but let's talk about it. Although he was not found to be carrying any type of illegal substance in the small compartment he claimed was for jewelry, it's suspicious. Not to mention, water bottles weren't allowed on planes at this point in time. Did he expect to breeze through security because of his fame? How arrogant. Whether you think it was for drugs or believe the jewelry bit, the other allegations made against him are enough to draw his character into serious question.

Now there is a chance he was involved with dog fighting. I don't feel as strongly as P.E.T.A. and some of those other hippie types do about animals but this is simply inhumane. I do not value the life of a dog over that of a human by any means but I believe no living thing should be forced to fight. Nor should they be subjected to the various means of torture animals kept to fight are usually raised in. Not to mention, I assume the conditions these dogs were living in were, oh, slightly under the means of a millionaire NFL star. These dogs could have been receiving better treatment than many people receive.

I understand people are still supporting him because he's yet to be convicted but will he become less popular upon conviction?

I sure hope so.

Vick is claiming he was not involved with the fights and wasn't even aware they were taking place on his property. If you own 50+ dogs and aren't aware of what exactly they're doing on the property, you're a fuck. If you own 50+ dogs and never actually see them with your own eyes, you're an even bigger fuck. He knew they were there. Why did he need so many dogs if he didn’t need to replace them on a regular basis? He had a kennel license but really...50 fucking dogs? That just blows my mind. Regardless of whether he was involved or not, he needs to be involved and therefore responsible for what is taking place on the premises.

For his sake, I hope there is some amazing evidence in his defense. For the sake of all the little kids who look up to him, I hope P.E.T.A. and the rest of the like, so quick to point the finger, are wrong.

As for star athletes being role models; let's examine what happened to Michael's younger brother, Marcus. He was on his way to being as well known as his big brother while playing at Virginia Tech. Then, despite his clear athletic ability, got his ass into so much trouble the team dismissed him "due to a cumulative effect of legal infractions and unsportsmanlike play." The 2006 draft proved quite the point; although many predicted he'd be picked as high as 3rd round, he wasn't picked at all. In May of 2007, even the Dolphins (the only team to show interest) released him.

Congratulations Michael. You've managed to ruin your own image and provide an encouraging example for your younger brother.

As he's stated numerous times, sports kept him out of trouble as a kid... it's unfortunate this life changing effect has apparently worn off.



Thanks for reading. :)