As many here know, i am a pit bull owner and a volunteer with the SPCA, my girfriend is an employee of the SPCA. On a consistent basis we see fighting dogs abandoned and brought into the clinic so we know the harsh reality that these dogs face; 9 times outta ten, they are euthanized. We are pit bull proponents, our dog is a canine good citizen and on his way to being a certified therapy dog. We are the jackasses spouting off stastics till we are blue in the face when someone brings up the "evil" pit bull. We were also enraged by the actions of michael vick and co with regards to the execution of dogs that weren't up to snuff. For every day since the indictment was issued, i've been calling for his banishment from the NFL, until today.
No, it had nothing today with his apology today or his claim of "finding jesus." I don't believe in jesus or religion, so he might as well have found a rock for all i care. What i realized was that Michael Vick has been put in an extreme position of making an impact about animal rights, black society and philanthropy. Now, he has been PUT in this position, that doesn't mean he will do anything about it. Here's what i would see as a complete reformation from Michael Vick:
*If let back into the NFL he would donate 1/3 of his salary to the ASPCA and 1/3 to various inner city groups like the YMCA or boys and girls clubs of america.
*He would repeatedly speak about the ills of "minority machismo" and breaking away from any allegations of this guilty verdict having to do with race. He could become a role model for black youths based on his rehabilitation and not based on his athletic abilities.
*Work tirelessly with the ASPCA and the FBI and the police to make an impact on the dog fighting world by not just naming names, but by working with them on things to look for, where other rings might be held, warning signs etc etc etc
* Hold mandatory meetings with all rookies for each NFL team during the offseason warning them of the dangers of hanging out with the wrong crowd and feelings of invulnerability due to power and money.
*Become a visible political lobbyist for animal rights.
I believe Michael Vick has been put in an extraordinary position to make changes. If he can do so, i say more power to him. If he can't, i say kick his ass out forever. Just my thoughts. Yours?