One hundred million dollar man (version 2.0)
By: Turner Sports Desk
The first time he made this type of money he had no idea what was expected of him. The saying a fool and his money will soon part ways was applicable. Vick did not take his opportunity seriously and he lost it. I write this with full understanding that some will never be happy with the fact that Vick was allowed back into the NFL or even out of prison.
For those who know me, they would tell you my dog [Kodi] and I are inseparable. Those within my inner circle they know I cried uncontrollably for two days when my chow-chow princess was put to sleep due to health issues. I don't cry often but I love my dogs and treat them as family, not pets. I hate what Vick and others did to those dogs. So why am I rooting for Vick's success?
A few reasons:
- Hate-anger and resentment only hurts the person carrying it
- Vick is now an advocate for animal rights and doing far more via his money and notoriety than the people who are still so angry at him
- The more Vick succeeds the more the cause of animal protection will be elevated in the public consciousness
- I am neither willing nor able to sit in judgement of anyone for the rest of their life because that would make my glass house pretty big. Stone anyone?
So while I am happy for Michael Vick and his redemption as a man, a father and an athlete I am happier that the issue of dog fighting as well as the prevention of animal cruelty will have a 100 million dollar spokesperson. Vick did the crime, he did the time and he made it back against some serious odds. That is actually how our system is supposed to work right?
Vick 2.0 fully understands just how precious and rare NFL opportunities are. He also understands now that even a dog's life is considered precious. He had to explain what he did to his daughters which as a parent I know had to be tough. Thus far I have seen improvement in his work habits and his focus to perfect his craft instead of living on only one aspect of the game (running). He would have never understood any of this had he not lost it all. Mike Vick version 2.0 is going to do more for animals than many of the people with the fire torches and pitchforks calling for his head. I am a Redskins fan so there are at least two games I will not be rooting for Vick but the more he succeeds the more animals will be protected. I can live with that.