Before I get going at all I need to express two facts. Number one, I am a dog owner. My best friend is a 2 year old American Bulldog named Bazooka. Second, my brother is an ex convict on his last year of a 3 year parole after serving a 3 year prison sentence. So, with that out of the way I would like to continue. The acts of dog fighting ring that Michael Vick pay-rolled was no doubt horrendous, as a dog owner and lover I find them to be personally sickening. There's no excuse for what he did, and he will have always done it there's absolutely no taking it back. However by blindly hating the man for the rest of his life about the worst thing he's ever done is not going to get us anywhere. Michael Vick could very well be a rehabilitated man, but just his word alone is not enough to suffice for me and I'm sure a very good portion of the rest of the country.

What I need to see from Michael Vick is more than just "I'm sorry, now I'm gonna go play football." I need to see him actively involved in the rescuing of animals, I need to see large donations, new funds, and attempting to use his publicity to further awareness. I also need to see Michael Vick reaching out to young people about being in prison, and leading a life free of crime. Now, Mr. Vick has the luxury of being god gifted with a unique set of skills. Many former convicts do not have that opportunity. I'm hoping that he does in fact fully turn himself around and make himself a role model. The fact of the matter is it's very difficult for many ex-convicts to find suitable work. The only jobs that hire them are jobs with close to minimum wage, which isn't enough for a grown adult to live on. Granted it is one of the punishments for breaking the law however it's also one of the reasons there are so many repeat offenders of petty crimes. I think (hope) Michael Vick can be an example that incites some change in regards to this matter.

However, that remains to be seen. In my opinion Michael Vick right now is just going through the motions, in his press conference I did not see a man who was genuinely sorry he did what he had done. I see a man who was sorry he got caught. He's been out of prison for 2 months and has done very little in the community. Now, I don't know the extent of his parole, and he could very well be on house arrest, but he could have issued a statement expressing his sorrow months ago (if someone knows of if he did I'd appreciate a link). I would very much like to be wrong here. There's a lot of good that can come of this situation, but I'm just not seeing it from him. The owner of the Eagles was spot on when he said his actions would speak volumes, and thus far it has. NFL fans may redeem Michael Vick as a player, but as a person his actions off the field will speak for who Michael Vick really is, and if he's truly a redeemed, and remorseful man.