Lawyers of suspended NFL quarterback Michael Vick say he could be heading to a halfway home in his hometown of Newport News, Va.
An Atlanta Falcons player, Vick was sentenced to almost a year in federal prison after pleading guilty to criminal animal cruelty charges in December 2007.
He’s scheduled to be released in July 2009 after accounting for the time served prior to his conviction as well as good behavior.
Rumors have already started circulating about which NFL team would be willing to take the chance on Vick.
I have concluded that no one with half a brain would want to take on the Michael Vick burden, not even Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones would take the chance.
Commentators and critics have proclaimed that Vick would fit into a “wildcat” type offense made famous by the Miami Dolphins this past season.
The wildcat is an offensive formation where the quarterback is usually the most athletic person on the team lined up three yards behind the center.
The ball is then snapped to the player at this point so that he can make a decision to pass, run or pitch the ball to another skill position player on the field.
This offense would be fantastic for an athlete of Vick’s caliber, if NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reinstates him.
That’s right; he can’t just walk back into the NFL after becoming a felon.
Most jobs in America wouldn’t hire a convicted felon. Why would the multi-billion dollar business that is the NFL be any different?
We have to remember what actually happened here; Vick pled guilty to fighting and killing dogs for his own selfish financial needs.
In the eyes of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals this is an unforgivable offense.
PETA has been known to throw red paint on thousand dollar mink coats, so why wouldn’t they follow and harass any team that takes in Vick?
Not only would the team that signs Vick be in constant turmoil with PETA, but what company would want to support that team?
Vick would subsequently be more of a financial burden than benefit.
Charles Barkley, infamous NBA star and analyst, was quoted saying “I am not a role model,” but contrary to his proclamations he and other professional athletes are role models and must present themselves as role models.
Vick has shown the world that he could not handle the responsibility.
Therefore, the NFL and Vick must go their separate ways.
I hope that he does well once released; maybe he can get a job as a dog trainer or public speaker.