The recent article on Michael Vick got me thinking: For celebs rehabbing from a non-chemical downfall, what is the standard of proof for success?
My impression is that Vick is considered rehabbed because a) enough time has passed and b) he’s a really good quarterback. Did I miss something? Is he otherwise showing Signs of having mended bis sagem? Van the Teening Millions provide some other examples of the callejas with evidence of rehabilitation?
Well, it’s not like “not killing any dogs lately” is exactly a high standard to live by, but he has certainly managed to not get in trouble again while regaining most of his skill. He actually just signed a 100 million contract too.
I was aware of his contract, and yeah, I haven’t heard of any trouble. OTOH, I saw his interview on 60 Minutes a couple years back, either right after he was released from prison or right after he signed with the Eagles. He struck me as unaware that he did anything wrong except get caught and risk his career.
How about Rothlisberger or Favre? Any expression of remorse from either of these?
This is the second paragraph of your closed thread, which I see was posted two minutes after this one. I think it makes more sense than this one that was left open.
As for the topic, rehabbed or not, Vick (and disco gunslinger Plaxico Burgess) do not deserve to have their million-dollar careers back. But that’s just my opinion.
Why not? What they did to deserve them initially was play football well. They can still do that.
As a condition of Vick’s signing with the Eagles, he was supposed to commit to a number of hours volunteering for the HSUS (Humane Society of the United States). He was being asked to give talks to teen populations at risk and tell his story. He was also supposed to undergo psychotherapy as a condition of his contract.
When the Eagles initially signed Vick, there was a lot of outcry by animal welfare organizations in the area. The Eagles set up a meeting with about 50 representatives of local agencies as well as others who would have insight into the issue. I attended those meetings. The meetings included the Philadelphia DA, Wayne Pacelle (HSUS President), a couple of vets from Penn Vet, Marsha Perelman (ASPCA President) and a whole bunch of rescuers/animal welfare people. We were told repeatedly that Vick would repay the debt to the animal community and had a lot of smoke blown up our asses. Few of us were happy with the results of those meetings. Marsha Perelman went on record stating that the ASPCA was asked if they were willing to work with Vick and they declined.
Fast forward to now. Vick did a few cursory speeches to kids about how what he did was wrong. After less than a year, I haven’t heard that he is still doing this. Oh, and guess what, since Vick arrived in Philly, dog fighting is on the rise in the city.
As an animal rescuer, I will admit my bias in this case. You deal with the aftermath of dog-fighting and I think you may feel the same way I do. You try and find homes for these dogs or even try and rehabilitate a fighting dog and see how you look at the subhumans that use animals as bloodsport.
I think Vick does not deserve to be out making millions after committing the crimes he did. I think the NFL should ban players who have been convicted of felonies. Vick did not, “make a mistake.” He made a series of calculated decisions that he knew were against the law. He bankrolled and organized the fights, not to mention the brutal way he killed poor-performing dogs.
Do you also believe that every other felon should be prevented from ever working again?
No, but there are certain professions in which if you commit a crime, you are no longer eligible to work at them. My husband is an attorney. If he is convicted of certain crimes, he will lose his license. A DUI can be sufficient enough for disbarment. Doctors, nurses, LEO’s, and other professionals can lose licenses and their jobs if convicted of crimes.
It is my opinion that the NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL should follow similar rules for their players. These guys are role models. Kids and adults look up to them and follow their lead.
Plus, it’s not like Vick had a clean record before the dog-fighting case. He ends up having a couple of down years, declares bankruptcy and gets to start over with a $100 million dollar contract.