I would like to address the Michael Vick situation by asking all the Professional Sports Commissioners "Who is wearing your uniform?".  We all know that you hire and pay your players because of their ability to play your sport, but what do you know about the person?

Are you overlooking  bad behaviour, character flaws and questionable morals and ethics just to put a person in your uniform and charge your patrons big bucks to see him?

If so, I would suggest you reorder your priorities. Sports have an enormous impact on our culture and for better or worse professional sports needs to recognize that the money equals greed and corruption equation that they have created is raising havoc with both our culture and our childrens' heroes.

Every professional sport needs to address this issue now before there are more indictments, pleas, and jail terms for their players and the American public turns on them and their house of cards tumbles.

I believe Vick is sorry...today. But he wasn't even remotely sorry before the indictment and that makes his pleas for forgiveness ring hollow. He had to know beating, electrocuting, hanging, and shooting dogs was wrong before the Federal Government came swooping in to charge him - he just didn't care. I still don't think he cares about the dogs, just the destruction of his career. I hope other athletes who are (undoubtedly) engaged in similar misdeeds take note and stop their cruel behavior.

I admit that I never thought I would find myself thinking what I am about to write.  When I first heard the accusations against Michael Vick I was appalled.  There is no defense for senseless violence against an animal. I was incensed and angry at the actions of this man and those he allowed into his circle.  My initial thoughts were of judgment, strong and swift.  No mercy.

The more I thought about this the more incensed I became that in our culture we have not always rendered the same judgment on professional athletes who have battered woman, driven drunk, and even killed.  Talent made high schools, colleges and even the NFL look the other way when dealing with Lawrence Phillips.  Much was made about an opportunity to rehabilitate him from his “misdeeds.”  It was never about the rehabilitation of Phillips.  There never seemed to be much concern for the women he brutalized.  It was only about what he could do on the football field.  The tickets he could sell.  The boosters and corporate dollars his talent might bring in to a program.

I thought, Vick is going to get what he deserves.  Then I saw him on TV today.  He looked to be a child lost in a man’s body.  He was alone.  No mom, no attorney, no friends and little hope.  He peered into the camera, not onto a prepared statement written by some slick PR firm, and spoke directly from his heart.

Maybe it was the very first time in his life when Michael Vick realized he was just like you and me.  I am certain from the time he was a young boy and his immense talent began to manifest itself, Vick was treated like a celebrity.  His misdeeds, unlike yours and mine, were swept under the carpet.  His talent and future earnings was all anyone cared about.  Maybe, if they did not confront his child-like behavior, they two could go along for the ride.  They two would reap the benefits of his future success.

I am not making any excuses for Michael Vick.  What he was a part of is both reprehensible and illegal. But we do love to tear don the very people we build up.  I am not even moving into the arena of race and ethnicity, even though I do believe that there is something to that in how all of this has played out in the media.  ,

What I experienced from Michael Vick today was a commencement.  He began the journey toward from childhood to adulthood. It will be a painful process that will most likely include jail time. I do believe, based on what I experienced today, that Michael Vick WILL emerge from this horrible chapter in his life a better man, a better citizen, a better spokesperson for all kinds of societal issues confronting our youth today. (Imagine if somewhere along the line someone had pulled him aside and held him accountable for offenses and disciplined Michael as a young boy?)

Today, I for one, witnessed a changed man.  Sure he was a man who has been caught, tried and adjudicated.  But I am certain he is a changed man.  Oh, back to the beginning.  I never thought I would find myself saying this, but here goes.  Michael Vick does, if he continues down the path begun today, deserves another shot at life as a professional athlete and I would even dare say as an Atlanta Falcon.  I also believe that shot should not be years in the future, but whenever he had paid his societal debt in prison.  

The Atlanta Falcons, NFL and it’s players union should do all in its power to support and encourage Michael though this as they could be a central cog in the wheel of his life turning toward integrity and maturity.  No doubt they would benefit in many ways from a transformed Michael Vick in many ways.  But maybe, just maybe, for the very first time, those who might benefit financially from a success story might instead be motivated by doing the right thing for someone whose life could touch countess lives of young people and change their life course and direction.

Oh yeah, I’ll also buy the next Vick jersey.  I for one am hoping Michael Vick will become a powerful symbol of a life transformed and lived for the benefit of others.  Today I became,  for the very first time, a Michael Vick fan.

I do not agree with the actions of Mr. Vick, but I also do not agree with all of the Vick bashing either;Only God can judge any man. Mr. Vick will and is paying for the crimes that he committed-let's allow the justice system to handle his sentencing allow him to serve his time, if any and allow him to continue on with his life. I've seen rapist and child molesters get less hate mail...man something is really wrong with our society

I want to respond to the person who said that Pit bulls are beautiful creatures.  I have a Pit Bull, and I am in fear every day - never knowing when my Pit will suddenly turn on me.  These beautiful creatures kill and maim children and people every day for no apparent reaon.  My dog's name is Sassy.  She's sweet and have never been trained to fight or maim, but I will never let her be alone with my young grand daugther or any other children.  She not vicious, but she is a Pit and one day she just may snap!  It is her nature and beautiful is how most pit dog owners described their animals when they had to explain why their dog killed and maimed someone!  Keep it real.  

As an Atlanta resident and Virginia Tech alum, I do have to ask (albeit rhetorically), why the outrage now?  Vick's involvement in dogfighting during his time at VT was common knowledge (or at least popular rumor).  What took so long?

The Commonwealth of VA should be ashamed.  This went on for years under their noses and they did nothing.  Even now, it took federal action to bring it to light.

As for his sincerity, only time will tell.  I'm sure none of his public statements were made without thorough review and advice.  It's clearly to his benefit now to EXPRESS contrition.  In time, his actions will reveal how honest those expressions were.  I think we're all wasting our time trying to figure out whether or not he really means it by how well he phrases his apologies.

Thank you, Len.  It was not a "mistake", a lapse in judgement.  This "poor judgement", "mistake" went on for years.  I'm immature?.  No, you're totally insensitive to the feelings (physical and emotional) of dogs.  
How dare you!  Years of abuse to animals and one confessions clears you!  

he who is without sin  bite the puppy

while i think it is deplorable to torture animals, i do find it humorous that most of us just ate a steak or a pork chop.  do a little research on how these animals are slaughtered.  with m. vick we are talking about dogs bred to fight (good for nothing else, except for the rare one that is a good pet and hasn't attacked anyone yet) and we want him crucified? these aren't golden retrievers or bearded collies! give me a break.  by the way, i don't even like michael vick and hate him as a football player.

Thank you, Len.  It was not a "mistake", a lapse in judgement.  This "poor judgement", "mistake" went on for years.  I'm immature?.  No, you're totally insensitive to the feelings (physical and emotional) of dogs.  
How dare you!  Years of abuse to animals and one confessions clears you!  

Len, California you are so right. Vick is a sociopath whose only remorse is in getting caught. All contrition being rehersed.  Why doesn't the press discuss the pyschological profile & traits of  such a subhuman, i.e.,  Sadism, Narrcissim, etc. He didn't make a mistake, it's WHO he IS. You don't commit that type of crulety over and over and not like it.

I believe what people saw today was not a man miraculously changed but a man in shock that he got caught and is going to get punished for his deeds.

I worked for a lawyer and know how they work. First they would tell Vick, “You can do what you want to but since you are paying me the big bucks let me suggest what you ought to do. The feds have all kinds of witnesses against you so it will be hard to make a plausible case. I think you should try to make a plea bargain then make a heartfelt speech for forgiveness in front of the cameras. I have written it out for you. Memorize it then put it in your own words. If you can bring out a couple of tears that would be perfect. It’s not a perfect plan but it’s the best I can think of under the circumstances. You’ll keep the ones already standing by you and maybe pick up a few more.”

Of course I’m just speculating but I didn’t believe his little speech. I don’t think you go overnight from killing dogs for years to a person who is so sorry he did it!

He who is without sin cast the first stone.  Michael Vick isn't the first person and most definitely won't be the last to commit such a horrible act.  I'm not saying in any way that what he did was right.  I'm coming from the point that we as a society cannot judge Michael Vick for his actions.  It says in the BIBLE that we must not judge and forgive the sins of others.  In Luke chapter 6, verse 36 through 37, it reads, "Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.  Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven."

This isn't our place to judge Michael Vick.  Only GOD can judge Michael.  I think as a society that we should support Michael through this tough time.  I am in no way, shape, form or fashion agreeing with his actions. BUt i am asking that each and everyone of us forgive him.  If Michael Vick asks our Lord GOD to forgive him of his sins, why can't we forgive Michael for the same thing.  I think to completely forgive him we must not forget what he has done, but look past this to see the transition he is about to make in himself as a person, a citizen, and a role model.  It takes a big man to step up and take full responsibility for his actions.  A real man doesn't make excuses. I think he still needs to prove himself and this may take some time.  But time changes all, and time heals all.  

It blows my mind that a young man like Michael Vick, having the god given ability, $130 million dollar contract, the #1 sold NFL jersey,and his own Nike shoe would even for a minute think about doing something so ridiculous,hateful,heinous, and inhumane as to fighting Pitts to jeoporidize his character and career. What is this guy missing out of life that he has to fight dogs to get his rocks off??? Does he need the money? I truly believe that it is a sociopathic part of Mr.Vick's brain. I believe he enjoyed the control of the life and death aspect of dog fighting. I have owned a 120lbs. Staffordshire Pittbull named Sampson for 8 yrs.that is the sweetest most gentle creature, but has the hardware and ability to be just like these dogs Mr. Vick tortured and bred to kill. These are the people that give Pitt's and other large dogs and their owner's bad reputations. It's ashame and I do not understand Mr. Vick's statement about it being inmature...This isn't a case of maturity, it's a case of humanity,morality, and character in which he lacks in all 3 categories. I do not feel bad for him in any way. He had control of this situation,(DON'T FIGHT AND KILL DOGS FOR FUN) it's not like he made a bad call of trying to drive home after too many beers and crashed and accidentally killed somebody, that would be an error in judgment. This situation is purely an instance of being a heathen and a killer. I hope you really have found the Lord Mr. Vick, we will make you right and even after what you've done and the wretch that you have become....He still loves you!!!

Vick was coached to say the things he did. I don't believe a word of it. Deep down he still likes dogfighting and executing dogs, he just knows now that millions and millions are against it and against him for doing it. He's known for years that dogfighting was illegal and morally wrong. Suddenly on Aug. 26 he announces that he rejects it.  He's a liar. Has no compassionate bone in his body. I hate him. He's full of crap. Even knowingly gave herpes to a young woman.
His character, morals, are all corrupt. I wish he'd spend life in prison along with his 3 co-defendant dogfighting thug buddies.

I've read all the comments posted about this story.  To everyone who says he made a mistake, I ask you what mistakes takes 6 years to reach its end .. a mistake is a one time thing ... something done unintentionally ... dogfighting is not a mistake ... it is by its very nature a lifestyle which chosen.  I believe Michael is sorry ... I believe he is very sorry but not for dogfighting .. I believe he is sorry he was not more careful and sorry he got caught.  He is sorry he has lost out on the million dollar endorsement contracts and the multi million dollar contract with the falcons.  That is what he is truely sorry about.  He knew what he was doing was illegal ... he know it was not acceptable behavior ... he proved this when he initially lied about being involved.  

I've also read the comparisons of dogfighting with hunting ... I am neither a supporter of dogfighting nor am I a hunter.  I am however someone who has been in dog rescue for a number of years.  I have opened my heart, my wallet, and my home to help abused, abandoned, and unwanted dogs get a second chance.  I have the scars from dog bites from animals that have have been so abused they know no other response when confronted by fear ... I have taken my own personal time to teach these animals that not all humans are bad and there are other responses.  So, while all of you who liken dogfighting to hunting ... let me ask you this.  How many hunters do you know take little kittens and put them in a ring with a killer animal for the express purpose of teaching that animal to fight ... how many hunters go to shelters and pick out little dogs to use as bait, how many hunters scour the ads for free dogs to use as bait, and how many hunters will steal the little dog in your backyard because he/she is a terrier and they make the best bait to teach a dog to fight.  I know of no hunters who do this but it is well known that dogfighters do this regularly.  The cruelty with which Michael Vick is guilty (and he has admitted that he is guilty) extends far beyond what is in the indictment.  That is just what they have direct knowledge of and can prove in a court of law.  Michael Vick should be held as an example to every athlete who believes he/she is above the law, he should never be allowed to play again in any professional compacity and maybe just maybe this will keep someone else from making the same "mistakes".

I wonder what a shrink would say about the mind set of folks that enjoy fighting, torturing and then killing animals and then also about the amazingly fast change in conscience and beliefs not to mention god coming knocking all in just a few weeks that we've seen in ol' Mike. It must be true, he wouldnt lie would he?

I hope state authortities figure out a way to go after Michael Vick. And I hope no one patronizes his restaurant. I do think it odd that the NFL said Vick "didn't bet on any of the games." Isn't animal cruelty the issue here? The same goes for the Falcons' owner. I also hope the reportedly animal-loving judge goes beyond what prosecutors recommend and sentence Vick to five years in prison. Think of all the animal shelters and rescue groups his money could have supported. Instead he used it to finance a cruel hobby. Shame on him and all those involved -- in Vick's or any other dogfighting case.

What has this world come to all of this over dogs ?
Stop the hate the man is human he made some bad choices  and people want him hung over this. Remember football is     a very brutal sport.

you know, it's great to live in a country that people can vent about topics that they feel are important to whether you like Mike or hate him it really does'nt matter.He's just a guy who got paid for throwing a football.How the rest of his life will turn out remains to be seen.But it's his life.What I find that is kind of funny is what would happen if the mistakes,bad choices, and lies we have told were put out there for all the world to take shots at.I wonder if we would be so vocal.He's guilty,he will serve his time so let's move on          

I agree with the previous comment. Vick may not need to go to prison for a long time as long as his sentence is a strong one. What I think is important and right is that Vick's sentence be huge in scope in some way, for a number of reasons: (1) it might show others who have never really thought it through that hurting animals is wrong, wrong, wrong; (2) it might show the rest of the country and the world that the USA is not such a backward and horrible culture that we can condone animal abuse. Animals have no choice to leave their circumstances and have no one to report their abuse to as humans do. They rely on us to be humane and it is important that we maintain this level of basic decency in our culture.

I believe that Vick is only saying what he is because he thinks it is what will give him the best chance of getting a light sentence.  I hope this does not happen.  It is one thing to apologize and accept full responsibility and these are necessary things.  It is also necessary to do the penance.

Michael Vick is NOT SORRY for what he did. He is sorry that he got caught, nothing more and nothing less. Not once did he say that he felt remorse concerning his treatment of the dogs. He said he was immature and childish. That, to me, does NOT equal sorry. It equals an excuse for deplorable behavior to another living being. People who torture animals, it has been proven, go on to beat their spouses and abuse their children. What Vick did was not just childish, it was a crime and his admission statement was an insult to the intelligence of all human beings, not just those who have and care for animals.

What should happen to Vick? Prison, of course, with a two year probationary period where he has to do community service 15 hours per week at an animal shelter.

This is such a really sad thing, that we as a society feel that we have the right to condemn any person and rate them as having no hope of redemption.  How many in youth have made MISTAKES that includes drug use or selling of drugs, armed robbery and the list can go on and on that have not or could not have resulted in the death of a human, not an animal.  Where would you be if you had not been given a second chance or if God's grace had not been available to us to receive forgiveness or grace?  When we are down and need escape who else would you turn to besides GOD?

We cannot condemn this man for life for making yes a young man's poor decision.  If I am the last one offering my support to him, then he has it.  I hope he will do just as he said redemn himself and get on with his life.

I must say although I have been adamant in my stance that Michael Vick should forever be banned from football, he did a pretty good job yesterday of ALMOST making me believe he was sincere in his apology.  He is quite a remarkable looking man - and that "little boy lost" look almost got to me!  I then recalled the timeline of his latest adventure - 2001 to 2007 -until of course his pals pled guilty to of all the crimes expressed within the inditement.  That is a long time to commit crimes that do not reflect the reality of one's true identity.  I then realized his sorrow is only for himself!  The irony of the Michael Vick saga is that he now finds himself in the same position he chose for other living creatures - he's no more than an animal in a pit whose fate shall be determined by those more powerful than he is.  

Dont feel sorry for Vick one iota. He make a decision bankrolled for years and now is an immature mistake. Common people. So sick of excuses and all of the suddenly he found Jesus too, how convenience. He lied to the person who took him like a son and treat him like one, a man that created a franchise around him and still Michael Vick lie to his face when asked. Who is to say that he did not do the same thing yesterday?

The judge should give him the full sentence so he can learn to mature for the next 5 years. So he can learn that the homies are not covering his back. So he can learn to be a man.

Isn't it haha funny that when felons are caught red-handed they immediately pronounce that they have turned to "God".  God of what?  Please do not use God's name in vain, Mike.  That is also a sin.  As for what you did being an "immature act" - oh please, grow up really.  those were not  immature acts, they were criminal acts regardless of how you try to describe them.  Be a man!!

The only thing Micheal Vick is sorry about is that he got caught. He didn't make a mistake, he is a cruel miserable being, not even human, for all the he did to those poor animals.  One of the reasons he didn't want to go to trial was that he was afraid his other two misfits would tell the jury all of the things he didn't want them to know, like how much enjoyment he got out of killing those poor animals. I hope and pray he is in prison for a long time.  Isn't that unusual that he found Jesus after he got caught and faced with a prison term!!!! It's a shame he didn't find Jesus 6 years ago.

Was what Michael Vick did wrong? Yes. Should he be penalized for it? Yes. Does it deserve all the attention it is getting? No. Am i perpetuating this very thing by writing this? Yes.

Look people, there are more important things going on in the world...people starving, children dying, soldiers away at war.  All the outrage that is being wasted, yes wasted, on this could be positive energy geared towards something that matters...like a human life.  

I don't hate/ dislike animals...I have had/ and have pets, but at the same time I realize that if it came to the same things happening to them versus a human I would be more upset for the human.  

Does anyone know about Darfur? When was the last time you tuned into and participated in the efforts to better a human life?

I reiterate, what Vick did was wrong and he should be punished, but he's getting more coverage/grief than individuals who have committed worse crimes. And the dogs are getting more sympathy than most people show for their own kind.

I hope he's learned his lesson, and becomes a better person because of it.

Michael Vick should be made to volunteer, with constant supervision, in a local Humane Society. Clean the dog Kennels, Stroke the dogs, Walk them, pick up their poop with a pooper scooper and plastic bag, wash down their individual Kennels, be made to CARE for them the right way.  Farm animals are not like Dogs!!!! Their behavior is different!  Many of them are raised for those of you who are flesh eaters. I am not one of them and that is my choice.  Sheep need midwives because sometimes they are so dumb they roll over on their own newborns and kill them....they need constant attention as do some other farm animal especially if a birthing mother is delivering breech!  Animals needs human beings as much as we need them at times in our lives but to torture them to death is beyond the capacity of Normal Human Behavior and will take more than Jesus and the Creator to fix this is Mr. Vick.  This is Sadicious and cruel.  Anyone who thinks otherwise?  Your day will come.  The Indigenous peoples of this Earth understood the Animal World and has a greater understanding of how to live along side them.  This World is tired of people like Vick and those who suppoert his actions. Heard of Instant Karma?  Lennon was right!

I'm not saying what Michael Vicks did was not wrong. I have two dogs and love them as much as i do my children. But, if this was any ordinary citizen we would have never heard about it. Media, it's time to focus on something else, what ever happened to that bridge that collapsed,and what about those six missing miners. Those are the story worth hearing about! It's time to backoff. M. Vicks stop taking life for granted!

I love Michael Vick, i will continue to support him, i agree with Stephanie that he should not do jail time, give him a big fine, do community service for ASPCA in Atlanta & Virginia. I believe his apology was sincere. He has been ripped up by the media, everyone makes mistakes, we learn from them, and ask for forgiveness and try to do things to make one a better person,which he says will be the outcome of this and i believe he will. Don't they shoot horses when they don't perform well? no one is condeming the ones that do that. And i agree with Shelia, she says get G.Bush in Federal court, he is responsible for over 3,000 deaths in this 7-year war that should not have happened. i am still a fan and will always be a fan. leave him alone. i hope he plays again.

I am floored by some of the responses.  I feel that Michael Vicks did the right thing by apologing for his actions.  Whether or not it was sincere it the first step in the right direction.  I like animals but don't have that committment to them like others.  I guess where I come from we worried about keeping food on our tables than some animal.  Don't get me wrong I wouldn't have done what Michael has done, but don't you think there is more serious issues that this country is facing than dogfighting.  I guess the infrastructure, terrorism, the economy, education and the Katrina victims don't really matter.  Then where have our priorities gone?

people love dogs more then they love each other

Why is it that people have made a big deal out of this  Micheal Vick is not the only one that has secrets and he is not the only person that have ever bet on or have seen dog fights. This has been going on for years and I feel that it is unfair to ruin this man's career and life over this everyone make's mistakes and everone deserve a second chance would they have made a big deal out of this if he didn't have money no they would not have. I'm not saying that this is right no it isn't and yes he should have to pay for it. I stand behind Micheal Vick 100% and I think he should still be able to play football after this is done>

Vick's Lifetime Ban can be based solely on the gambling he did or bankrolled from the dogfighting.  But now add the dogfighting and brutal slayings of the non-worthy dogs and that should be more than enough for a lifetime ban.  Think of it this way....Pete Rose has a lifetime ban from the MLB just for gambling, Vick not only bankrolled gambling but sponsored illegal activity, and killed.  Does it make sense now?  He should be wearing prison number 7 for a few years.  Like the judge said, he's not bound by the recommendation of 12 to 18 months.  And those people thinking this is about race....it would be about race if he gets to play again.

I hope that everyone who is crucifying Vick will turn their love for the dogs and animals toward human beings. He is human and it a sad sick world that treats animals better than human beings. He should be allowed to play ball, when one is given a dui, is he fired from his job? No, he pays the consequences and keeps on working! Wake up people, exercise a little humanity and common sense.

EVERYONE HAS AN OPINION DEC.10 WILL SAY ALL.

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I am very saddened by the fact that anyone could treat another living thing with such cruel disregard.  I do not think Mr. Vick made "poor choices" or made a "mistake", this is who he is.  I am NOT judging him...the facts have been stated, his actions have spoken loud and clear and his only "mistake" was that he got caught.  I ask this question to anyone reading this...do you have the potential to act this way?  When I explored that question I was acutely aware that only someone who is sick in the head could behave in such a way.  He got off easy, his next stop should be a psch ward where they can get to the root of his problem...if that is even possible.  

What is this world coming to?  We have Animal lovers fighting to get Mike in jail, we have the NFL people turning their backs on him.  Listen people, they are only dogs.  What he did was wrong but so what.  Who do we have fighting for child abuse (you don't see anyone standing outside with signs for them), who do we have fighting for Abuse( Women, Men) no one standing with signs.  You people are fighting for the wrong purpose in society.  Pets are pets.  Humans should fight for humans.  I guess no one has ran over a dog, cat or possum.  I have ran over a few and believe me if I have too, I will do it again.  Pits should be put down anyway, look at what they can do to yet again us HUMANS.  Do pit owners get big fines and long jail time when they hurt someone's else child or their own.  No, they don't.  

I am a pitbull breeder and i'll be the first to tell you that they are one of the best security dogs. not because they are aggressive. its because they are very smart. i have one pit that learned to sit, shake, and a hug six weeks after being born!!! IT IS ALL HOW YOU RAISE THEM. WITH RESPECT AND DECENTCY!! So all you animal haters, this is how its done.

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