Michael Vick's waiting game

I believe Michael Vick deserves a second chance because he’s paid his debt to society. But as a dog owner and dog lover, I think his past involvement in dogfighting is nothing short of disgusting and savage. I have little respect for him, but I still believe he deserves a right to work.

I’m hoping he realizes there’s no excuse for his actions. I understand that dogfighting is a socially and culturally acceptable activity where he grew up. It was something he was introduced to at a very young age. As a matter of fact, one of my clients who grew up in the same area as Vick told me that he attended a dogfight when he was 13. He never went back, but he said it was commonplace to see guys in his ‘hood breed dogs for fighting and money.My guess is that Commissioner Roger Goodell is going to take his time deciding this matter. He’ll speak to Michael and his representatives after July 20, the date Vick is released from home confinement and federal custody. He will personally check on Vick because Roger is a hands-on guy.

The real reason he may be patient is to give Michael time to adjust and to watch the path he makes for himself. He’ll want to know who his friends are, what lifestyle he chooses and how he conducts himself minus fame and fortune. My assumptions are that Roger will wait and observe Michael’s behavior for nine months to a year. If he conducts himself in a squeaky clean manner, I bet he’ll be reinstated by next summer. But if Vick so much as gets a speeding ticket, it will push back his reinstatement.

There’s definitely a sticky balance to this situation. If the commissioner acts too quickly, he could be seen as a little soft and may also get some flak from animal-rights groups. If he waits too long, he might have Vick supporters, picketing his New York offices.

Whatever he decides, you can bet he’ll put the image and interests of the game before Vick’s wishes.
I want to hear from you, the fans and consumers of the game. Should Vick be reinstated? If so, when?

If not, why not? Your voice matters.

Upcoming Games

Nov 10th, 9:30 AM

NY Giants -6.5 -110

Carolina +6.5 -110

@

Nov 10th, 1:00 PM

New England +6 -110

Chicago -6 -110

@

Nov 10th, 1:00 PM

Denver +8 -105

Kansas City -8 -105

@

Nov 10th, 1:00 PM

Atlanta -4 -119

New Orleans +4 -119

@

Nov 10th, 1:00 PM

Buffalo -4 -112

Indianapolis +4 -112

@

Nov 10th, 1:00 PM

Minnesota -7 -110

Jacksonville +7 -110

@

Nov 10th, 1:00 PM

San Francisco -6 +100

Tampa Bay +6 +100

@

Nov 10th, 1:00 PM

Pittsburgh +2.5 -120

Washington -2.5 -120

@

Nov 10th, 4:05 PM

Tennessee +7.5 -102

LA Chargers -7.5 -102

@

Nov 10th, 4:25 PM

NY Jets -1.5 -105

Arizona +1.5 -105

@

Nov 10th, 4:25 PM

Philadelphia -7.5 -117

Dallas +7.5 -117

@

Nov 10th, 8:20 PM

Detroit -3.5 -105

Houston +3.5 -105

@

Nov 11th, 8:15 PM

Miami +1 -112

LA Rams -1 -112

@

Nov 14th, 8:15 PM

Washington +3.5 -103

Philadelphia -3.5 -103

@

Nov 17th, 1:00 PM

Green Bay -3 -105

Chicago +3 -105

@

Nov 17th, 1:00 PM

Cleveland

New Orleans

@

Nov 17th, 1:00 PM

Minnesota -6 -110

Tennessee +6 -110

@

Nov 17th, 1:00 PM

Jacksonville +11.5 -110

Detroit -11.5 -110

@

Nov 17th, 1:00 PM

Las Vegas +7 -120

Miami -7 -120

@

Nov 17th, 1:00 PM

LA Rams

New England

@

Nov 17th, 1:00 PM

Baltimore -3.5 -118

Pittsburgh +3.5 -118

@

Nov 17th, 1:00 PM

Indianapolis +3.5 -110

NY Jets -3.5 -110

@

Nov 17th, 4:05 PM

Seattle +7 -110

San Francisco -7 -110

@

Nov 17th, 4:05 PM

Atlanta -2 -112

Denver +2 -112

@

Nov 17th, 4:25 PM

Kansas City +1 -110

Buffalo -1 -110

@

Nov 17th, 8:20 PM

Cincinnati +1 -110

LA Chargers -1 -110

@