Michael Vick

This is quite the controversial subject, particularly today of all day's as I sit watching the Philadelphia Eagles press conference as they introduce Michael Vick to their 2009-2010 football roster. There are a lot of strong opinions out there regarding Michael Vick and all of them are very valid. My opinions on the subject may differ from others, but it is just my opinion. I neither declare that it is right or wrong, just how I feel and I believe there is never anything wrong with how a person feels. So here goes...

As a Virginia Tech Hokie, I have a bias towards all former Hokie athletes, including Michael Vick. And while it may partially be a reason that I support him it certainly is not the only reason. I agree with everyone in that his crimes were heinous, unethical, and disappointing. I fully agreed with the prison sentence, home arrest, and community service sentences. And I feel that he has successfully completed the terms of his sentencing.

With that being said, I do not support Michael Vick's prior actions. But I do fully support him being given a legitimate second chance to prove himself to not only us football fans, the common American, but to his family, friends and ultimately himself. I am a Dallas Cowboys fan and have in the past had very minimal respect for the Philadelphia Eagles organization, a divisional foe and rival to my Cowboys. I find their fans to be obnoxious and often crude, I find their players to be callous and dirty. But today, I have a new found respect for the Eagles. Any organization in the NFL willing and ready to stick their neck out to give Michael Vick, or anyone with this much controversy, a second chance deserves some respect. The media, the fans, the protesters are going to have a field-day in Philadelphia this season, no question about it. Subjecting a team, or on a larger scale an entire city to that level of scrutiny takes some guts. I believe Michael Vick deserves a second chance to correct his mistakes and turn his life around. I am glad to see the Philadelphia Eagles feel the same way.

Good luck Michael Vick. For whatever reason, you have been granted with a second chance in life. I truly hope you take full advantage of this opportunity and show with your actions, not your words, that you are a changed man. Let the comeback begin...