Listening to a description of Michael Vick’s crimes makes me physically ill and I can’t say I feel a ton of empathy for the former foottball star/convict who has recently been hired by the Philadelphia Eagles . So I don’t really know what posessed me to tune in to his “60 Minutes” interview last weekend. I don’t claim to know whether or not Vick’s remorseful comments were genuine, but I found one aspect of the interview surprisingly hopeful: former NFL coach Tony Dungy’s presence at Michael Vick’s side during that intervew.
It seems part of Vick’s character rehab plan as designated by the NFL and the Eagles is for Vick to have a long-term mentor and as an outspoken Christian Dungy has agreed to take on that role. Dungy had met with Vick when he was still in prison and In a recent interview, Dungy has said that Vick has told him that he realizes he needs “to get closer to the Lord” and that is why the former coach has committed to continue to work with Vick.
Lots of folks suddenly find God while in prison. Many a celebrity has found Jesus as part of a smart p.r. move. So it is absolutely fair for the general public to be skeptical and to take a “wait and see” attitude with Vick. At the same time, after watching that “60 MInutes” interview, I found myself thankful for Dungy’s example of compassion and wisdom by stepping into a volatile situation and attempting to lead someone to redemption – without hesitation or skepticism.
posted August 18, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Reading this blog caused me to rethink my own attitude. I missed the interview, but your words are eloquent. I feel that forgiveness and compassion could and should only be attained through true repentance. Well, I see now that maybe sometimes we need a little hand-held push toward repentance for it to be attained. I still, however, believe that it should be accomplished before he’s allowed back in the game. A “chance” is fine. But being almost immediately handed back on a silver platter everything he had before is not my idea of a step toward repentance. It is saying that there are no consequences other than a few months in jail. If his words are true they will bear out in time. I’ll stick with the wait and see…
posted August 18, 2009 at 4:25 pm
If his remorse is genuine or not he has still done his time and paid his price. His crimes were disgusting. I do not look at Vick as a victim or a hero but he is a person and he deserves another chance. Unlike Stallworth who killed a human while legally drunk and served only 24 days. Vick actually did more jail time and paid more in fines. I say give him a chance to earn his respect in the league again.
posted August 21, 2009 at 9:42 am
Michael vick can’t be saved. If you will watch the 60 minutes episode again, you will notice his answers were rehersed. Not only that, he mentions how he let his fans down, let his team down and let his family down. Not ONCE has he showed any kind of remorse for what he’d done to the dogs and THEY are the ones who TRULY suffered.
He should have been banned for life from the NFL.
posted August 21, 2009 at 9:43 am
I agree with Erica. He has done his time for the crime. There are many, many others who I can site besides Stallworth who did worse crimes, like Ray Lewis. He killed a man also. But not only in athletics, but in many arenas, people commit heinous crimes. But we lose sight of the fact that GOD does NOT see big sins or little sins, he sees sin and forgives. We as human beings are seeking that same forgiveness for our sins whether it is adultery, lying, stealing, blaspheming, etc. If we can’t forgive Vick, then who are we to expect forgiveness of our own?
posted August 21, 2009 at 9:43 am
Screw him. Hes a jerk. I don’t think he deserves to play for any team. I understand why the coach beleives in 2nd chances but
there is a big difference between drug charges and flat out cruelty.
He is a heartless bastard and deserves exactly what he gave.
(no sympathy or compassion)
posted August 21, 2009 at 10:00 am
I FEEL A LOT HAS BEEN SAID ABOUT MICHAEL VICK ABOUT HIS SITUATION, BUT NO ONE REALIZE THAT AT THE END OF THE DAY HE DEALT WITH IT. WE DO MAKE CHOICES THAT WE NEED TOTHINK ABOUT AND SOMETIME FAMILY DO GET US IN TROUBLE. ONE THING I HAVE TO ADMIT THAT A LOT OF THINGS THAT WAS SAID AND A LOT OF STANDARDS THAT WAS PLACE ON HIM SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN DONE. I HAD A FRIEND ONE TIME TO TELL ME, EDUCATION WAS WASTED ON THE YOUNG BECAUSE TO MUCH WAS A GIVEN AND NOT ENOUGH WAS EXPECTED.
I FINE IT ODD THAT THIS DOG FIGHTING WAS A FEDERAL OFFENSE, AND WE AS AS A GROUP OF PEOPLE CAN NOT REALIZE THAT THE JUDGEMENT OF PEOPLE IS
FOR THE LORD TO DO NOT US. MR DUNGY REALIZE THAT AND HE ALSO KNOW THAT WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES. SOME OF THE SAME PEOPLE WHO ARE TALKING ABOUT HIM TODAY ABOUT HELPING VICK, WERE SOME OF THE SAME PEOPLE WHO DID NOT THINK HE WAS A GOOD COACH. I FINE THAT PEOPLE PLACE A LOT OF
EMPHASIS ON THINGS THAT SOME TIME NEED TO BE LEFT ALONG, NOT TO SAY THAT WE SHOULD NOT TALK ABOUT IT. WE SHOULD SAY WHAT IS NEEDED AND MOVE ON. BEING SAID YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANIMALS BUT YOU CAN NOT FEED CHILDREN AND YOU CAN NOT AGREE ON HEALTH CARE. THESE ARE SOME OF THE SAME PEOPLE WHO ALSO DIVIDE THE RACES OF PEOPLE. HOW THEY SAY IT, NOT IN MY BACK YARD, I KNOW PEOPLE WHO HAVE DONE WORST AND IT WAS NEVER HANDLE LIKE THIS. SOMETIMES THINGS HAPPEN FOR A REASON AND I FEEL HE
WAS IN THE WRONG PLACE. I THINK ATLANTA WAS NOT A PLACE FOR HIM AND IN
FOR HIM TO GET OUT THIS HAD TO BE DONE.
posted August 21, 2009 at 10:38 am
I think some of the things that are being said are just ridiculous. We as people, rather you believe in God or, should know that all of us have done something that someone, somewhere, believes is so wrong, that we should be punished forver. The only way we will be punished forever is that God himself will say we are condemned. You never know when we will need compassion and forgiveness, or someone close to us will need it, so think about that before you try to put yourself in GOD’s place and judge someone. EVERYONE DESERVES ANOTHER CHANCE, I am so glad God does not think like people.
posted August 21, 2009 at 12:13 pm
Michael Vick is a triple-A asshole. He is only skating on his football to get away with what he did. I believe as far as prison goes, he served the time the judge gave. However, he should NEVER have been allowed back in the NFL. They did not stick to their “indefinitely suspended” rule applied toward him. He only is saying what everyone wants to hear and it’s all crap. I don’t buy it.
posted August 21, 2009 at 8:23 pm
micheal vick has done his time so why don’t we move forward!!!!!
posted August 22, 2009 at 8:04 am
I have great difficulty understanding what the big deal is with Vick and dog fights. Dogs, most breeds if given the chance enjoy fighting nearly as much as humans, without any prompting. Putting Vick or anyone in jail for allowing dogs to do something that is in their nature to do anyway is a travesty of justice of the worst kind. Dogs make wonderful pets but they still are animals.
posted August 22, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Ye of no sin, cast the first stone. We all fall short of the glory of God. As for Mr. Dungy helping Mr. Vicks, no one can help or save Mr. Vicks, but himself. If he fails to live up to what he’s saying, just to get back into football, that’s fine with me and it should be fine with everyone else. He will have to, (just like all of us) one day, stand before God, on judgement day. Let God deal with Mr. Vicks. The rest of us should take the logs out of our eyes, before we try an take the speck out of Mr. Vicks eyes.
posted August 22, 2009 at 1:57 pm
When will it end? Which one of us are perfect and have never committed a crime? Not one of us. Yes what he did was wrong but to go on and on about it will not change things. What’s done is done. God will judge all of us He never appointed us that duty. As far as people finding God in prison,so what!! Sometimes God will cause things to happen to us that will draw us closer to him. So be careful of your words, you may find yourself in a sticky situation one day. It does not matter when you develop a personal relationship with God as long as you develop one. Read the book of James and it will tell you about that little member of your body that we all need to be careful of. May God continue to bless Michael Vick because obviously He has forgiven him.
posted August 22, 2009 at 11:25 pm
Given the state of this world as Curtis Mayfield wrote in a pognant song, “if there’s a hell below we’re all gonna go.” Then again as it was written in Compared to what….”I hate the human love in that stinkin mutt….I can’t use it.” Many men and women have been murdered and their blood cries out for justice. HOMO HOMINI LUPUS…man is a wolf to man…….May God have mercy on HIS creation……
posted August 22, 2009 at 11:27 pm
Homo Homini Lupus…man is a wolf to man……..
posted August 23, 2009 at 4:20 pm
IN JAIL UVE GOT ONLY TIME . SUMTIMES TIME DOES STRANGE THINGS
LIKE FINDING GOD . IF THATS TRUE MAYB MICHAEL IS TRUE IN HIS NEW
FOUND FEELINGS AND IS TRULEY SORRY 4 THE THINGS HES DONE IN THE PAST
GOOD LUCK MICHAEL AND STAY STRAIT .
ROADKING64 SAID THAT !
posted August 24, 2009 at 3:57 am
Vick is the only one who can save himself. I pray that he has really looked at himself and has really become closer to God. Becoming closer to God is a spiritual journey. I pray that he stays on the journey. It just does not happen in one day or over night. It is a journey that he will have to stay on and not get off the path. Once he is back playing full time in the NFL, we will really be able to see if he has changed or really had regrets.
posted August 24, 2009 at 5:56 am
Let me first say Bless you Dungy for the spirit that God our Lord has place in you. And Vick Keep your head up and follow the light, that the Lord has place before you.
As for all of you who are being ungodly let’s open your closet doors and let us see what falls out. number one none of you are Jesus, and it’s obivious that none of you have his spirit. The lord has said he who is without sin, guilty, or shame throw the first stone. I’m sure that none of you who are being critical are without sin, guilt, or shame, can throw not even a piece of paper. The only difference between you all and Vick is that his issue was made public through our wonderful media and you all aren’t famous enough to get media attention. Many of you need to think before you speak. It amazes me that so many of you are on a sight that is spiritual yet they’re so many nagative readers. WOW!
posted August 24, 2009 at 9:06 am
I pray he’s not “Born Again until Out Again”. It’s a temporary change. Even if it’s permanent, it doesn’t bring back the lives of the animals he made suffer at his hand for GREED and PRIDE. He cares more about money than anything else.
Remember – his fruit hasn’t matched his tree yet
posted August 24, 2009 at 9:34 am
Although sin is sin, how can anyone compare our sins (another post) to Michal Vick’s brutal tortue of animals? Is he truely remorseful or (another post) “Born Again until Out Again”? Or was it the loss of $135M and not seeing his family that made him “sorry”? Or just to “be nice” to pacify some fans so they would buy his jersey again?? Look at this heart.
TRUTH STANDS THE TEST OF TIME, ALL LIES COME TO SURFACE!!
Someone to say that we don’t have the spirit of Jesus? Really?? Get off your soap box. I know many people who “Play Church” or Christian when it’s convienient to them. They have to tell people they are Christian because it is so obvious that THEIR FRUIT DOES NOT MATCH THEIR TREE!!
And another poster chastizes us and tells us how to feel?? Are you working on YOUR OWN RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS?? Remember – you are NOT the message. Just one of many messengers. And even then, many people don’t get the message right or just what’s good for them.
For those who love all creatures great and small don’t act like Michal Vick and will still stand against those who do!! We are appalled that you expect us to say “all is well, we love you, sleep tight”.
Did you ever strangle, shot, hung, stabbed, or electrocute any animals to death? Did you ever use other animals for “bait”? Did you ever starve an animal? Or torture them for pleasure? Did you ever make money laughing at the expense of God’s creatures? Did you ever sacrifice you own pets so other animals can bite it and rip it apart? Create devices and torture racks so dogs can be raped?
Oh, he didn’t know it was wrong. That’s a great line of b.s. you are trying to feed us and make us swallow. Oh really, he didn’t know how much pain an animal was in? Yes he did, he laughed, he didn’t care, he ENJOYED BEING CRUEL. There was NO PROTECTION AGAINST CRUELTY OF ANIMALS from him or his “boys” or from others supporting his “career”.
Do you support animal law and tougher legislation? Do you donate to animal causes, sign petitions, protest, attend rallies? Are you the voice of animals? I am.
If Michal Vick killed your animals, would you welcome him into your home and hug him, make him a cup of tea? I know I won’t.
So how can you not expect people, Christians or not, to feel anger and hurt for animals that were abused?
Do you think 1 touchdown in a game will wash away everything he did? Oh, do you think animal lovers will turn up the other cheek when the Eagles win a game because of him? Or because he politically says “nice things”. Give me a break.