Give Michael Vick a Damn Break

(Photo by Steve Helber-Pool/Getty Images)

With just a few hours left in Michael Vick's time in confinement, this writer says clearly and succinctly, "Give Mike Vick a damn break."

Let me start by saying this: Dogfighting is a terrible and atrocious thing. 

The fact that there are still people that train and raise dogs, chickens, and other animals for the sole purpose of having them fight for entertainment is a shocking proposition.

I make no excuses for what Vick did and would not excuse him if he continued to engage in dogfighting.

But are animal lives more valuable than human lives?

Many animal rights groups like the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals have called for Vick to be banned for life from the NFL. 

Radio call-in shows are blown up with fans who say what a disgrace he is and how he should not be allowed to make a living playing quarterback.

Where is their outrage on cases that involve the loss of human life?

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth allegedly became intoxicated, put himself behind the wheel of a car, and killed someone.  He is now looking at facing a lengthy prison sentence for those actions.

However, the peanut gallery has remained mostly silent.

New Orleans Saints defensive end Charles Grant is charged in a Georgia court for involuntary manslaughter.  Grant was involved in a fight in a south Georgia bar and someone (a person!) lost her life.  An actual person!

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis was a co-defendant in a 2000 murder case from the Buckhead bar district in Atlanta. 

Although Lewis was cleared of the charges, he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor.  There is no doubt; however, that he participated somehow in an event that led to the loss of a person's life.

On all these three men, the outrage has never been so great as it has been against Vick. 

Do we, as a society, value dogs more than humans?  Is it that dogs have a stronger lobby than people?  Do we need a People for the Ethical Treatment of Humans?

Vick has done his time.  He spent two years in prison during what should have been the prime of his Pro Bowl career.

If you find yourself outraged that Vick will once again play in the NFL, ask yourself:  Where is the outrage about Stallworth? Grant? Lewis?

If we can forgive these men who allegedly or actually participated in the death of a person, can't we forgive Michael Vick?

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