Michael Vick's Second Act

Americans are used to giving people second chances. We gave Bill Clinton a second chance after we found out about his scandalous affair with an intern. We gave Kobe Bryant a second chance after he was accused of raping a young woman in Colorado.

Now, it’s Michael Vick’s turn. Vick who was imprisoned several years ago for dog fighting, just got out of prison, and wants to return to the NFL. And why shouldn’t he at least be given that chance?

Vick has paid his price to society and says that he has learned his lesson. He definitely has paid the price for his mistakes by giving up his career. It won’t be easy for him to make a comeback. Before he was sent to prison, Vick was an up-and-coming young star. He wasn’t the best thrower in the world, but he was a talented runner and he got the job done.

As the quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, he led them to the playoffs early in his career and was an MVP candidate. But, more than likely, if Vick were to return, he’d return as a running back or wide receiver. The question is what team is going to be willing to take him and his problems, not to mention that he is approaching 30.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is under extreme pressure from certain organizations such as PETA not to let him back in the league. And, as far as the Canadian Football League goes, they passed a rule several years ago banning suspended NFL players.

If Goodell did let Vick come back, the next question would be, "Who is in the market for his services?" The first few teams that come to mind are the Dallas Cowboys and the Oakland Raiders. The Cowboys took on Pacman Jones, Terrell Owens, and Tank Johnson, so why not Vick? Well, after the circus of last season, I doubt Jerry Jones is willing to step out on that limb again after seeing how his experiments failed miserably.

The Raiders, on the other hand, may be Vick’s best bet. They have always been known as the rebels of the NFL and don’t seem to be phased by controversy. If Al Davis can take on the NFL, he probably can take on PETA, as well.

Another reason the Raiders may take Vick is that their offense was near the bottom last season in scoring. It couldn’t hurt to bring Vick in at least for a tryout and see what he can do, but, first, he has to get back in the league and that might be a tall order for this once promising star.