Michael Vick Comeback: PETA Needs to Shut Up

Since the news broke that Michael Vick had allegedly bankrolled a dogfighting operation, PETA has repeatedly invited itself to join in the conversation, stating its opinions and arguments. 

Before I go any further, let me clearly say that I, in no way, am a supporter of animal abuse—I am thoroughly and strongly against it. That being said, however, I am sick and tired of hearing over and over and over again of what Vick did a couple years ago.

That was then, this is now.

Why don't we hear more about Donte Stallworth? Yeah, that guy who got himself drunk before going out in his car and killing an innocent person minding his own business. That happened March 14, 2009, not summer of 2007. The Stallworth ordeal happened much more recently than the Vick incident, and yet what do you hear more of: Stallworth's (recent) wrongdoing or Vick's?

Since getting out of prison, Vick has said and done nothing but the right things. In fact, he's even stated that he'll "crusade" for animal rights with the Eagles.

Now back to where I started. Can PETA stay out of anything having to do with sports? Can someone explain to me the connection the NFL has between itself and an animal rights group? Give me a break!

Stallworth spent a total of 24 days in jail after killing a human being, but Vick landed in the slammer for 18 months for killing dogs, and that's not enough for PETA?

PETA released a quote after Vick's signing, saying they were "disappointed at the message the Eagles are sending to young fans who care about animals and don't want them to be harmed."

My response? Get over it.

Do you want Vick to be killed to make up for the dogs' lives he took? Assuming the answer to that is a no, then what's the harm in him attempting a comeback at his chosen line of work?

Football will help him work his way out of debt, re-establish relationships, focus on something other than his gloomy past and mistakes. Football could be the very thing that keeps him from a possible relapse.

Think about it. So Vick gets out of prison, but isn't allowed to return to the NFL. What's he going to fill his days with? What if he got back into contact with his old buddies, maybe even the ones that were involved in the dogfighting ring he ran?

If he's playing football, however, you know he's going to surround himself with good, wise people.

PETA obviously doesn't think that Vick being back in football is directly going to affect animals, it's just that they don't think he's been disciplined enough for his previous actions. Well, further discipline just ain't gonna happen, so get over it and let him play football!

If you really care about dogs out there not getting harmed, then shut up and be happy with Vick returning to the NFL. It'll help him stay out of the dogfighting ring.