Guilt By Association, Or Stupidity? Will Things Ever Change For Michael Vick?

Bad Newz Kennelz, Ron Mexico, and sex suits are all of the issues that most of us think of when we mention the name Michael Vick, even now as we approach the 2011 NFL season.

So when the latest news headline reads something to the tune of: “Vick of no-interest to cops in shooting.”- ESPN NFL comes traipsing along, even the biggest Vick supporters feel the crushing blow of yet another incident where Vick is associated with a major crime.

 But it doesn’t stop there.

The man who was shot was Quanis Phillips, Vick’s cousin and a major player/part of Bad Newz Kennelz.

But I digress.

The flashy, strong armed quarterback we became enamored with many years ago still has what it takes to play at a super star level.

Kids all across America still have posters of the one-time Atlanta great, and fans of Vick everywhere still cheer him on in his new found home in Philadelphia.

The recovery of his lost laurels (so to speak), a non-judgmental, opened armed organization willing to offer the opportunity of change and recovery, and an iconic stature that is looked up to by thousands of children worldwide.

That is precisely what is at stake every waking moment for you, Mr. Vick.

One would think that if you are truly sorry for your past transgressions, you would do everything possible to steer clear of bad company, and situations that could further discredit your own words, leaving you to appear disingenuous.

One would think that after losing nearly everything, the last thing on your mind would be frequents at the local nightclubs with anyone associated with Bad Newz Kennelz—family or not.

Obviously I am not saying the guy has to shrivel up, crawl into a cave and lead a life built around anti-socialism and reruns of Dog the Bounty Hunter, but for crying out loud man get your marbles in order!

However you cut the cheese, his job isn’t just to sit around on a bench or throw touchdowns, but to also be a leader to the youngsters that come into the league, the little ones who adore him, and the millions of fans that thought they could trust him again but are now drawing the red flag out of their pockets.

Responsibility is about being responsible.

I suppose only time will tell whether or not Mr.Vick will finally put it all together and figure things out—if he is responsible that is—but for now, it appears every step forward he takes is greeted with a few steps backward.

I’m sure there will be a couple more reports in the coming days, adding more speculation to the issue which doesn’t bode well for Vick or the Eagles organization, but I am not so sure that Vick will ever be anything more than a two-bit criminal who will forever sit on the dividing line that separates potential greatness from probable failure

Ray Tannock is also an NFL Columnist and the MLB Editor at Fantasyknuckleheads.com.