NFL Free Agency: If Michael Vick Is Forgiven, Why Is Plaxico Burress Forgotten?

We are a very forgiving society, at times. While I admit, I may need more proof before I can forget what certain people have done in comparison to others; I try and give people second chances. It is what this country is built upon. Everyone makes mistakes.

It is the sole reason that we have erasers on pencils. Therefore, people should be allowed a second chance in life, provided they have demonstrated that they are worthy. Unfortunately, not everyone reaches that second stage.

Many people are quick to forgive Michael Vick for what he did in the past, and the many crimes he committed. Whether you are a dog person or not (and personally, I am), you can never erase the images of what Vick and his cronies did to all of those helpless, defenseless pets. I will never be able to forget what he did, and it doesn't even start with the lying. He was only lying to cover up his terrible crimes.

While many are over the whole Vick saga, I am not one of those said people. At this point, I am not completely sure that I will ever be, either.

But as we all know, there are different types of crimes in society. Vick not only lied about his involvement in the illegal act of dog fighting, but the fact that he took part in those brutal acts is appalling to me and many others. Yes, he paid his debt to society in prison, but I cannot say that I have forgiven him for what he did in the past. It may sound hypocritical, but it is the honest emotion I feel for that man.

Vick brutalized animals. While dogs are not people, he still committed crimes against other forms of life. And that was his - and all of his degenerate friends who were involved - intent in the matter. He set out to beat, drown and destroy those animals. Nobody forced him into those decisions, and he now has to live with what he has done.

This season, Vick enjoyed a comeback season for the ages in the NFL. Again, I was not rooting for him to succeed, and I realize that I may be in the minority in that department. Maybe it says more about me than it does him, but I cannot - and will not - hide who I am.

But there happens to be another former NFL Pro-Bowl player who is set to be released from prison at some point this Summer. I am sure that most of you remember the name Plaxico Burress. He was a standout wide receiver at Michigan State, was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers and won a Super Bowl with the New York Giants, in which he actually caught the game winner to knock off the previously undefeated New England Patriots.

Unfortunately, the story did not end there for Burress. As of now, it has not ended well either. He was sentenced to prison after he accidentally shot himself in the leg in a nightclub.

Burress has served his time, will be released shortly, and is expected to be allowed back into the NFL. I, for one, am rooting for Burress to receive a second chance in life and in football and be given every opportunity to succeed.

You may be asking why I want to see Burress succeed while I did not wish the same for Vick. While many may not agree with me, I do have my reasons.

First, Burress did not hurt anyone but himself. He had the weapon for self-defense. It was around the same time where many players - especially in the NFL - were being held up and robbed at gun point.

Former Washington Redskins Pro-Bowl defensive back Sean Taylor was shot and killed in his home following a home invasion gone wrong. Former Denver Broncos defensive back Darrent Williams was also shot and killed, while former Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Richard Collier was shot multiple times outside an apartment complex. Collier was left paralyzed and had his left leg amputated.

Burress bought the gun for protection, and how can anyone say that they blame him. Let me be the first to say that I am not a believer in guns. It is, however, true that guns don't kill people. People kill people with guns. But Burress was not looking to get involved in any of that. It just happens to be very unfortunate that his protection happened to go off in his pocket, leading to his sentencing.

He has been out of the league for over two years now. He will turn 34 before the start of the 2011 season; that is if there is in fact a 2011 season. While he will probably have lost a step or two, he could still make an impact, considering his height and speed. With that being said, I am rooting for any team to give him his second chance in life and in football.

It would be highly controversial. I fully understand that much. Character has said to be a bigger concern than ever. But Burress is not nearly as much of a risk as many other high profile players.

Teams will be getting ready for the 2011 NFL Draft in April, whether there is a new agreement at that point or not. They will weigh the pros and cons of each player. While many of them already come with red flags, there will be certain teams who will select them regardless of what they have done in the past.

It is time that we all put what Burress did in the past as well. He may certainly not pan out as well as a team will like, but he is more than worth the risk.

The Philadelphia Eagles rolled the dice on Vick a couple of years ago. While I may not be a fan of his on or off the field, the risk has more than paid off for Philadelphia. It is time that someone extends Burress the same courtesy of offering him a new lease on life. I can think of a handful of teams who could use a receiver such as Burress in their offense, making it worth taking a shot - no pun intended.

After all, it is the risks you don't take in life that you will regret more than the ones you try and see fail.

With all of that being said, if you were a fan of a team considering signing Burress for the upcoming season, how would you feel about that possibility?