OMG, NFL. WTF?
Well, it looks like Michael Vick–NFL Quarterback, Dog Abuser, and All-Around Douchebag–is going to be allowed back on the field this season, thanks to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
In case you’ve been living in a cave for two years and you have no idea what I’m talking about, allow me to fill you in on the details. Vick was convicted on felony charges back in 2007 after pleading guilty to funding and participating in a dogfighting ring in conjunction with Bad Newz Kennels, Vick’s kennel operation located in Virginia. He was sentenced to 23 months in prison at the federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas.
Now, first of all, I have a huge problem with the fact that he didn’t even have to serve two years in prison for what he did. And his sentence actually would have been shorter, if he hadn’t been dishonest with the judge who was deciding his fate.
Vick was responsible for the torture and death of dozens and dozens of dogs. How does this not rate a higher sentence? It has been statistically proven that people who abuse animals eventually move on to abusing other people. In the words of St. Francis of Assisi:
If you have men who will exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men.
In my opinion, he should have gotten at least ten years.
Per dog.
But when it comes to animal cruelty, our justice system is severely lacking. So while I’m pissed about Vick’s ridiculously short sentence, I can’t say I’m necessarily surprised.
It did surprise me, though, that he was reinstated. I don’t know why, since, as people have been quick to point out, the NFL is a business, and Vick is prime marketing material right now. I guess maybe I just expected them to put ethics above money. (I know, I know… naïve.)
All my hope is not quite lost, however, since a team will actually have to pick Vick up in order for him to see any play time. Three teams–the Falcons (Vick’s former team), the Jets, and the Giants–have already said “Oh, HELL no!” on signing the 29-year-old quarterback. (Okay, not in so many words, but that’s the jist.) Aside from his age and the potential backlash from fans, there’s also the fact that he was never really a super-stellar quarterback to begin with. His running was solid, but his passing game has been spotty at best. So my fingers are crossed that nobody is stupid enough to take him on.
Chiefs, I’m looking at you.
One thing is for certain: if Vick gets to play, you can bet this football fan will have her television off for the entirety of the 2009 NFL season.
