More Reflections on Michael Vick

I watched the 60 Minutes interview conducted by James Brown. Michael Vick was obviously well-coached and said a lot of the right things, but he was so cool it was almost creepy, and furthermore, what really bothered me was when he addressed his crime, he'd speak of "the horrible things I let happen to those dogs (or animals)."

He LET that happen on repeated occasions, electrocuting, drowning, and beating dogs, many of whom were beagles, to death. So it was as if these horrible things were happening in front of him and he just didn't take charge and stop them? We know better from his own admissions having electrocuted, drowned, and beaten dogs to death and then organizing the fights were each dog would literally try to rip the other dog to pieces. If he only realized what he was doing was so often was wrong after he was locked in prison, why did he lie about it for so long to his coach, teammates, team owner, and the NFL commissioner?

Okay, by law he gets his chance to make himself whole again, but nobody owes him anything than the honest truth. His works and deeds with define how far he goes. There's so much talk among some football players and commentators, he made a mistake and people deserve a second chance.

Well, usually that's true, but it's not like he just made one single dreadful mistake. He did what he did on repeated occasions destroying and torturing way too many wonderful animals. He was living a dangerous and cruel life, living a grotesque lie that was too horrible to mention to folks outside his inner circle. it was also interesting to note that Mr. Brown's interview brought out that he was the last guy to arrive and first to leave the clubhouse. He didn't take practice seriously and basically just winged it on his substantial talent. He was also well known for his lavish spending and ultra-high life indulgences.

Michael Vick with Tony Dungy's support as his mentor says he's a new man. Time will tell, but prison was only the first horrible trial he had to face. The public won't let this go away easily.

We pray Michael Vick's inner goodness will grow, but he has a huge debt to settle. I cannot think of the sight of a goofy little beagle and not get viciously angry over what Michael Vick did and feel terrible sorrow and hurt that such loving creatures could be treated so horribly. Furthermore, I also am outraged for all the animals, even the most vicious pit bulls injured and destroyed in this tragedy. Those dogs had much greater possibilities too.