Write On Sports LLC - "What's With Michael Vick?" by Tyler Clifton

What's With Michael Vick?

2007-07-18 00:48:09 | By: Tyler Clifton

In what has turned into a sad, pathetic ordeal, Michael Vick is expected to turn himself in or be arrested after being indicted on two felony counts among other things involving a ring of dog fights at his home in Virginia. Keep in mind no guilt is being assessed here, but simply having his name involved with this situation has put Vick to shame, his performance on the field and his one-finger salute to fans in Atlanta notwithstanding. It makes no sense for anyone to commit such an act, not to mention someone of Vick's stature, a man the city of Atlanta took in with open arms in hopes of bringing the city its second career championship. Vick allegedly sponsored dogfights as far back as 2001, his rookie season.

Was Vick too big for his britches? Most quarterbacks are focusing on life after college, signing contracts and preparing for training camp. The fact Vick has put himself in this situation has not only hurt Michael Vick the man but also the Atlanta Falcons themselves.

Atlanta traded Matt Schaub to Houston in the offseason (a move I questioned before these allegations even came to the forefront). If Vick isn't able to play this fall, it takes away from the entire team and first-year head coach Bobby Petrino. The man is arguably the best athlete in the NFL, and the Falcons have no chance with a backup, especially with the loss of Schaub.

If Vick is charged and is not here this fall, it does a disservice to the 84 other men who will soon be busting their butts in the heat of the summer preparing for a championship run in the fall.

Vick's decision making lately has been selfish to say the least, as he obviously doesn't realize his actions affect numerous others besides himself.

Alleged gambling and dogfighting by a man who is a millionaire is stupid for lack of a better term. Not only that, but the cruelty and ultimate deaths of numerous animals by whoever committed the crime is simply inexcusable, as it is reported dogs from as far west as Texas were sent to Virginia for the fights.

Sixty-six dogs (55 pit bulls) were taken from the property ‹ 66!, with seven more found in graves! It's seven too many, and there's no reason it shouldn't signal a red flag.

Vick has denied any knowledge of the situation and reportedly blamed family members for "taking advantage of his generosity". Sure Mike, blame someone else. Take the easy way out.

He might not have committed the felonies himself, but don't be naive to think Vick had no idea what was going on. It's another classic example of an athlete thinking he's bigger than the game and above and beyond the law. Vick might find out the hard way there is no such rule and could soon be found guilty of committing several personal fouls. It's a crying shame!

If Vick and his cronies Purnell A. Peace, Quanis L. Phillips and Tony Taylor are convicted, they should serve the entire six years in prison, pay the entire $350,000 in fines and should serve many hours of community service at a dog pound or humane society.