Former QB Vick Should Dedicate his Life to Youth

Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick should not be allowed to return to football.  Vick left a federal prison in Leavenworth, Kansas, on May 20^th, after serving 21 months of as 23-month sentence. Vick pleaded guilty in August 2007 to a federal charge of bankrolling a dog fighting operation in Virginia.

With his release, a debate will begin to determine Vick’s fate with the NFL.  While media pundits and advocacy groups on both sides of the issue will debate Vick’s future, the decision will ultimately have more to deal with economics than any socially redeeming quality.  If the former QB is reinstated to the NFL, society and our youth will lose a key opportunity to learn about consequences and personal responsibility.

When Vick decided to participate in the torture of animals, he forfeited his right to play in one of our most prestigious sports in the world.  It is a privilege to play football in the NFL – not a right.  Equally as important, the National Football Leagues has the responsibility to live up to the high standards it espouses – both on and off the football field. 

The individuals and organizations who believe Vick has truly changed and therefore is entitled to return to football, ignore the harsh reality of what is taking place in our inner cities.  Vick not only committed acts of cruelty, he acted irresponsibility and with no accountability to football fans – young and old.  Notwithstanding other sports figures who claim they are not role models, common sense dictates that our youth mimics the behaviors and practices of their sports heroes.

Vick should forget about playing football in the NFL and dedicate his life to Black youth by helping them find a pathway that leads to a culture of success.          

Vick should recognize that he has a major opportunity to change the lives of many children that might otherwise choose a life of violence and crime.  As a star athlete that chose the wrong path, Mr. Vick is in a unique position to tell our youth that bad choices and bad behaviors have consequences.  Most important, he can help our children choose a culture of success.

One point is certainly clear; if allowed to return to football Vick's past transgressions will be forgotten within a few short weeks.  The key learning for all Americans and particularly Black youth is that there are major consequences to a life of violence and crime. Michael Vick, as a past football star, can help teach this lesson.   If Vick has really changed for the good, he will dedicate the rest of his life to telling and selling the story that you cannot undo your past crimes - only learn from them.