They are my pride and joy.
Two big golden retrievers that are spoiled rotten. Sometimes they are more trouble than they seem worth, but their unconditional love always makes me forget anything they might do wrong in a New York minute.
I am quite particular about who cares for them in my absence and as a result, I am not looking to hire Michael Vick to do it anytime in the near future. Make that ever.
Yes, his was a heinous crime, bankrolling a dog fighting operation that injured and killed a great number of dogs.
He should never be allowed to own an animal again and he deserves all the uproar that the Humane Society and PETA can provide him with for the rest of his life. Deal with it Michael.
But the reality of this matter is the man has paid a heavy price both with his personal finances and his freedom, not to mention his reputation and his dignity. Those are all long gone.
Then there is the ridiculous suspension the NFL imposed on top of everything else to appease the public and protect their reputation. While Vick did lie initially to the NFL, his loss of salary and his jail time were more than adequate and did not warrant an additional penalty from the NFL.
In a society which loves to give second chances and cheers for a compelling comeback, it only seems fair to me that he gets an opportunity to earn a living playing again in the NFL. What better place for that than right here in Indianapolis, right?
Before you throw me under the bus with Vick, look at the comments from a respected member of this community who knows Vick better than any of us.
That’s right, Tony Dungy, a man respected by all here in town, not just football fans, and a man who certainly has helped others before in terms of reconciling their personal life and career.
Dungy who met with Vick while he was incarcerated and has served as an adviser since his release, feels that Vick could prosper in the Colts organization considering the veteran presence on the coaching staff and in the locker room.
He also stated that numerous teams have made initial inquires about Vick and that someone would sign him in the near future.
Having said that, why not the Indianapolis Colts?
They are indeed dreadfully thin at the backup quarterback position with Jim Sorgi and rookie Curtis Painter and certainly could use the explosiveness Vick would bring to the table.
Can you imagine Vick breaking down film alongside Peyton Manning?
For those of you who say he has been out of the league too long to be effective, I say you are dead wrong. Bring him in for a fair tryout, put a stopwatch on him and let him showcase himself.
It was not that long ago that this guy was the best athlete in the entire NFL and he probably is still better than any back up quarterback in the league. In my opinion, he still may be as good or better than one half of the starters in the NFL.
Will the Colts or any other team ever bother to find out?
Can the public relations outcry that is certain to accompany Vick outweigh a business decision? Maybe but it really should not.
Are Vick’s transgressions really all that more severe than any other player in the NFL or for that matter in any professional sports, who have used drugs, abused their spouse or in some cases caused the loss of human life? It is fashionable to pile on Vick at this time and I do not see that changing anytime soon.
Sports fans are indeed fickle, so is it simply a matter of whether Vick can still score the winning touchdown that leads to a playoff berth. Or is it about how many in the NFL really value his skills but are simply afraid to step forward and place themselves in the spotlight that will come with signing this controversial player?
The Colts have invested more money in the past on risky players that gave them far less that what Vick can. Names like Corey Simon and Robert “Booger” McFarland quickly come to mind.
Will Jim Irsay have the moxy to give Michael Vick a shot?
Probably not, unless of course he thinks it could help him win some games. Oh yeah, there’s that whole give the guy a second chance thing as well, something Irsay knows about first hand. Remember when this community extended him the second opportunity for personal success after his publicized bout regarding the abuse of prescription drugs? Is Vick not entitled to the same opportunity?
Can Bill Polian allow Vick an opportunity and still deal with the opinions of his peers? After all the GM club in the NFL is a good ‘ole boy network, one that requires distinction for membership.
I doubt if he will risk what he views as a sparkling reputation to restore a career gone bad for a backup quarterback.
Regardless of where Vick ends up, he will no doubt have a bulls eye squarely on his back and it will take a total commitment from an entire organization to support him and help him find his way back.
Notes: Tony Dungy seemed very comfortable in the NBC television booth during the Hall Of Fame Game telecast. Dungy adds a calming, insightful presence to the studio show and the broadcast booth and will continue to add clarity and credibility to any game he is involved with. NBC was smart to hire him.
What do you think about the possibility of Michael Vick playing in Indianapolis? If he helped the Colts beat the dreaded New England Patriots would you forgive him? E-mail or call me with your thoughts. Also, call the Colts at (317) 297-2658 and tell them your thoughts as well.
Danny Bridges, who firmly believes Michael Vick can again be successful in the NFL, can be reached at (317) 578-1780 or at Bridgeshd@aol.com.
