I was astonished, well not really, by the amount of coverage on Michael Vick's federal sentencing of 23 months in jail for his involvement in dogfighting. I respect and honor good and speedy journalism, but I started wondering about the real implications of Michael Vick's incarceration. I present my collection of thoughts on the topic. Yes, I have an opinion just like the rest of you.:-).
What are the implications for the sports community, the NFL, the Falcons and Atlanta? Undoubtedly, the NFL may no longer make as much money since it has lost quite a valuable asset. That's what the business person in me says. The Falcons have certainly felt the impact of this gentleman's absence. Fewer games won, empty seats in the dome and ticked off fans and players. But it has to be more than that...Do people really care about the dogs? Do they really care about Michael Vick? Do they really care that he lied? Or, do they only care about the financial implications?
What about the impact of this behavior on the community. Is Michael Vick really a role model to little Jack and Jill? Maybe just to those little boys who want to play football and be the world's greatest quarterback. Or, would little Jack just be encouraged to be like Favre (my all time favorite to be honest) anyway? He's an all American guy. Michael Vick is just a quarterback with quick feet and mad handles. And wait, he's also a strategic thinker. That's what they usually call quarterbacks. Unfortunately, as much as the athletes and celebrities say they are not role models, they are. To much is given, much is required. Maybe parents should be the ultimate role models, but America has taught us well, to idolize athletes, models, actors, actresses, CEO's and the likes. Tough responsibility, but not unattainable.
And whatever happen to the notion of not squealing? Have we become so selfish as human beings that we have to rat out others when we get caught. Man up! Woman up! If you do the crime; suffer the consequences. Why implicate other people for lighter sentences? Ah wait a minute...our legal system encourages that...if you tell, we'll let you off sooner. No folks. I mean no, Black men. At the end of the day, you to are just another black man in jail and your value was diminished the moment someone thought, "If only we can take down the big man on campus." Now, they have you all +1 in jail. Another one bites the dust. T.I. better take note; looks like he's next. Brilliant strategy! Can you call this black-on-black crime? Take a moment and ponder that as you listen to the lyrics in JayZ's latest album. Yes, he gives a few insights about squealers. Let him learn you.
Wow and now PETA has a platform. It never hurts to have free advertising and now there is a great name (celebrity recognition, Michael Vick) to boost the organization's name recognition and plight. The world's most highly paid athlete got caught doing the unthinkable. As I dog lover, I am repulsed by this behavior, but really folks, did this warrant nearly two years in jail. Did the PETA class make Vick more sensitive to animals? I don't think so. And to be honest, neither does going to jail. However, it will make Vick think about the company he keeps or even better, what he could have done to keep it a secret.
I hope this is not just another case in - He's just another Black man, throw him jail. Even if he told the truth, which he should have, the same penalties would have resulted if you look at history. Perhaps some folks are just a little upset that he lied to them. How dare you lie and exhibit defiance? Are you crazy? For that alone, you will go to jail. Michael? Didn't you know the consequences?
They made an example of Vick just like they did with Martha Stewart who did the unthikable. NOT! I bet Michael Vick will think twice about the next set of folks he calls friends. There seems to be no honor among gamblers and dogfighting participants.
