Michael Vick is fast, but unfortunately he is not as fast as a pit bull.
Three years, 10 years, or even 20 years removed from his 2007 federal conviction for involvement with a dogfighting ring, Vick will still be facing criticism.
Not even one of the greatest quarterback performances in the history of the NFL can take away that dark of a stain.
All of the dogs that died during the operation of this dogfighting ring left their own scars all over Vick’s legacy, his persona, and what he will be identified with for the rest of his life.
All of his current work with the Humane Society is great, but none of it will absolve his crimes, and it isn’t just the obnoxious people that run PETA that will remember forever.
There is nothing he can do.
Of all the crimes current professional players are caught committing, animal cruelty brings out the most scrutiny. And in Vick’s case, chaos quickly followed.
His trial and conviction, just like his play on the field, were a circus.
There are few players that warrant the purchase of a ticket. Vick is one of them.
He dominated jersey sales during his time with the Atlanta Falcons. He was the most popular player in the NFL. He can run laps around 11 professional NFL players, but he can’t escape a 50-pound pit bull.
Philadelphia wide receiver DeSean Jackson’s unfortunate choice of words didn’t help the situation.
After the Eagles’ 59-28 victory over the Washington Redskins Monday night, Jackson was asked about a pregame altercation with several Redskins players. His response had to have been followed by one of the most awkward silences in the history of sports.
“We were like pit bulls, ready to get out of the cage.”
Um, okay, DeSean.
Probably should have gone with lions on that one.
But it was just a figure of speech. In any other situation the reporters would have laughed and moved onto the next question. However, for the rest of Vick’s career, any mention of a canine will induce some blank stares.
Today’s society has little tolerance for animal cruelty, no matter who is guilty or how it happens.
In 2007, a Chandler police officer left his dog in his patrol car for nearly 13 hours during a day where the high temperature was 109 degrees. The outrage was rampant and many people wanted the man to lose his job.
The officer was later acquitted on an animal cruelty charge, but the public outrage wasn’t one to forget.
People love animals, and it’s much greater than a love for a sports team or a television show.
Pets are also not cognizant beings, even though their owners project those characteristics upon them. The same characteristics are also transposed onto any pet that is put in danger.
None of that bodes well for Michael Vick, even during one of the best seasons of his career.
Always criticized for his passing abilities, Vick has yet to throw an interception in six games. He also has 11 touchdown passes and four rushing touchdowns, all while committing only one turnover, a fumble.
He is amazing to watch, and if there was ever an athlete with an opportunity to regain his legacy, it’s this guy. But the obstacle is too large.
The hearts have already been broken, and the bones have long since been buried.
Sorry Mike, but it’s hard to compete with puppy eyes.
Reach the columnist at nathan.meacham@asu.edu
