Moon Shot

Should Michael Vick have been allowed to return to football? Absolutely. Those of you who know me are undoubtedly shocked I'm weighing in on this issue. For those who don't, here's my frame of reference:
I'm not a football fan. I don't watch, follow, or play the sport - not even fantasy leagues. Curiously, I like football movies - "Remember the Titans" comes to mind.
I don't currently have a dog, but I like dogs and have had several throughout my life.
I am not currently nor have I ever been a member of PETA or any other militant animal rights group.

There's a Demotivators poster that says, "Not everyone gets to be an astronaut when they grow up." I think it's funny as hell, but it's also rather poignant - how many of us are doing what we dreamed of doing as kids? I imagine Michael Vick dreamed of playing pro ball as a youngster and worked hard and sacrificed much to see it happen. The fact that he succeeded is testament to his talent and determination.


Unfortunately, he suffered a severe lapse of judgment. He committed a crime. He was charged, tried, convicted, and imprisoned.

This is a key point. Upon conviction, he was sentenced to a term in jail. He served his time so the demands of the law are satisfied.Now, our actions create consequences. Michael Vick will have to deal with his. As a convicted felon, he may be prohibited from owning a firearm and voting, but he is certainly not prohibited from playing football. However, he does face loss of seniority (he's not the first string quarterback), the lack of sponsorship (and loss of income), and public disdain (or even assault by more militant types). Not severe enough? How about this: he worked years towards a goal. That's a lifetime of sacrifice, discipline, and determination. The culmination of his efforts were rewarded and he got what he wanted, his goals were met, his dream became reality. Then at the pinnacle of success, his own actions shattered what took a lifetime to achieve. His dream died by his own hand.


I believe in the confines of his cell, alone with his thoughts, this is what haunted him most. A series of stupid, inhumane decisions cost him his life's work. He lost his shot at going to the moon.


In every interview I've heard or read, he appears truly remorseful, and for the record, I believe him. There is an earnest plea in his voice for a second chance - a chance to prove he's changed, he's truly sorry, he is a better person than what was manifested by his past actions.


But why am I, a confirmed non-fan, talking about one of football's hot topics?Because it's not about football, it's about redemption. To fully achieve your heart's desire is a grand rarity, and allowing it to carelessly slip through your fingers can haunt a man to his grave. He's been given an opportunity to ransom his dream, a second chance to "go to the moon." I for one wish him well on his journey.