Bad Boy of Bad Newz Kennels

On July 20, 2009 former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, once the highest-paid player in the National Football League (NFL), was released from prison after serving nearly a 2 year sentence for operating a dog fighting ring. 

The dog fighting took place in 2007 and years prior at Vick’s Virginia dog fighting operation, Bad Newz Kennels.  The star quarterback was let go by his team and at that time indefinitely suspended from the NFL.

BUT - that could now change. Michael Vick could be on his way back to the NFL if a team signs him before, during or following a four-game suspension levied by Commissioner Roger Goodell...  WHAT?

Goodell issued a conditional reinstatement that will allow Vick to attend training camp if he signs with a team, but will still suspend Vick for the first four games of the 2009 season.

I'm shocked. A 4 game suspension. Is that restitution? 

Amazing how when someone has so much going for them, they could be so callous and inconsiderate about dogs lives.  Is he a changed man?  What should be his restitution beyond serving time.  That to me doesn't seem enough. 

The ASPCA led a team of behaviorists in the evaluation of the dozens of dogs rescued from Vick’s property.  Ed Sayres, ASPCA President & CEO, says, "…the facts are clear: Mr. Vick participated in a six-year pattern of illegal activity. His plea clearly stated that along with these activities, he savagely electrocuted and beat dogs to death after they lost their brutal fights[…]. This was not a one-time transgression or crime of passion—this was a multi-year pattern of behavior that demonstrates a startling lack of moral character and judgment.”

"Given the stature of what it means to be a part of the NFL, it is crucial that Mr. Vick first express remorse for what he has done—something that he has yet to do throughout his incarceration.”

What could Michael Vick do?  My ideas begin with:

• Donate 20% of his savings and future earnings to an animal shelter that specifically rescues dogs that came from dog fighting rings
• Personally become involved in saving and rescuing animals
• Place at his own expense PSA on TV & Radio about stopping cruelty to animals
• Clean out cages of animals at a local shelter near him for the rest of his life as a volunteer