Now that Michael Vick is out of prison, should he be allowed back into the NFL?

[Poiuyt]

It's true he has now paid his debt to society, but do all convicted felons have the right to get their old jobs back? Of course, whether he gets back in or not is not my call to make. But I highly doubt that he feels any remorse for what he did. Engaging in cruelty to animals for fun and profit is not just a mistake he made, it was his way of life. I don't think the clouds opened up to him in prison and he realized that it was wrong. He's a psychopath and will not change his feelings easily. He can change his behavior, and we can hope that he does. But is that enough to get back into the NFL?

[mix]

1. as despicable as his crimes were, yes

We can speculate about whether or not he's reformed himself, but the fact remains he did his time. Felons who are stigmatized their entire lives after they've paid their debt, this creates a permanent underclass. The issue goes beyond Vick's case alone.

[madinmaryland]

2. He should be allowed the opportunity to find work in the NFL. Whether

anyone takes a risk on him is a good question.

[mix]

3. He simply might not have the skills anymore as well...

...Pacman is an example of someone who really could not recapture his past glory after being out of the game.

[madinmaryland]

4. That may be true. But he is only 29 (I think) so he may have several years

ahead for him, especially since he has had the last two seasons off.

[Johonny]

11. he never had the skills is the problem

Frankly it's not that hard to find a QB that can complete 53.8 % of their passes. His QB rating was 75.7 also not very exciting or league average. Nor was he showing any signs of improving throughout his career. His int % and completion % are very steady. Basically teams signing Vick are doing so for his legs. But runners generally decline starting at age 30. If Vick is allowed to come back after sitting out a 1 year suspension (which many feel he will likely get upon signing with a team) he's most likely on the down side of his running game. So how much does a team want to risk for a PR nightmare that isn't particularly good in a modern pass orient high completion offense, that is likely to not be able to regain his previous running performance, and worst needs the offense orient towards his running skills? My guess is not many but there is likely a taker for a really low price.

[ProfessorGAC]

16. What Johonny Said

Nicely summed up, Johonny. Exactly what i was thinking, as well.
GAC

[cboy4]

5. Jerry Jones' ears just perked up when he heard you say someone was out

of prison!

[madinmaryland]

6. You need to learn a new schtick. It's getting old, just the San Franciso Ginat's slump

is getting REAL old. 55 years old.

[PVnRT]

7. Oakland will sign anybody

Minnesota might want to as well, since who knows when Brett's drama is going to start.

[Auggie]

13. I think even Al would put the kibosh on that signing

[joeybee12]

8. Should? IMHO, no...

...I want to see real remorse, I want to see him do a lot of work to publicize how wrong dog-fighting and the curelty is. If he does that, then I say yes.

[Forkboy]

9. No

[Iggo]

10. If his job was caring for dogs, then no.

But his job is football player.

Can't rehabilitate himsef with a foot on his neck.

[Bluzmann57]

12. Yes

But the thing is, there are hundreds of players who would love to just have a shot at the NFL. And many of these men have never broken any laws. But Vick did his time and should be allowed to fairly compete for an NFL job if that is what he wants to do. And apparently, he wants back in.

[Hobarticus]

14. I think the deal-breaker is that he lied to the commish's face...

...when Vick told Goodell he had nothing to do with what went on at his property.

Paid his debt to society, truly remorseful, blah blah blah....who cares. Lying to the big guy isn't a smart career move, anywhere you go.

[Jack Rabbit]

15. No. He should just go to the dogs.

:evilgrin:

[Capt. America]

17. He can play football again...in Canada. By the way, there is nothing against him making a living

doing something other than football. Car dealership? Franchise owner? Insurance?

[H2O Man]

18. Yes.

Of course he should.