You won't see me debating against Vick's reinstatement, or renouncing my Eagles fandom because they signed him. I'm not exactly rooting for Vick either, and have low expectations for his first season back in the NFL. Some might say I'm riding the fence on this one, but I believe he deserves a second chance, so it would be hypocritical for me to say it can't be here, though what he did sickens me and I never really liked him to start.
I feel like I am experiencing or at least seeing just about every side of the spectrum to this story, but there's one thing that confuses me: the Mike Vick apparel, and those who are purchasing it. I was happy to read today that at least one retailer, Dick's Sporting Goods, has decided to at least take a wait and see approach to selling the midnight green number 7, though they seem to be standing all alone on this issue.
It's one to let a guy attempt to resume his career, and completely another to immediately begin promoting him as a star. This man was literally just released from house arrest less than a month ago, and already the NFL, Philadelphia Eagles, and several retailers are already selling his jersey on their web sites and in their stores. I'm not saying fans should not be able to order their customized Vick apparel if that's what they choose to do, but this stuff doesn't need to be on sale to the general public, does it?
Though I have to question anyone who would purchase a Vick jersey. First of all, you're probably wasting your money. Time will tell exactly what Vick's role will be, but right now there's at least as good a chance he will do little to nothing in an Eagles uniform as he will wind up taking significant snaps at quarterback. And either way, he'll probably be playing elsewhere next year. That was money well spent.
More to the point, what kind of message are you sending to people? This isn't about what crimes are worse than others, or whether he deserves to play football. The man brutally killed living creatures and spent two years in prison, and the first thing you want to do is wear his name on your back? It's difficult for me to comprehend that mentality, and even harder if you have children, or worse, purchased this item for a child. I don't think I need to outline why that is wrong.
Let the man play football. It's a professional sport, not a church. He's an athlete, not a doctor, lawyer, or school teacher. Buy and sell his jersey though? I haven't reached that level of acceptance.
Original Story:
http://www.the700level.com/2009/08/th...
