So, Vick was ALMOST on Oprah! Wow! I am not sure to what lengths the media will go in order to continue to glorify Mike Vick’s “rehabilitation”.
It seems that no one is speaking of the past and what caused the “rehabilitation”. No one is speaking publically about what Vick has done to be “rehabilitated”. Sure, Vick carved defenses up as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2010, but what has Vick done since being released from prison that would cause Oprah and so many others to welcome him back? What causes Oprah and others to offer up very valuable air time in order to allow Vick to declare his “sorrow”?
This is what I do not get. I would have more respect for Vick if he came out and denounced his past in an honest and straight forward manner. If he continued to use his new found “rehabilitation” to really promote the good that he could do. Vick has such a tremendous stage to show us all what he is willing to do in order to put his past behind. Instead, what he does is minor and comes across as insincere. Doing that on a stage like the Oprah show increases the dislike and skepticism that exists with so many, including me.
Here are a few recommendations that I have for Vick. If he would participate in just one third of these suggestions I guarantee he would at least begin to show us that he is sincere:
• Spend every off season weekend volunteering at an animal shelter.
• Use you’re new found publicity to generate revenue for cash challenged shelters.
• Donate half, if not more, of your salary to grass roots organizations that need the help.
• Absolutely drown us with public service announcements that denounce animal abuse. Specifically dog fighting.
• Reject national publicity that allows you to show us you’re sorry. Reject the national media and show your face on local stations in areas where animal neglect is rampant.
• Reject appearances ON YOUR OWN for shows like Oprah. Tell her “thanks, but no thanks”. This would show that you’re not an elites that has simply been welcomed back into the fold.
• Shovel some shit. Clean some cages. Get down and dirty! We do it and you should do it twice as much!
The problem is this: we are 3 + years past his felony acts against the animals that so many of us care for. Vick served a soft sentence, has done little to nothing to show his regret, has been welcomed back to the NFL and has resumed his elite status. The most recent evidence of this is the Oprah invite. How many of you, the hard working, caring, self sacrificing servants of mistreated, abused and neglected pets has Oprah invited to her show?
Posts Tagged ‘Philidelphia’
Why do so many people still like Mike Vick?
Wednesday, December 15th, 2010
Let me start at the legs...
In a previous blog post I commented on why the Nation still despises Michael Vick. Why people are still unwilling to forgive Vick for his actions. Today I want to take a different approach. Why do so many still support Vick?
Mike Vick leads ALL NFL players in fan votes for the Pro Bowl. That means that NFL fans support him to the point that they are willing to place him ahead of professional people and athletes like Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and so many others that live their lives in such a credible way that they avoid the temptations that money can bring. So many that give back in a positive way to their communities, not because a court ordered them to do so, but because they feel it is the right thing to do.
So why does Mike Vick get credit above all others? He is a convicted felon. Vick has done NOTHING credible or heart felt to atone for his past. Why Vick, above all others, to represent the NFL as the top vote receiver for the NFL Pro Bowl? Above all the other terrific athletes and human beings, Vick is going to be the NFL’s top boy.
We care too much about performance on the field that we forget that there is performance off the field that is more important. I love to watch a great athlete showcase their skills as much as anyone. However, I admire much more a person that equals those skills off the field. One that lives a positive life and gives back to society. Unfortunately, those character traits are not as celebrated as the highlights on the field are.
If the NFL was serious about their image as their marketing efforts attempt to portray; getting kids off the couch and getting them active, then their sincerity would certainly extend to the athletes that represent their product, right?
Perhaps if the NFL were to market Vick with their new initiative it would be like this: “Hey kids, lets Play 60! Get together with your friends, grab your pet and let’s burn some of our energy watching them fight to the death”!
The NFL’s effort and response with Mike Vick is such a gross contradiction that it makes me absolutely furious! The NFL attempts to promote the positive while ignoring and accepting the negative. MOST of us realize this and speak out against it. Those that do not realize it or ignore it vote for Mike Vick as a Pro Bowl starter. THAT IS HOW MIKE VICK REMAINS POPULAR!
Ignorance can often be self imposed, but can often be the result of terrific marketing. The NFL seems to be absolutely perfect in imposing both upon those that cannot see the big picture and respond appropriately.
Ultimately, this is on Vick. Mike was the one that chose to fight and abuse animals. Mike was the one that served time for doing so. The NFL did not participate or approve of his actions. However, by providing Vick with a new forum to showcase his talents the NFL is now a co-conspirator to his efforts and success. Guilt by association. It could and should have been different. Welcome to the VICKFL.
Thanks for your interest.
Sincerely,
Darren Usher
President and CEO, Aim To Beginn, LLC
www.officialvickdogchewtoy.com
www.doglifegear.com
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