Can Convicted Athletes Reform?

Today, Michael Vick was released from prison and is home for the final two months of his sentence for dog fighting. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has already

Today, Michael Vick was released from prison and is home for the final two months of his sentence for dog fighting. 

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has already stated several times that Vick would have to show remorse for his actions and be sincere in his sentiments. 

Clearly a man of Vick's athleticism, assuming the “penn” hasn’t ruined him, would be coveted by many NFL teams. Whether it be at quarterback, receiver or hybrid of the two in the upstart “Wildcat” offensive schemes, his return to the League seems inevitable. 

But as sure as his return is, so will the activist and naysayers calling for his ban from football. They’ll be at every game he plays in every city he visits. They’ll be non-stop and abrasive. 

They will have every American right to do so, but what is there intent? Are they trying to show their dismay for what he has done, or trying to stop him from reentering the league and scaring teams into not signing him?

If you believe in our current system of justice, Vick’s return should be a “Yes.” The system is set up for convicted persons to reform, unless they are ultimately given life or death penalty sentences. 

Under this model, Vick would have served his time, and pending Goodell’s approval would have reformed, thus making him more than eligible for return. 

If you have a problem with Vick’s return, you’re ultimately saying you have a problem with the judicial system in the United States. 

But this is a brash assumption. Possibly too logical of an assumption. Big shocker;Â where I expect Vick to draw his biggest opposers, is PETA and pet friendly supporters.

Clearly I do not condone or dismiss the actions of what he and his group did. PETA and others alike, certainly have every right to show their dismay. 

But what are they expecting, and what more should Vick and others who have faced or will face convictions do? He has done his time, and payed the price for his actions. Most likely in the face of public opinion he’ll do more and rebuild his image. 

Clearly, the NFL and other professional and collegiate organizations have faced several cases that involved the criminal justice system. Most not nearly as publicized as this one. Each creating problems for the future of their careers and teams they may eventually return to. 

While not every crime is the same, or have the same stipulations, we need to start evaluation our expectations upon their return. To say someone has reformed and accept them is usually very difficult, unless they’re helping your team win Championships. 

There’s no telling what Michael Vick’s potential professional return will hold. Or for that matter the likes of Plaxico Burress and others. But one thing’s for sure. 

If they make mistakes, sometimes costly to careers, sponsorships and public opinion, we need to make stipulations for their repair of them. Of course the American Judicial System has set forth their requirements and most complete them without obstructions. I’m not telling anyone they need to accept one’s return or even an apology, but at least give them a chance to do so, and prove if they have reformed or not. 

Click here to share what you think needs to be done, if anything in this case or others like it?