Michael Vick is Back!?

So, Michael Vick played QB for the Atlanta Falcons until he was charged with a felony for operating an unlawful six-year long interstate dog fighting venture known as "Bad Newz Kennels" at a house he owned in Virginia. He was sentenced to 23 months in prison. He served 18 months of his sentence before being released from prison.

On August 13, Vick signed a 1-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles that will pay him $1.6 million this year with an option for the 2010 season worth $5 million. This past Sunday, sportscaster James Brown interviewed Vick for 60 Minutes. In the interview Vick stated that he was sorry that he did not step up as a leader and put a stop to the dog fighting, torture and killing. He said he was sorry for how it impacted his family, friends and team. He seemed very concerned with how it affected his life, but not really genuinely remorseful for what he did to the animals and for breaking the law. The excuse is that this was the life he was surrounded by growing up, so we need to give him a break.

If I was the one who was convicted of a felony charge and served time in prison, I would not be able to come back and get the same or similar job that I had before serving prison time. Does he deserve to make $1.6 million this year just because he is talented on the football field? Why then should I not be able to get a similar paying job after serving time for a felony conviction? Does this mean that he is better or more valuable than me, or any other regular working person? I don't think so and am ashamed that the NFL let him back into the league so soon.

Everybody has a right to resume their life after serving the required time for their crime. The problem is that regular people do not get that luxury. Only celebrities and wealthy people do. This is just not right!