Let me start this by saying that what Michael Vick did was completely heinous. Pitting dogs against one another in a fight to the death is completely and utterly reprehensible. With that said, everyone on this planet deserves a second chance. Vick served 23 months, combined, between Federal Prison and house arrest. Over that time he has had time to contemplate just what he did and how wrong it really was. He has given a public apology which, in my opinion, was clearly sincere. Now, he's free and a free agent. As many as five teams are reported to have interest in signing Michael Vick and, in my belief, the only reason is because of his personal advisor since being released from Prison and house arrest: Tony Dungy.
If Michael Vick really listens to Tony Dungy, turns himself around as much as he says he has and lives his life by the book the rest of the way, he will be fine. If he removes himself from the group of "friends" he has always been associated with, the same "friends" that were also linked to dog-fighting, he will be have a much better road ahead of him. But Dungy is the key to all of this. He is the key to Vick staying out of trouble.
Let's look at Tony Dungy's life. The man has been through a number of coaching jobs and turned the Indianapolis Colts into a perennial power. Dungy has six children with his wife, Lauren, one of which committed suicide in December of 2005. He is a devout Christian who has been a speaker for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He once considered retirement to take up prison ministries. Since he did retire, after the 2008-09 season, he has stayed involved with football, doing radio shows and, at the request of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, serving as Vick's advisor.
Dungy is a soft-spoken man off the field and many would say that he is a ray of light in a dark world. Basically, he is everything Michael Vick wasn't before his legal troubles. If he can become one bit like Tony Dungy, his life will start going down the right path. Dungy has been so impressed by the changes Vick has made since he started working with him, he has actually recommended Vick to 12 different coaches as a player who might fit well into their system. With Vick's reinstatement to the league, he will be allowed to participate in all team activities and workouts except for games.
According to Dungy, Vick has really changed and realized his mistakes since he started working with him. What we will have to wait and see is how the members of the team that sign Vick react to being around him. He has to be ready for some looks and glares. But if he can get through that, make sure his future teammates know that he is there for the team and not just himself, he will make it. So, Michael, thank your lucky starts for Tony Dungy. He is your key. Remember that, and you'll do just fine.
Fire Wedge. Fire Shapiro. Get a New Owner.
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