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Today's Poll: Should Michael Vick be allowed to play NFL football again?

By Howard B. Owens
Chelsea O'Brien

If you did a "normal" job, were arrested and convicted of the same crimes he was, you would not be allowed back at your job. You would be an ex-con and treated as such by society. You would probably have to find a very low-paying job, and would not be allowed to advanced a whole lot until you earned the trust of the people and society again.

I don't think it has anything to do with the standards of the NFL, I think it has to do with his celebrity status. I also think, while he may be a good football player, that no team should have put out bids. But, then again, they're looking for a profit, too.

Aug 17, 2009, 1:03pm Permalink
C D

Chelsea, that isn't necessarily true. Employers can't just lay off employees without a good reason unless the employee signed a contract stating they can be fired at any time without any reason. Regardless, being an ex-con doesn't constitute as a good reason.

I had a small argument over this not too long ago. The point is that if he were an ordinary citizen, he would've received less punishment. Because of his celebrity status, he's received even more. That isn't justice. Justice is fair and unbiased, regardless of the person's status in society, skin color, ethnicity, etc.

Michael Vick has been punished enough. Trying to make an example out of him, which seems to be the common argument from the opposing side, is not justice.

Aug 17, 2009, 2:11pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

I've seen "criminals" retained in jobs because they were valuable employees, or they find other good work in the same industry because they have a good reputation for the work they do.

Aug 17, 2009, 2:36pm Permalink
Ray Yacuzzo

Re: Chris Olin's comment.
Chris, New York is an "employment-at-will" state. Anyone may be fired for any reason other that those reasons that are legally discriminatory. In other words one can be fired if the boss doesn't like the color of his sox.

Aug 17, 2009, 3:39pm Permalink
George Richardson

I think it is bizarre that dogfights and cockfights are illegal but you can pay 20 or 30 bucks for pay per view Human Cage Fights. All of that trash should be banned, or none of it.

Aug 17, 2009, 7:15pm Permalink
Tyler Hall

I'm all game for Michael Vick back in the NFL, for many reasons, but comparing the killing (hanging) of dogs and the forcing of them to fight each other is not even close to humans willingly competing for salary.

Aug 17, 2009, 10:22pm Permalink
Peter O'Brien

There is a big difference George, Human fights are done at will. Doctors are right there ring side. The fighters sign waivers allowing the opponent to cause as much damage as he is able. Ambulances are stationed right outside.

Dogfights and Cockfights are to the death and the animals don't get to choose if they want to fight or not. If they are not willing they get hanger or worse.

Aug 18, 2009, 7:19am Permalink

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