by R.A. Scott

Created on: March 31, 2009   Last Updated: April 03, 2009

The federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas has been home to convicted dog fighter Michael Vick. He received a 23 month prison term for his part in a dog fighting ring. Vick admitted bankrolling the crime and also participating in the killings of a number of under-performing dogs. Sick stuff for Mr. Vick; but us a 23 month term a long enough sentence for his participation?

Well, his partners received lesser sentences but they also had less to lose in other ways. Michael Vick lost some very lucrative endorsement deals. On top of that his football income has dropped because he hasn't been playing football and he is going into bankruptcy claiming assets of 16 on liabilities of about 20 million. So now Mr. Vick can't pay his bills. What a travesty! This poor, poor man; I weep for you Michael and so do my assets of, oh I dunno maybe $1.47.

So no I do not think that Michael Vick has been punished less than what he should be. His 23 month sentence is appropriate and anything more would be overkill. Yes, I am an animal lover and was as astounded as anyone at what Vick had done. His actions were vile and reprehensible.

The best thing about the actual prison term Michael Vick received was that he actually received a sentence that was in line with what less than famous people would receive. Too many folks who are rich and famous get a mere slap on the wrist for their misdeeds and it has become a bit of a joke. Vick has proven that there is at least one judge who will give proper sentences where they are due.

Michael Vick has, as I mentioned previously, has lost millions in endorsement deals and that has come about as a direct result of his involvement with the dog fighting crap. I have no sympathy for him when it comes to losing his lucrative endorsements; it just goes with the territory. None of those companies want to be associated with such a character and who can blame them?

Another issue that will present its self in a few months has to do with his football career. His team, the Atlanta Falcons, have begun to attempt to shop his contract around to other teams. Apparently, a number of teams have passed on Vick because they don't want to acquire the ire of PETA and others should they employ the man.

I am not sure what happens to the remaining years and dollars on Vicks' contract but in the end I truly don not care. The guy can dry up and blow away in the wind as far as I am concerned. If his bankruptcy is real and he no longer has millions and has no way to get millions then that's a good thing. Although if he did have money he could be forced or embarrassed into giving lots of it to animal charities, not PETA but real animal charities.

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