Michael Vick. Should he be allowed to play? Has he paid the price? It all depends on who you ask.

Dog fighting in the United States is a serious issue and a serious crime. According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) animal cruelty cases are directly related to crimes against people, and animal abusers are five times more likely to commit violent crimes against people. It is a proven fact that animal abusers can go on to more violent crimes against human beings.

Once one of the highest paid players in the NFL, Michael Vick was charged and found guilty for dog fighting and cruelty, cruelty that stopped only because he was caught.

These animals were kept on Vick's own property nearly in sight of the fabulous tennis courts and the luxurious swimming pool. More than 50 dogs kept on chains in makeshift shelters, injured and emaciated just yards away from a palace. Animals treated as just what they were, possessions. Possessions for status.

As a society we are better than this, or at least we should be. Vick was punished to 23 months in jail, and he served 18 of them; should he be allowed to just move on with his life? Many companies and corporations do not hire convicted felons for many reasons, and it is known fact that felons found guilty of crimes much lesser than Vick's pay their price for many years finding it difficult to find a job.

In this case though, Michael Vick walks out of prison to an awaiting 6 million dollar contract, not a bad deal really. The NFL and the Philadelphia Eagles are willing to wipe his slate clean and allow him a fresh start. Are they doing this for Vick or for the almighty dollar?

Like it or not, high paid sports figures, actors and rock stars are in the public eye and in front of our children as role models. It is one of the high prices they pay for the high salaries they receive. By instantly re-hiring a convicted felon that killed defenseless and innocent animals sends a message that these types of activities and crimes can be quickly forgiven and erased as long as you are a valuable player and can make plenty of money for others. We need to show our children that people that are guilty of these horrendous crimes are no longer worthy of our cheers and our money.

Learn more about this author, Bonnie Martin.
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