Truth and Consequence

by Sheryl McCollum

By definition, the meanings of "consequence" include "result; something that follows a result."

If I hear another person say that Michael Vick has "paid his debt," I will lose my mind. Criminals sometimes go to jail for their crimes. Jail is punishment. After they get out of jail, their debt has not been paid. Society has a say-so; it's called consequences. After jail, the criminal must face the court of public opinion -- the result that follows a result such as his conviction for maiming and murdering dogs. Society will decide his other sentence.

Are we going to trust and welcome him back into our society, or are we going to forever see him as a criminal who can't be trusted? Will he be like citizens on the sex-offender registry: We don't trust them now, and we won't trust them later?

The public now gets to determine its future relationship with Vick. It's your turn to decide the consequences for Vick's past behavior.

Let's Recall the Facts

• A drug raid on Vick's property led police to a dog fighting ring.

• Informants said some 30 dogs were buried on the property, and Vick actively participated in dog fighting and betting, not one or two times, but since his college days!

• Vick bankrolled the gambling on these fights.

• Vick owned and bred dogs to fight so others could bet on the "matches."

• Vick lied about his involvement with dog fighting to his team owner and coach, to the NFL, and to fans, law enforcement, and subsequently, the world.

So what does this all mean? Vick used his dogs, money and property for criminal activity. After police broke up the ring, 66 dogs found temporary homes in shelters. According to court records, Vick operated his dog-fighting venue for more than five years. How many dogs suffered and died during that time? His co-defendant admitted to killing dogs who "did not perform well -- by hanging or drowning." In fact, the 18-page indictment states dogs were "electrocuted, drowned, shot or hanged." Also found on the property: a "rape stand" used for breeding. Doesn't this show how involved Vick and his co-defendants were in this brutal criminal activity?

During the investigation, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell ordered Vick to stay away from the Falcons training camp. Reebok, Upper Deck Trading Cards, AirTran Airlines and Rawlings Sports Goods all chose to end their relationships with him. Nike dropped him. These humiliations and income losses are consequences, imposed not by law but by society.

Man's Best Friend

A few facts about dogs: More people have dogs than children. Most states have more animal shelters than shelters for battered women. Dogs keep us safe. They sweep buildings for bombs and cars for drugs. As partners of police officers, each is trained to take down a bad guy holding a gun. Many are trained to take a bullet for their human partners. Dogs help find missing and lost people; some are trained to find dead bodies. They give vision-impaired people the freedom to walk around safely, helping them cross streets, go up and down steps, and maneuver around other hazards. Some service dogs give alerts of impending seizures, providing just enough time for their owners to sit or lie down instead of suddenly hitting the ground. I wonder.....

How many people who benefit from and love dogs would want season tickets to see Vick throw a football? Has Vick put his life on the line to save another? Has he ever helped a blind person get around for a day? Has he ever risked his life sniffing out dangerous materials in a high-rise?

Vick can throw a ball - big friggin deal! I'll take the dog!

Where there's Smoke there's Fire

"In a crisis, don't hide behind anything or anybody. They are going to find you out anyway." -- Bear Bryant.

Vick lied. He said he was never at the property, that he had learned a lesson about "trusting family members." Then he was indicted and plead not guilty.

Remember why his home was raided in the first place?

On Sept. 26, 2007, a federal judge placed tighter restrictions on Vick after he tested positive for marijuana while awaiting sentencing on the felony charge. The judge in Vick's case told him: "I'm not convinced you've fully accepted responsibility." Vick had a six-year contract worth a potential $62 million, including a signing bonus of $15 million. He was later sued by banks and filed for bankruptcy. Yes, Vick lost money, fame, fans and a lucrative career. Yes, he served time in prison. Too bad. These are all consequences.

Vick's Future

Vince Lombardi: "Football is like life; it requires perseverance, self denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication, and respect for authority."

Many criminologists say if you want to know about future behavior look at past behavior. Vick's past shows him as a liar, animal killer, gambling backer, and drug user. The Miami Dolphins said they were "interested" in the reinstated Vick. His future in football may be uncertain, but one thing is certain to follow Vick wherever he goes: The consequences of his past crimes.

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