Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Vick, Vick ... Vick

Since he seems to be in the news every week, it's easy to get into a conversation with sports fans about former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick. Recently, Vick has been in the news for appearing in court over his bankruptcy filing. And, he apparently has some potential legal trouble to do with the misuse of money in a pension fund.

Some guys like to argue over when Vick will play football again in the National Football League. Some condemn him as an utter fiend, who deserves no forgiveness. And, some speculate about what he ought to do to demonstrate his remorse and how he has been rehabilitated.

Now comes the news that Vick is considering becoming a reality TV performer.

The incarcerated NFL star has talked to producers about launching an unscripted program. The proposed documentary series would follow Vick beginning July 20, the day of his scheduled release from federal custody, and show him trying to "make amends for his past." Sources said eager producers even visited the suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback in prison in the hope of signing him. As a result, a few parties claim to have obtained rights to a Vick project.

Click here to read the entire article.

There are still plenty of Vick fans who refuse to accept that their favorite pro football player got what he deserved. Crimes or no crimes, they want him back on the playing field because he’s fun to watch. They also assume his talent for football will trump all else.

However, the NFL is by far the most buttoned-down of all the professional sports overseeing bodies. It will decide whether to allow Vick to play again. But it certainly doesn’t want PETA activists dressed up like bloody dogs demonstrating at every game. And, isn't that what will happen if Vick returns?

Try to imagine an NFL game's broadcast beginning with a series of corporate logos for sponsors of the game flashing up over the moving pictures of anti-Vick demonstrators in front of the stadium. Then imagine boycotts of the products and services of the companies with those logos by millions of dog-lovers.

In hard times, finding advertisers willing to pony up zillions to be associated with professional football is one thing; finding companies willing to run the risk of being connected to a villain with Vick's baggage will be another.

So, maybe Vick better be good on that reality television show. Those Vick apologists who think he will be playing football any time soon on Sundays are indulging in pure fantasy.

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