Vick an intriguing idea for Bears QB
January 6
Chicago Sun-Times columnist Carol Slezak
"Now that general manager Jerry Angelo has established quarterback as the Bears' highest priority, I'm thinking about Michael Vick. He's scheduled to be released from prison July 20, and he has made it clear he wants to resume his football career. He's an intriguing possibility for a team in search of quarterback help. I wonder if this town could forgive his crimes.
Before his hidden life became public knowledge, Vick was the most exciting player in the NFL and one of its most popular players, as well. The former No. 1 overall pick is a three-time Pro Bowl selection and took the Falcons to the playoffs twice. And while he wasn't a great passer, his running ability made him a constant threat. Defenses had to respect him, and they did.
Let's assume he will leave federal prison rehabilitated in every way. Let's assume he has learned the serious nature of his crimes and is repentant. Let's assume he is drug-free. Let's assume that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reinstates him. Under these circumstances, is there any reason why the Bears shouldn't be interested in him?
No, we don't know what kind of shape he'll be in after nearly two years in prison. But Vick always has been a remarkable athlete, and he's only 28. Good quarterbacks are tough to develop and tough to find on the open market. The position has been a particular challenge for the Bears throughout franchise history. Not that I'm ruling Kyle Orton out of the picture, mind you. But Angelo has made his priorities clear. If nothing else, he wants to see competition at the position. Vick would do the trick.
Vick needs to apologize first
But I wonder if people can get past the dogfighting. Can they get past the fact that Vick tortured and killed helpless animals? His crimes seemed particularly heinous to most of us. The public outcry was enormous. Americans love dogs. Our vilification of Vick was immediate and complete. When he's released, one of the first things he must do is make a sincere public apology. To convince people that he understands the cruelty of his actions, he'll have to team up with animal-rights organizations. That's his best hope to keep the animal brigades off his back. But sports fans have a long history of forgiving. If Vick still can play, and play well, we'll forgive him, too.
The Associated Press recently spoke to PETA spokesman Dan Shannon, who said PETA will reconsider its position regarding Vick if he gets ''as active fighting against dogfighting as he was participating in it. ... That will determine not just how PETA reacts, but also how the public and the NFL and individual teams react.'' Fair enough, considering Vick's crimes. Sometimes jail time isn't enough. Sometimes society demands more.
When considering Vick's future, let's not pretend the NFL is filled with perfect citizens. For every all-around good guy like Mike Brown, there's another Plaxico Burress or Pacman Jones or Tank Johnson waiting to be found out. Vick deserves a chance to resume his career. There will be strings attached, of course. Morals clauses and counseling sessions and whatever else the league or a team might ask for to cover its risk. But in all likelihood, Vick will get another chance somewhere. Why not here?
Let's not forget that he already has paid a huge price for his crimes. In addition to his loss of freedom, he has lost all his money. He was once the most popular athlete in Atlanta, but the Falcons have made it clear they want nothing to do with him. He was the kind of guy kids emulated. No longer. He has a lot of work ahead of him to rebuild his reputation in the community. But when it comes to the league, all that matters is whether he still can play. He deserves a chance to put his mistakes behind him."
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