In the end, however, with all of his high praise and strength he did not save himself from a less than glorious death. While walking through the forest he decided to test his strength. Milo placed his hands and feet into the cleft of a trunk and tried to split apart the wood. He succeeded in loosening the wedges, which fell out, but the trunk closed on his hands, trapping him. There, according to the tale, he fell prey to wild beasts that ripped into his flesh severing each limb.
Like Milo, Michael Vick, a former professional football player who was once regarded as the face of the NFL, fell prey to the trappings of his celebrity. Vick, 28, pleaded guilty in August 2007 to bankrolling a dog-fighting operation, Bad Newz Kennels, and to helping kill eight dogs. What complicates, and perhaps would prevent him from ever restoring his image is the criticism that follows him.
“I’ve realized my wrongs and I accept my punishment. But upon my release I hope I’m able to put this behind me.”
Representatives from animal-rights groups have made Vick the poster child for animal cruelty, but his agent insists that in spite of the anti-Vick campaign he will be given a second chance.
“Don’t count Vick out,” says Leigh Steinberg, who represented Ricky Williams, another star marred in controversy but managed to return this year after three years away. “It may be that 31 franchises pass on him as too problematic, “the agent said after Vick’s sentence was announced. “But it only takes one” to provide a second chance.”
And rightfully so, unlike other athletes of his caliber, Vick was quick to acknowledge his roll in the criminal investigation of a dog fighting operation in rural Virginia. The quarterback admitted he bankrolled the business, and provided money for bets on the fights, when sentenced he turned himself in early to begin serving his time. And since being incarcerated he has been a model inmate.
“The days go by much slower in here, but I’m able to stay fit. I’m working out everyday, and staying positive.”
As he imperturbably sits in his cell, dealing with what landed him in prison he remains optimistic about his future.
“Football is still a big part of me. I’m leading my team in here to an undefeated season.” Realizing the absurdity in his remark, he laughs. “As to what will happen when I’m released, only God knows.”
However, team owner Arthur Blank, who after the 2005 season awarded Vick with the richest contract in league history, shows little interest in bringing him back to the Falcons. “We have to move forward and right now Matt Ryan is our quarter back.”
Though he continues to quietly support Vick he hasn’t visited him, yet they correspond regularly through letters.
“I’ve issued a public apology and I’ve apologized privately, now my actions have to reflect my words. I’ve lost a lot but I still remain hopeful.”
The financial wreckage has yet to be accurately stated, but several reports have Vick’s loss upwards of $200 million dollars, and the lawsuits continue.
Still, his agent adds, “with all of Vick’s mistakes he still deserves to be forgiven.”
Based on federal guidelines for good behavior, Vick could be released as early as the upcoming summer and he could be eligible to play shortly thereafter. Whether or not the public will ever forgive Vick, he’s right in saying only God knows.
