Is redemption ever possible?

Maybe Jets reserve quarterback Michael Vick should retire and become a shut-in. Or maybe he should volunteer to go back to jail. That is clearly what some people are wishing for . . .

He’s appearing in Shreveport, Louisiana this weekend to promote his comedy festival.

I don’t know he was involved in the comedy industry, but that is another story.

But during the visit to Shreveport he did a football clinic for local kids.

“Michael Vick has a real, true and genuine desire to engage young people,” said Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover. “You know the power that sports on television has on kids. He has a vision and his looking to do as much good as he can, in as many places as he can.”

The free clinic took place late this afternoon. There were people who protested Vick coming to Shreveport due to his dog-fighting past.

I hate what Vick did to dogs, but if a guy goes to jail for close to two years for the crime, and fulfills his sentence, shouldn’t he be allowed to continue his life when he gets out?

And those who don’t want him to, are sending a terrible message to kids, especially in areas plagued by high crime.

If you tell a person that goes to jail, that when you get out, you have no future, what is the incentive to stay away from crime when they get out? Very little incentive.

There is some really bad stuff going on across our country in inner cities. Look at the killing fields of Chicago.

I think it’s a big mistake to send a message – once you mess up, you are done.

I’m not that religious, but I do think redemption is important, and so does the mayor.

“I truly believe that he has a compelling and empowering story to share,” Glover said. “For those on the straight-and-narrow path, his is a cautionary tale that should encourage them to continue to stay focused and not stray. For those who have fallen short, Vick can give voice to the reality that redemption, reversal and recovery are indeed possible.”

It will be interesting to see what happens in Cortland, Florham Park, MetLife Stadium and so on. Will the activists come after him and the Jets. Because if they do, even if there are one or two of them, the media will be all over it. You get the sense that some in the Cortland-area will be protesting.

I’m going to pretty blunt here – Mike Vick wasn’t raised properly. Did you know his mother had him at 15?

And because of that poor upbringing in the Newport News ghetto, he had screwed up sensibilities. Kids can’t raise themselves.

I’m not making excuses for the disgraceful dog-fighting ring he had going on, but in his neighborhood, that was part of the messed-up culture.

I think the guy is in a good place right now. He did his time. He’s grown up, and he wants to help kids not make his mistakes.
So perhaps it’s time for the protestors cut him some slack.

July 11, 2104

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