Michael Vick is an Eagle
August 14th, 2009I am in Philadelphia this morning for a press conference announcing Michael Vick’s signing with the Eagles.
There has been a lot of speculation about where he would end up, and all parties are glad this is over, so Mike can now look forward. I spoke with Andy Reid, the coach of the Eagles, earlier in the week, and I knew they were interested. Michael is very excited and pleased to be back in the NFL. I don’t know what the overall reaction will be, but I’m hoping that the message of repentance and forgiveness will come out today.
August 14th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Tony….thanks for all you have been doing with Mike Vick…..I will pray along with you that the message of repentance and forgiveness comes through as well! Afterall, it is only by the grace of God that we don’t go down the same path. Praise God for his unconditional love and forgiveness that we can experience on a daily basis. God Bless you today and always…..you friend and brother in Christ…..Rick
August 14th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be measured by the way its animals are treated.”
– Mahatma Gandhi
I don’t understand the way you think…he did not make a ‘mistake’…..he Bankrolled the dogfighting for SEVEN years…that’s a lot of “mistakes”…and he didn’t do it for the money, he enjoyed what he did to the dogs.
Vick is a SLUG and he always will be…a leopard don’t change its spots.
Shame on you.
August 14th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Tony,
Thanks for being a man of God and being there to help others like Mike. It is an awesome reminder that God is ALWAYS there for us, no matter what we do, willing to forgive us and give us another shot. God loves everyone and wants us to surrender to HIS will so that we can finish the race He has for us. I pray Mike will find strength in Christ and mentors like you.
Thanks for being an great inspiration for me…to put God first. I really enjoyed your last book!
Continue to Bless and BE BLESSED!
For HIS Glory,
Wayne
August 14th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Tony: Thank you for being the promoter of forgiveness in this situation. I can understand how people are concerned, but I am reminded of what the Humane Society stated when Vick announced he would help them in their anti-dog fighting campaign
“We were very involved in criticizing Vick for conduct which we found reprehensible, and we strongly supported law enforcement and judicial action that led to his incarceration,” Pacelle told ESPN.com (in May). “I don’t think anyone was tougher on him than we were. But the goal was never the continued punitive treatment of Michael Vick. The goal has always been to eradicate dogfighting in America and around the world.”
I think we all are hopeful that Mike can inspire good decision-making in our youth and country and a reminder of the consequences of bad decisions.
August 14th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Quite frankly, I don’t believe Vick will truly reform, but I pray that I’m wrong here. He has a chance to do more than simply “right a wrong”. He has a chance to be a positive impact on young athletes. The scary part is that if he doesn’t make those necessary changes then he’ll be even more of a detriment to young people, especially African-Americans. See Adam Jones, Michael Irvin and Chris Henry.
To those that don’t think that Vick should be given this opportunity; I challenge you to recount the times that YOU were given second chances in life. I’m wise beyond my years thanks to the lessons I’ve learned from my mistakes in life.
Mistakes are only a mistake if you don’t learn from them.
August 14th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
I have always had a lot of respect for you Tony both as a coach and a person, and while I agree everyone deserves forgiveness I am very dissapointed in your support of Michael Vick. Maybe it’s not fair but in my opinion athletes, politicians, and other prominent figures should be held to a higher moral standard. When these people make the choice to enter into the public arena, they take the responsibility of becoming a role model for our children. Like it or not. Personally Vick is not someone I want my children looking up to. I don’t feel he ever took any real personal responsibility for his actions. If he has truly changed thats great, and with God’s help he should be forgiven, but that doesn’t mean we have to put him back in a position to mold our kids.
August 14th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
As a father and a Christian, I am deeply concerned by Tony Dungy’s involvement with the Michael Vick situation. I have always been a huge supported of Coach Dungy, and was especially thrilled when he came to coach my hometown team the Colts. What Vick did was not just make a mistake, but a pattern of deep seeded cruelty and killing. I believe he has an evil heart, and regardless of whether or not he “did his time”, he doesn’t deserve anything. The NFL, or it’s fans do not owe Vick a thing. My opinion of Coach Dungy’s decision making has dropped because of this, and I am disappointed in him.
August 14th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
I don’t know if Vick is truly repentant. I don’t know if he has truly changed. What I do know is that he paid the price our justice system doled out. And while many may argue that 2 years was not enough… at least he wasn’t able to used his star power and millions to get away with probation and community service. He spent about 2 years in JAIL. (Stallworth just killed someone with his car and wont spend a day in jail – go figure. ) He’s paid his debt to society and if the Humane Society is willing to forgive him and work with him to stop dog fighting in the US… so am I. God forgives, why can’t we.
August 14th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
I have mixed feelings. I agree he should be forgiven, but I don’t feel he should be back in the NFL. I feel that dog fighting is one of the worst forms of moral depravity. If someone has a mind to do that and profit from it, it shows that they are mentally sick. I think that getting paid millions (or six figures) to play a sport is a privilege that comes with social/moral responsibility. I feel that although Michael Vick can and should be forgiven as a person, he should not be allowed to play in the NFL.
August 14th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be measured by the way its animals are treated.”
– Mahatma Gandhi
NOT!
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be measured by the way we are Christ like to individuals”
Let him who is without sin trough the 1st stone.
Sandy749 and Mahatma Gandhi don’t have a clue…
August 14th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
Hi Coach Dungy, I am an 11-year old boy in Hawaii and I saw you on TV today talking about Michael Vick. I love animals, and I look up to football and lacrosse players in particular. My older brother and I volunteer at no-kill animal shelters so we’ve seen many tortured animals who have been saved. We know that people who abuse other people can start by abusing animals, and we know animals have so much love, unless they are abused ~ just like kids do. Would you please coach Michael Vick to be a fundraiser and spokesperson for no-kill shelters across the country? He is still a celebrity and could be a role model again if he put more energy into teaching compassion for animals than he did into torturing and killing those good dogs. People look up to football players because they are strong, but don’t always understand that being good to animals shows strength of spirit. Please consider coaching Michael Vick to really help animals that have been abused. It’s his message to give and is the right thing to do. Thank you.
August 14th, 2009 at 6:09 pm
I believe the jury is still out on Michael Vick…
I also believe everyone deserves a second chance. Someone – Anyone who commits a crime and serves the time, should be allowed to re-enter society at whatever capacity they can. Stating the Michael Vick cannot play football, ever again, is no different than saying an employee at a factory, convicted of a crime, can never work in a factory again. I Disagree!
While I believe everyone deserves a second chance… It’s how the person capitalizes on the second cheance that makes a difference. There are many convicted felons that have truly repented their sins and their action and have become contributing members of society. If Michael has TRULY prepented, then he will become a great spokesperson and a role model. If he can admit his mistakes, move forward in a different light, and demonstate that he is a chnged man, then I would definitely want my children to model themselves after someone who can overcome adversity and come out the there side stringer because of it.
…Let’s just be supportive of his second chance.
August 14th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Tony I was one of you biggest fans until you said the Monday Night football comercial was racist. How in the world can you come up that? Now you are backing Vick. If you were really aware of what happens in dog fighting, one fight, one look at a dog with it’s face ripped off…. If Vick had any moral character he would have turned and walked away and never been involved. Tony, if he was white would you still support him? I don’t think so.
August 14th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
I have been such a fan of yours, through your coaching and the death of your son. You were a true Christian example. But now I support you no more. How could you support a sadist, an evil sadist? What he did was premediated torture, it was not a mistake. A mistake is when you might marry the wrong person, or drive a little fast. He needs many years of counseling and then may be he will be a new person. Right now, he’s only sorry for getting caught. And you are not God who can look into his heart and soul and see change. There will be NO change until he rids himself of the sadism which is deeply ingrained. He had many years to stop it and didn’t. I can just see him laughing as he killed the dogs or saw them be killed. That smug, laughing face. And your part in it is almost as mentally sick as he is. Forgive if you want, support, no way! How could you?
August 14th, 2009 at 7:08 pm
As a 16-year parole officer, Christian, licensed counselor since ‘87, and workforce specialist I have seen a lot of the good and bad with youth and adult ex-offenders. Many of us have made big and small mistakes in life we’ve wanted forgiveness for too, and we should remember Jesus’ example and commandment of forgiveness goes wide and deep, as should ours. Of course there’s nothing wrong with healthy caution here too. However, if we want public safety in our communities, we have to be willing to give a second chance to those repentant (many have family members who quality here), or at least get out of the way of those of us trying to give that “hand up” to those willing to repent and overcome their past mistakes and legal barriers so they can be law-abiding, valuable members of family and society again.
Michael is indeed blessed beyond most to have Tony’s guidance and the skills and opportunity that can provide him and his family a very good living. I have a feeling he’ll make good use of this opportunity to benefit himself and others. His status as a role model, esp. to youth, can now be even more enhanced by his come back that includes remorse and public dedication against animal cruelly, especially as he uses it to better others.
I also think we should hesitiate to quickly judge Tony’s help with Michael. He is simply sharing some Godly love and wisdom to a soul of worth, and he is to be admired and respected as a very busy, popular person, who is giving of himself to this degree to benefit Michael. PS- If you don’t know, take a closer look and you’ll find that Tony does this for many others repentant with similar mistakes who have a lot less opportunity and support than Michael. As several said, the jury is still out, but let’s at least give Michael a “second” chance before we pass judgment or sentence all over again.
August 14th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
I am of the opinion of support both for Tony Dungy and Michael Vick. I hope that he makes, I hope we see him as a new man, and I hope he is able to be a role model for his own kids and family (even before we question whether he should be a role model to our own). I applaud you for the work you have done, Tony. Christ did not come for the spritually healthy but for the sick and disturbed. And I see that in your life.
August 14th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
Dear Tony,
I wish every town had someone like you. As our youth face may challenges, they often time feel there is no one in their corner fighting for them, willing to give them that second chance. If more people were willing to forgive we would have better communities.
As people, Why are we so unforgiving? “Each one, Reach one” shouldn’t be a slogan, but a way of life. I know everyone can’t be helped…but why can’t we help those that wants help…..
August 14th, 2009 at 8:36 pm
Coach Dungy I have always had a great deal of respect for you as a coach and an individual. I too believe that everyone deserves to be forgiven and that God does forgive us all for our sins. HOWEVER, I am concerned that the “remorse” Vick has shown is more about regaining his spot in football and less about his deeds. Killing animals is not a mistake, it is a choice. Vick participated and bankrolled dog fighting for at least 7 years. So he made a mistake 2,555 days. I would rather have seen Vick serve out his probation and put his “remorse” in action not just words, before there was any consideration for him returning to the NFL. I certainly know that my employer would not rehire me if I was a convicted felon. His 2 years in jail is only payment to the justics system for his felony, it is not payment for the crime. What actions has Vick taken to share his story and detour animal cruelty? From what I saw, he was more concerned with hitting the bars after his release from home detention than he was in working with any animal welfare groups.
I hope Vick proves me wrong. But, I beg you Tony, please follow thru on your mentoring. Find out what he does with his free time, find out what type of person he really is off the field. I might be willing to forgive Vick but I certainly will not forget what he did, and I don’t think a 2nd chance for him is a job making $1. 6 million dollars.
August 14th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
What Michael Vick did was cruel and way beyond a mistake. I believe his actions show the true human being that he is, evil. The dogs he tortured and killed were not given a second chance and he made a choice to not only participate in the dog fighting but to bankroll the whole thing. After he serves out his 3 years probation, volunteers his time to animal welfare groups to end animal cruelty, volunteers his time to mentor youth and makes some financial donations to animal welfare groups, then he can have his second chance. $1.6 Million is certainly a large salary for a second chance and to possible sit on the bench. How much of that salary is he going to donate?
August 15th, 2009 at 8:19 am
Since you’ve elected not to print my comments left before, let’s try this. It will require more work, but, Aristotle said in the Nicomachean Ethics, “It’s not what we think of good and evil that matters. It’s our choice of good or evil that matters.” And you’ve chosen it.
Harold Hester
August 15th, 2009 at 11:12 am
Indeed what Vick did was cruel. He did the time that was given to him, went through bankruptcy and lost millions and was pretty much castrated by the humane society. Is this not enough? He has paid his dues well enough. He has talked to youth about what he did was wrong and I’m pretty sure this is haunting him. Do you remember a time when you disrespected your wife? Do you remember a time when you let your kids down? Do you remember hearing about Jesus who was crucified because of his statements? Who are we to say that this man is not to be given a second chance especially with conditions and restrictions? As long as God forgives him, who are we not to? We are mere mortals and God has spoken through the NFL through reinstatement and through the Eagles for signing him. If God didnt want him to be back in the NFL he wouldn’t be. Have you ever heard of God breaking a man down so low but only to rebuild him? How about God letting you go through some things only until you have no choice but to call on him. He killed dogs, which was shameful, wrong and disappointing. God didnt approve of it but maybe he let it happen so that he could get to Vick through the walls of his cell and through the money in his wallet. We killl cows for beef and chicken for their meat? Should we be incarcerated? Do you think they just simply put those cows to sleep. No, they whack them upside the head until their dead. Look it up and see the hammer like tools they use to accomplish this and tell me thats not cruel but yet you eat hamburgers. Let the man play football for he has paid his dues.
August 17th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Tony,
Continue to stay strong. I know your conviction is rooted in the forgiveness you have been given from our Savior.
August 17th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Charles Manson did not “kill” anyone but he is still in prison.I think this man schould NOT be permitted back in the game of football. Iam so glad that you ,Tony are a forgiving person and my son and husband adore you as I respect you also but… I feel he is being rewarded for a horrific crime against animals.Yes we all forgive him it just don’t seem correct to give him back what he lost for his crimes.I know I will get flack for my comment but I had to get it out of my mind you know freedom of speech.
August 21st, 2009 at 2:19 am
I appreciate Coach Dungy’s support of Michael Vick. I, for one, made a terrible decision that adversly affected my life and the lives of those around me, several years ago. If it had not been for repentence, forgiveness, and somebody “sticking their neck out” for me, my life would be in ruins. Michael Vick paid his pennance, we don’t need to make him pay more. He has his chance to do what he’s been gifted to do, let’s pray for him, and let him do it. “He who has no sin, let him cast the first stone…”