According to a poll released by Angus Ried Strategies, a polling and marketing research firm based out of Canada, almost half of Americans think former Atlanta Falcons star Michael Vick should not be allowed to play in the NFL.
However, a third of NFL fans would like to see Vick play for their team.
Younger fans would like to see him play, while 52 percent of male fans believe he has paid his debt and should be allowed back in the league.
I believe the man spent 23 months in the pen and deserves a shot. I understand Vick did some terrible things, but he served his time already. His reputation is damaged, and if he wants to put himself in front of millions of fans again, and a team is willing to give him a chance, let him do it.
Maybe I’m in the minority on this, but how much is too much. If a team wants Vick to play for them, he has to serve a five-game suspension before he can even take the field.
Gee, I hope Donte Stallworth gets at least that amount when NFL commissioner Roger Goodell hands down his suspension. Stallworth killed a person. Vick killed dogs. Stallworth serves 24 days for DUI manslaughter. Vick serves 23 months in prison.
Where are our priorities these days?
I’m not a fan of Vick’s. I could care less if he’s not given a chance to play again. But that should be the team’s decision, not Roger Goodell’s. The guy has served his time, let him play already.
Players get in trouble, just like everyone else. Normal people lose jobs for their mistakes, but that doesn’t stop them from being able to apply for similar jobs. Less-paying jobs, than that in the NFL, of course.
Men were forgiving of Vick, women were not. According to the poll, 57 percent of women believe he should never be allowed to play again.
I will never understand dog fighting, how anyone can be so cruel to animals, but it appears Vick has learned his lesson. And if he hasn’t, if he gets in trouble again, then ban him from the league. This is a guy that had never got into trouble before this event.
So, why are there so many people that don’t believe in second chances when it comes to Vick?
It’s the money issue. If Vick worked a nine to five, nobody would know, nobody would care. People are jealous. Jealous of how athletes can make so much money playing a game. I agree, contracts today are ridiculous. But that’s the way it is.
Sports Opinion
August 6, 2009
SPRUIL: Let Vick play
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My 2010 moment
First off, I’d like to thank the Edmond sporting community for accepting me into their fold, or at least accepting me as much as possible for a journalist. It has been a great five-and a half months and I’ve had the opportunity to witness some prime time moments while at The Sun.
- SPRUIL: Woods scandal not that shocking Charles Barkley warned us about it in 1993. Professional athletes should not be role models.
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SPRUILL: Woods scandal not so shocking
Charles Barkley warned us about it in 1993. Professional athletes should not be role models.
Sir Charles gave us this gem back then stating, “A million guys can dunk a basketball in jail, should they be role models?”
Just can’t do it. I remember vividly the day I learned this valuable lesson, it was when I got my copy of Sports Illustrated with Sooner quarterback Charles Thompson being ushered to jail in his infamous orange jumpsuit. - HARRISON : It’s time for some hoops With Bedlam in the rearview mirror and talk of freezing temperatures and possible snow this week it can only mean one thing. The winter sports season is upon us.
- SPRUIL: 'Dogs have nothing to lose Bulldogs have a chance to break another streak, which is to attempt to end the east sides dominance — Jenks and Union have combined to win 13 straight Class 6A state titles.
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SPRUILL: UCO loaded for another run
No. 18-ranked Central Oklahoma appears to be loaded for another deep run in the NCAA Division II tournament.
It’s only November and the Bronchos have only played one game, but what they showed against Emporia State in a 116-114 double-overtime win was incredible. -
SPRUIL: Playoff picture still cloudy
With most of the district’s already decided — a few key matchups still remain — it’s time to start looking at the playoff picture.
We know Edmond Memorial, Edmond North and Oklahoma Christian are in the playoffs. Deer Creek is on life support, while Oklahoma Christian Academy and Edmond Santa Fe are done for the year following Friday night. -
SPRUILL: OU's Bradford still livin' the dream
There’s still no guarantee that Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford will play this season. But Sooner fan or not, you have to love the Heisman Trophy winner’s attitude.
His first start could come this week against Baylor, or it could be against Texas. You will not hear any crying from Bradford, though, that is for certain.
The media has questioned his decision about coming back. He could have been the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft, instead he gets injured in the opener and now his future is in question.
But what seems so shocking to some across the country, really isn’t that shocking at all. Bradford is living his dream. The dream of any former high school star in the state of Oklahoma that wants to play in either Stillwater or Norman. - HARRISON: Local teams draw favorable regional assignments With the end of the regular season fast approaching, local softball teams are turning their attention towards next week’s regional tournaments. While Edmond Santa Fe is the only squad that will be at home next week, all four teams have a legitimate shot at state.
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SPRUILL: Edmond recovering from split
Things are shaping up for another great football season for local teams.
As it stands, Edmond still has two undefeated teams in Edmond North and Oklahoma Christian School. And there are signs the big three have reached a near full recovery from the spit. - More Sports Opinion Headlines
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My 2010 moment
