Michael Vick

Excuse me, but what is the issue here?

Michael Vick was convicted of doing a terrible thing (I write as two dogs lie sleeping at my feet), sentenced to prison for it, served his time and was released. Since that release, he has continued to be mentored by one of America's real idols, Tony Dungy, partnered with the American Humane Society to counter the issues and mentality his crime displayed, and worked with at-risk youth. If the purpose of prison is both to punish and to rehabilitate, Vick appears -- on the early evidence -- to be one of the shining cases where the purpose has been met. The man deserves a chance to continue demonstrating that he has changed and to continue practicing his career, which just happens to be professional football player. Why then the outrage from so many quarters that the Philadelphia Eagles signed him to a contract? Last time I looked second chances were supposed to be one of the things this country is all about.

As he did in the furor about Barry Bonds, the NYT's columnist William Rhoden offers a welcome, articulate, and unhyperventilating view:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/15/sports/football/15rhoden.html?scp=4&sq=August+15+2009&st=nyt