With a glimmer of empathy, Vick gets thrown a bone

Warning: The following commentary has nothing to do with Fanshawe College, Fanshawe Student Union or the Interrobang but is the comments of this sports writer, Jairus Patterson.

Ok, I was not forced to write this disclaimer however I'm sure my editor Diana or John would request it after reading what I have to say about society and Michael Vick.

During my annual Labour Day party with friends, the topic of Michael Vick got brought up and I found myself feeling sorry for the man.

First off, I do not like Vick at all. I'm not a Falcons fan, (my team is worst, the Detroit Lions) nor do I think he has the ability to lead his team to the Super Bowl. However, and yes there is a however, I feel the media and society are treating him unfairly! Do not get me wrong, I do not approve of what he did, I think he's a sick son-of-a-bitch for helping in the killing of six to eight pit bulls. But let's take another look at that statement. He killed pit bulls, DOG'S. People, they are dogs that he killed. Yes dogs are a man's best friend, but come on people, it's not like he killed a human being. Ask yourself this, if you saw a human and a dog drowning in the ocean and could only save one what would you save? For me its simple; it's the human.

I would like to know if Vick went out and killed someone would he still be able to play in the NFL this year? Would he be facing murder charges and jail time? I would like to say yes, however I do not know if I can. Let's think about this for a minute. These charges are taking place in the same state that NHL superstar Dany Heatley killed his best friend and teammate Dan Snyder. Heatley pleaded guilty to second-degree vehicular homicide, driving too fast for conditions, failure to maintain a lane, and speeding. How did this impact his life? Besides the guilt that might be on his consciences for the rest of his life or maybe its gone, he didn't miss anytime due to suspension or jail time. He didn't lose millions of dollars in endorsements, people weren't selling his hockey card ripped to shreds on eBay and he didn't have millions of people wanting him to go to jail. The fact that he lost a friend was punishment enough. That is complete bullshit. My friends keep telling me Heatley got off light because Snyder's parents forgave him. Well maybe if dogs could talk the Pit Bull's parents might forgive Vick. Ok maybe that is a little stupid, but isn't it worst to take a human life then an animal's life? Heatley should have served time behind a cell because I know if you or I murdered our best friend, we would have spent some time in jail.

Then I have heard that Vick might have to serve time behind bars because he is a black athlete. Heatley killed a person and got away with it because he is a white athlete. I hope not, but it makes you think. Both are superstars in the same town, both break the law however only one might face jail time.

These athletes are supposed to be role models and set example for little Johnny and Timmy, however for some reason some of them think they are above the law. Every year you hear about athletes drinking and driving and nothing happens to them. Is drinking and driving just as serious as killing dogs? Vick is an idiot for risking his future for the entertainment of seeing dogs fight. He has over 20 million reasons to stay away from breaking the law. Well maybe because he feels like he is superman and can do anything he wants, he needed to find the thrill of entertainment in some other way. (I would suggest maybe throwing a party on a boat but that doesn't go well with football players.) Why he would risk his whole life to do something thrilling and crazy is something we will never really know.

I do not feel sorry that Vick will spend time in jail, I'm more then happy to see an athlete go behind bars. I just feel sorry that he will be the first one to serve time when there have been far worst situations before and athletes have gotten away with only a slap on the wrist.