Originally posted by quackquack
It is impossible to determine whether someone is redeemed. I can say that Vick was punished (excessively especially when compared to those athletes who kill humans and don't serve jail time), that he rededicated himself to his craft and he is better than ever. He is an excellent teammate, he has stayed out of trouble and he is the most exciting player i ...[text shortened]... y are you not upset about his Heisman trophy? I think it crazy that you only talk about Vick.
This thread is about Vick, not Newton. I deplore moderate punishment for heinous crime. My objection to Vick is that he is allowed a livelihood which is a privilege, not a right, after committing a heinous crime and for which he even fialed to plead guilty. Redemption begins with admission of guilt. Thus far I fail to see any such admission. I don't dispute Vick is playing at an exceptionally high level and making the best of his opportunity. However, consider this. Sociopaths become more emboldened as sociaty looks the other way. Vick is putting out feelers. That's their MO. See what they can get away with. Then their acts become more thuggish. I would never deny anyone their livelihood, but perps, pervs, miscreants and such should flip burgers, dig ditches, etc., not be allowed into a priviliged group simply because they're good at their craft. Because of Vick Phillie got rid of a a good guy in McNabb.
Simply because I don't mention every miscreant who walks the halls of professinal or college athletics disqualifies me from talking about Vick. I daresay your moral standards are way tougher than mine since you deny me my right to speak out for lame reasons. As far as I know Cam Newton knew nothing about his father's shenanigans. Hvae others ben punished harshly for similar acts. Sure! Out of my control. However, NCAA tends to punsih towards the future rather then those committing the violation such as what happened to SMU with the death penalty.
Death penalty should be reserved for such crimes that merit execution and are clearly outlined in the penal code of states that favor such punishment.