As you already know, I am a die-hard Philadelphia Eagles fan. And as you probably figured out, I support the Eagles decision to sign Michael Vick. Lets just lay all the facts out on the table here. What he did to those dogs were horrible and illegal. The public reaction to his crimes, though, has been over the top. I remember when Vick was indicted on animal abuse charges, the streets leading to the courtroom were lined with protesters calling for his head. Yes, what the man did was horrible. But then again, lets look at this in context. Where was that same rage when murders were marched into the same courtroom?

Now that Michael Vick has served his time: had 2 years in prison to think about what he did, had to apologize and ask for a 2nd chance from his family, from his kids, and his future wife, he is ready to move in a more positive direction. But I ask why has the rage against Michael Vick suddenly resurfaced when he signed with an NFL team? Would the public be outraged if he held a job at McDonalds? No. Not at all. This is because this rage isn't fueled by what Vick has done, it's fueled by jealousy. It's fueled by the fact that Michael Vick, will make millions of dollars, and those who are protesting won't. I can see their point of view, as this probably doesn't seem fair. They are probably thinking "Why, I'm a good citizen, not a dog a killer, why can't I be making the millions of dollars right?"

In their eyes, Michael Vick should redeem himself by losing everything and working at a job for no money, for the rest of his life.

But lets be realistic. Michael Vick has always been a football player. And any redemption, if it were to happen, would have to come through the NFL. He's not built to work the drive-through at McDonald's, or to do construction work. A man that talented is made for the NFL. And right now, this is his only chance to redeem himself.

If the liberal animal right protester believes that terrorist should be set free from Gitmo, that child molesters have the right to be secretly assimilated back into society, and that those who are murderers can be rehabilitated and given book deals, why can't Micheal Vick be given a second chance to play football?

I ask those who wish to condemn Vick to a harder life, would his life or society actually benefit from it? Vick, a troubled boy, would probably wonder back into his hard life, and maybe even start selling drugs. Do we need another drug dealer out there? He could possibly end up dead on the streets. Is it right to want this type of life for a man who wants to turn over a new leaf?

It is obvious that Vick became this way because he had no true positive role model in his life. And right now, in the NFL, for the first time, he is surrounded by good men, men who can counsel his troubled soul. Tony Dungy, a man of faith, a highly respected man, is mentoring Vick. The Humane Society, is supporting Vick's return to the NFL. Andy Reid, a man who knows much about second chances, is his head coach. Micheal, can do great things for society, for his life, and others, if he succeeds. Like the former gang-banger who counsels teens and tells them to be a better person, Vick could be that man if he chooses too.

Only time will tell what Vick will do with this opportunity. Lets pray, that he'll do the right thing.

GO EAGLES!