Michael Vick Wants Dog? Says it Would Help Him Rehabilitate
What does Michael Vick want for Christmas? You guessed it: Michael Vick wants a dog.
Surely he can afford a new pooch, but there is one large legal problem standing in his way: as part of his federal sentence for dog fighting, Vick has a lifetime ban from ever owning a canine again. The ban was part of his punishment for federal dogfighting and gambling charges.
The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback has certainly been punished for his illegal actions; in addition to serving jail time (18 months) he was also suspended from the NFL and paid heavy fines. But he tells USA Today wants to put the past behind him and convince the court that he is worthy of being a dog owner again.
"I would like to get another dog in the future," the aspiring pet owner told USA Today. "I think it would be a big step for me in the rehabilitation process. I think just to have a pet in my household and show people that I genuinely care, and my love, and my passion for animals."
For his part, Vick seems to show signs of reform: in addition to complying with his sentence, he also volunteers for the Humane Society. In addition, Michael Vick is having one of his best years ever on the football field.
Good behavior certainly should be rewarded. But bad behavior also earns you a punishment. Lifting the lifetime ban on a dog will be a judicial decision (coupled with clever lawyer maneuvering). It should be noted that the Humane Society supports Vick in his quest to be a proper dog owner.
Related Resources:
- Michael Vick Wants a Dog (Fox Sports)
- Michael Vick Finishes Serving Federal Dogfighting Sentence (FindLaw's Courtside)
- Dog Fighting Videos and the First Amendment (FindLaw's Blotter)