When will we all stop being Mike Vick's judges and jury???

I have been sitting on this topic for quite a while hoping that it would just die down. Nevertheless, in the world of never ending media, some things never do. I’m starting to see a pattern where people tend to harp on the negative aspects of a person, place, or thing instead of trying to find something good out of it. I’m not one to tell you how to think, I merely like to make suggestions.

Let’s take the subject of Mike Vick and his ties to fighting and killing dogs. I personally know people who have served less time for more heinous crimes and then forgotten with the wind. I understand that he is a professional athlete who is in the public eye, but for him to be scrutinized at every turn is draining. I could stop reading or listening to all the opinions of how terrible it is that the man is given a second chance at becoming a better person, but instead I have chosen to write how I see this situation.

Michael Vick committed a crime; he was caught and became a national pariah. He served 19 months in jail and came home to a massive amount of debt and virtually nobody in his corner. Then the Philadelphia Eagles announce they are signing Michael Vick, which turned out to be a lucrative relationship for all involved.

Only people won’t let him ever forget what he did. I don’t blame them, but I’m starting to feel like this matter has become a witch-hunt for people who are angry and miserable about their own shortcomings and faults that did not allow them to have the opportunity to have a second chance and succeed the way that he is doing right now.

I read an article where someone called the media out because they praised Michael Vick for his performance on the field at the same time sweeping his unforgettable crimes under the rug. I find that I must disagree with this accusation, because for the first time the media has decided not to dwell on the negative role that Michael Vick used to play. Instead, they made a choice to show that a person can try to change their life around and find a way to live as a good person.

We focus too much on negativity instead finding a way to learn from the mistakes that other people make. Where is the spotlight when this man goes out and admits over and over his shortcomings and his downfall? Where is the media when he is trying to advocate against the violence of animals, when he is working with organizations like The Humane Society?

I’m not here to make excuses for Vick, but my point is he is no ordinary man, but maybe an ordinary man who decided to make the wrong choice can now get a second chance in life to make it right. However, this can only happen if we learn to forgive and trust that people can change.

Stephanie C. Curry, Guest Blogger for War Room Sports