MICHAEL VICK: IT'S UP TO YOU NOW

"I sat with the man, but I still don’t know what’s in his heart. He told me he did terrible things to dogs. He said he grew up with dogfighting as a boy, and that he never sufficiently questioned it as he grew into manhood...He said this experience has been a trauma and he’s changed forever. And he said he wants to show the American public that he is committed to helping combat this problem. He asked for an opportunity to help. I want to give him that opportunity. If he makes the most of it, and demonstrates a sincere, long-term commitment to the task, then it may prove to be a tipping point in our campaign to eradicate dogfighting."
--Wayne Parcelle, Humane Society

Dear Michael Vick:

It's all set now. You rightfully served two years for bankrolling a dogfighting operation. You kept your mouth shut. You made overtures to the Humane Society, offering to do what they wanted you to do.

Unlike some who get in trouble, you accepted help from Tony Dungy, former coach of the Indianapolis Colts and the most respected man in football. You accepted the reinstatement decision of NFL Commissioner Goodell. But now comes the hard part: living the life of a new Michael Vick.

Listen, Michael. The Daddy comes from the South. He knows that where you lived, men raced and bet on dogs without giving the possibility-- no, the probability-- of animals being harmed a second thought. He knows that this brutal treatment of dogs and other animals was a part of male culture. It is no excuse but an explanation of a hidden but very real part of brutal, even psychopathic exercise. But that's where you can be of special value.

Michael, you are set to make about 1.5 million dollars this football year and up to 6 million next year. But you know this is all secondary now. You know now that, in addition to football, you will have a new mission now: to do anything and everything possible to stop dogfighting: to talk to men, especially young boys, to educate them about the importance of taking care of animals and how it is not "manly" to race, maim, injure or kill animals for sport.

Michael, as a celebrity, as an athlete in a very "manly" profession, you are the perfect person to teach youth that being a man can also include being kind to animals.

Listen, you cannot bring back the animals you helped maim and kill. But, you can help stop dogfighting and save thousands of animals in the future.

It's up to you now.

The Daddy