2008 Woodie Awards
Vick stain
Editorial Board
Issue date: 8/31/07 Section: Editorials
- Page 1 of 1
With great power, comes great responsibility. Such a philosophical statement (via Spider-Man's insightful Uncle Ben) may seem out of place, but if that is so, it is only because today's society has had an exodus of responsibility. Among Lindsay, Paris and Nicole, it seems that the lack of responsibility among the famous is reaching a pinnacle unmatched in celebrity history. However, just when the irresponsibility seemed to reach a fevered pitch, the world was introduced to the true and the fully divulged Michael Vick.
As a player in the NFL, as it is with being a member of any organization, Vick was more than just representing himself; he was representing a brand, team and athletic community at large. Being caught committing a crime, or being involved in organized criminal activity as Vick was, can only lead to the erosion of the moral and socially responsible image sports players should portray.
The idea of responsibility for more than oneself is not particularly altruistic; rather it focuses on the idea that while an individual is most important to oneself, a single person can influence others. It is in the best interests of the innocent to have role models that do not negatively influence their behavior, but instead promote the ideals and actions that will keep the average person out of prison.
Perhaps one of the biggest losers in this public transaction of loyalty is the NFL. Due to the actions of a single selfish, cruel and misguided individual, the NFL is suffering through a trial not of its own making. It only took one person to set off the mess, but it will take the loyalty of the fans to clean it up.
Vick's actions demonstrated a capacity for incredible cruelty and a blatant, premeditated disregard for the law. Can we honestly desire such a person to return to a position of "role model," or someone to whom others look with admiration? No, he is a man who has fallen, and will continue to fall, from the good graces of the public, the law and probably himself.
It is true that we, as a population, fuel the exorbitant salaries and signing bonus of the nation's pro-athletes and, continuing to do so, we as a people can only hope. Our hope is that other athletes, celebrities and public figures will look at what has become of a once great star. Vick's career was in its prime, and now he may-and should-never return to the pro-football field. Our hope is that seeing such a story of someone having everything and throwing it all away for the sake of a cruel "game" will inspire public figures to think and display some responsibility for their actions.
As a player in the NFL, as it is with being a member of any organization, Vick was more than just representing himself; he was representing a brand, team and athletic community at large. Being caught committing a crime, or being involved in organized criminal activity as Vick was, can only lead to the erosion of the moral and socially responsible image sports players should portray.
The idea of responsibility for more than oneself is not particularly altruistic; rather it focuses on the idea that while an individual is most important to oneself, a single person can influence others. It is in the best interests of the innocent to have role models that do not negatively influence their behavior, but instead promote the ideals and actions that will keep the average person out of prison.
Perhaps one of the biggest losers in this public transaction of loyalty is the NFL. Due to the actions of a single selfish, cruel and misguided individual, the NFL is suffering through a trial not of its own making. It only took one person to set off the mess, but it will take the loyalty of the fans to clean it up.
Vick's actions demonstrated a capacity for incredible cruelty and a blatant, premeditated disregard for the law. Can we honestly desire such a person to return to a position of "role model," or someone to whom others look with admiration? No, he is a man who has fallen, and will continue to fall, from the good graces of the public, the law and probably himself.
It is true that we, as a population, fuel the exorbitant salaries and signing bonus of the nation's pro-athletes and, continuing to do so, we as a people can only hope. Our hope is that other athletes, celebrities and public figures will look at what has become of a once great star. Vick's career was in its prime, and now he may-and should-never return to the pro-football field. Our hope is that seeing such a story of someone having everything and throwing it all away for the sake of a cruel "game" will inspire public figures to think and display some responsibility for their actions.
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