Michael Vick's sentence: Stiff but appropriate

Date published: 12/11/2007

U.S. DISTRICT COURT Judge Henry E. Hudson wasn't in a lenient mood when he sentenced former NFL star Michael Vick to 23 months in prison yesterday for participating in dogfighting. That's stiffer than the 18 months Purnell Peace and the 21 months Quanis Phillips, both Vick associates, received, but that's as it should be.

Vick, a Virginia Tech graduate, had a $130 million, 10-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons. His amazing athletic ability had propelled him from poverty to fame and fortune. But with that good fortune comes responsibility. Athletes are role models for countless youngsters and heroes to innumerable fans. Engaging in the senseless cruelty of dogfighting reveals a man's character, character that should not be replicated.

Now Vick will have time to reflect on the direction of his life. His status, money, reputation, and freedom have been stripped away. Perhaps he can begin again--this time without Bad Newz.

Date published: 12/11/2007