July 4, 2011
Nike, Inc.
One Bowerman Drive
Beaverton, Oregon 97005-6453
What is up with Nike?
When a Bad Newz Kennels dog was wounded in a losing fight, NFL star Michael Vick was consulted before the animal was doused with water and electrocuted. (court testimony)
His dogs were killed by hanging, drowning, electrocution, and 'slamming' when they could no longer fight to the ‘finish’. Dogs were starved before fights, with untrained family pets thrown into the mix.
Now, Nike has signed him back on in an endorsement deal.
Just Do It?
"Michael acknowledges his past mistakes." says Nike spokesperson Derek Kent. "...we support the positive changes he has made to better himself off the field."
Michael Vick abused dogs, and had fun doing so. He killed them slowly. Now, he's getting even richer, and Nike needs to know the cost.
The point is not only that this benefits Michael Vick, it's that the dog fighting is still very much on people's minds, and this sets an example. The example is not that Michael Vick has repented, or become a better person, it's that he 'served his time'. We should 'move on.' Personally, that's not even what I"m worried about.
Michael Vick is so very sick, we can be sure that no jail time has 'healed' him. He abuses animals, and everyone knows it. He's managed to get back in the spotlight, and in jersey sales, he now ranks number 6, right behind Tom Brady. I have trouble respecting anything about someone who could be so cruel to anyone, let alone worship him, and his trying to snow the public about how far he's come, is just enraging.
This isn't about whether Michael Vick has 'paid for his crime', it's not about how much money he's getting. Michael Vick is an example before millions, and everything about how individuals, and corporations interact with him is also an example. I think we need worthy examples, and I think Nike signing Michael Vick back on because of his popularity is wrong. I think it sets a bad example for our young people that it doesn't matter what you do. Young people who love Nike.
Michael Vick didn't 'come back' from an injury. He didn't make his way back from a mental collapse, or conquer drugs. He was finally allowed to play again after being caught torturing, and killing animals, and this does not make him my hero. Character, ethics, and honor matter far more than how well someone plays in our greatest past time, and Nike should choose athletes who represent the very best.
Nike should immediately rescind it's endorsement of Michael Vick.
