Nothing succeeds like success

Q: After serving prison time for running a dogfighting operation, Michael Vick has come back stronger than ever -- as a football star, and, some would say, as a man. Do you think Vick has succeeded in redeeming himself? If so, how much does his artistry on the gridiron and our love of the comeback/redemption narrative to have to do with it?

Michael Vick has "redeemed" himself with his blinding success at America's favorite sport because everyone loves a winner. He has also been much less arrogant since his return from the Big House and a little humility goes a long way.

What he did was reprehensible to Americans (although animal blood "sports" are perfectly acceptable in many civilized countries, e.g., bull fighting), but he paid his debt to society which exacted its pound of flesh. Martha Stewart rode a similar train.

Given Vick's obvious talent, like Michael Jackson, all is forgiven, if not forgotten. Without that talent, however, and his ability to use it, he may have ended up like Pete Rose whose crimes, though less culpable, have permanently consigned him to the Hall of Shame. No comeback for you, Pete.

By Virginia Bianco-Mathis  |  November 22, 2010; 12:00 AM ET  | Category:  The comeback Save & Share:                 
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Posted by: txengr | November 23, 2010 8:46 AM
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