Has forgiveness been forgotten?

"The first day I walked into prison, and he slammed that door, I knew the magnitude of the decisions that I made. You know, it’s no way of explaining, the hurt and the guilt that I felt. And that was the reason I cried so many nights. And that put it all into perspective."

On August sixteenth 2009 Michael Vick made his first public statement on '60 Minutes' after being released from two years of prison and two additional months of house arrest. Vick sat down with NFL Today anchor James Brown to discuss his incarceration, rehabilitation and the effects of his actions. The mood was a somber one, it seemed like sadness filled that room. When asked whom he blamed for his stay in prison and pain he endured, he simply replied, "I blame me." There was something definitely different about this man.

For six seasons in Atlanta, Michael Vick was a human highlight reel. He was dynamic, displaying all the typical traits you could want from a pro quarterback and more. His arm strength, ability to evade almost any pass rush and his down-field vision made him good. But his incredible gift of speed and the talents of an all-pro running back, being able to charge the field finding seams other QB's in the league wouldn't dare attempt, made him great. The only thing he truly lacked, was the drive. After a few years in the league, he picked up the reputation of a slacker. The kind of "last in, first out" attitude a coach and owner dreads. Still, his natural gifts could not be ignored. And as such, his city, coach and owner stood behind him. It was that steadfast faith that made his fall from grace so much harder. When all the truths were finally reveled, Vick would lose nearly everything. The 135 million contract, the home, the money he had already earned, the game he loved and the respect of friends and family members.

I found myself questioning the harshness of the punishment placed on him. Two years is a very long time to have to spend in a prison cell. I, by no means, agreed with what Mike did. Nor was I accepting of any of his actions. But this seemed... excessive, extreme, like someone was looking for a pariah. Men didn't go to prison for drunk driving deaths. Simple fines had been levied for spousal abuse and domestic violence. Did justice turn a blind eye to these crimes or drop her swift hand on Vick for his? I didn't understand and the inequality in those differences ate away at me for days. So much so that the mere mention of Michael Vick made me want to scream, at everyone. I eventually chalked it up to my own lofty ideals in humanity and choose to let it go for the time being rather than dwell on it.

When Vick was released in July in 2009, I knew there would be scrutiny from groups like PETA, but I could have never imagined the general public would vilify him to the colossal level they did. He had become the highwayman in some dark tale told to scare those who would dare attempt any kind of injustice. How could this be? Didn't he pay for his crimes? From that day till this one, I still can't find anything asking people to forgive Michael Vick. I can understand the anger people might feel, but doesn't Michael deserve to earn absolution? Had forgiveness been forgotten?

At the end of that interview, he stated; "I’m going to let my actions continue to speak louder than my words. And I’m going to still be involved in the community, because I still — regardless of football — would have a voice that can have an impact on kids — because I’ve been a living example of what not to do." Doesn't everyone deserves a second chance in this world? And if not, aren't we worse than Michael Vick ever was? Our own actions can speak louder than words as well and if they do, maybe Michael Vick deserves to be lifted onto someones shoulders again. If we can see that, then maybe we can do the same in our hearts and minds.