Michael Vick is the New York Jets' new quarterback. The NFL veteran has worn the number seven jersey for his entire NFL career, but when he arrived at the Jets' camp, he said he had no intention of poaching that number from Geno Smith, the Jet's apparent starting QB. That shows a remarkable display of humility and character coming from a felon convicted of running a dog-fighting ring. Though he served his time, Vick is still remembered most for his 5 year involvement in the practice.
Vick's new jersey number, 1, was chosen not without some hoopla. After deciding between 3 and 8, Vick finally chose 8. The Jets even announced it. Then a day later Vick posted his change of mind on Twitter (via Washington Post):
After trying on the #8 I decided that it's not the right fit for me. I'll be going with the #1 officially. Thank You #JetsNation
This news is amusing, but some people don't forget the news that landed Vick in jail in 2007. The New York Post's website ran an opinion piece by Matthew Bershadker, the senior vice president of the ASPCA's Anti-Cruelty Group. Here's what Mr. Bershadker had to say about Michael Vick:
"On Friday, the New York Jets signed Michael Vick to a one-year contract worth $5 million. His return on that investment is unknown, and frankly I don't care.
Vick is free to do as he pleases both on the football field and off. But one thing he can't do is absolve himself of his direct participation in horrific and fatal animal torture and abuse. And whether he takes our home team to the Super Bowl or spends the season riding the pine, we're not obligated to forgive, and it's essential we don't forget...It became clear over the course of the investigation that this was not a crime of passion or a case of obliviousness. Michael Vick was fully involved in a six-year pattern of illegal activity that included dogs being savagely electrocuted, drowned, and beaten to death."
