The Real Reason Michael Vick Should Not Be Allowed to Return to the NFL

The real reason Michael Vick should not be allowed to return to the NFL is not because he committed a heinous crime for which he has shown no believable remorse. The real reason he should not be allowed to return is because he is a professional athlete who committed a heinous crime.

And, like it or not, professional athletes are role models. It's part of the job. If you don't want to be a role model, don't become a professional athlete. Period.

We are not talking about an average joe returning to a job at an office, a factory, a farm or a store. We are talking about someone who is paid a large salary to play a sport for a living. This is a privilege, not a right. With privileges come greater responsibilities.

I'm not saying he should rot in jail for the rest of his life. He should, however, be banned from the football field. There are other ways he can become a productive member of society. There are others ways he can serve as a role model, for example, speaking to young men about learning from his mistake, highlighting how breaking the law can change your life forever. Right now, his story goes more like, "I messed up, got a slap on the wrist, and got to get back on the field." Where's the lesson in that?

There are plenty of average joes who commit heinous crimes and never get a second chance like Vick. They have use their own gumption to turn their lives around. Why should Vick have it so easy?

P.S. As a PR professional, my deepest sympathy goes to the communications staff of the Philadelphia Eagles. Good luck this season - you'll need it.