Mike Vick

Mike Vick

Hi, I’m Rick Bundy, and I would like to talk to you about my favorite NFL player, Michael Vick. I’m sure most of you have heard of him recently in the sports news since he is one of this year’s most talked about players.

However, before Michael became famous, he had to endure some difficult times growing up as a poor African-American in Virginia. His mother had to work 2 jobs and his family lived in the housing projects. There was lots of crime and violence in his neighborhood. To get away from the violence, Michael joined the Boys Club, and played football with his dad and cousins. It didn’t take much time for everyone to realize that Michael had talent even when he was only 10 years old. In high school he was a star player and one of his football coaches helped him get a scholarship to Virginia Tech. He was one of the best college football quarterbacks. His freshman year he was third overall for Heisman votes, which is very impressive for a freshman. After an incredible performance during his sophomore year the Atlanta Falcons drafted him into the NFL for their first pick in the first round. Michael Vick was the first African American drafted first pick for quarterback, on top of which he was only a sophomore. He also had the highest paying contract of any player, and had tens of millions of dollars in endorsements. Once in the NFL he shocked the league with his super -human ability to dodge tackles, throw, and run the ball.

Unfortunately, In 2007 Vick was arrested for dog fighting conspiracy. He was sentenced to 2 years in Leavenworth, Kansas federal prison. I do not condone what he did. I like dogs and own one myself. But I do believe during his time in prison he “learned his lesson”. Vick grew up in a totally different environment from any of us. He grew up with some cruel and vicious people in his neighborhood. This obviously influenced him. You may think two years is not enough, and people don’t change. But I believe jail can change...

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