Vick not welcome

To the editor:

I read today that several NFL teams are considering adding Michael Vick to their rosters. As an animal lover, many of the recent stories published about his animal cruelty have caused me great distress. I feel for the innocent victims in his violent crimes, and that why is I am taken aback at how easily Vick is being welcomed back into society.

I acknowledge that Vick has served his time; I do not think, however, that he should be allowed to return to professional athletics. As a football star, Vick has powerful influence over the public. Young children look up to the quarterbacks that throw the winning passes, and often emulate them. Dog fighting is already a serious problem, and if the NFL condones this, which they will if Vick returns, it is tantamount to them telling millions of American youths to start their own dog-fighting rings.

Vick’s suspension should become permanent not only for the victims of his crimes but for the victims that could be created by his return. If the NFL reinstates Vick, they will lose me as a fan because I will boycott until Vick is no longer playing. I urge anyone else who cares about animals to do the same.

Tana Wolf,
Lawrence