Who let the dogs out

It's no secret that I'm a Michael Vick fan. The man is talented, and great to watch. I held my stance through the dog fighting scandal, maintaining that as a dog lover, yes it was cruel and unusual, but the facts have to be just that. His poor decisions regarding gambling and animal cruelty have nothing to do with his ability as a football player.

Vick is due for release from prison in July of this year. That said, I don't know any football fans who aren't at least a little bit interested to see what happens at that point. Where does he go? Is continued suspension looming? Will he join the Lions and lead them to Superbowl victory. Okay... that one is a stretch.

I'm just going to take my fan hat off, and put on my PR chapeau for a minute. Yesterday I read a short article about a potentially missed opportunity for Vick to work with PETA. Essentially, in exchange for a PSA opp. with PETA, Vick would have to undergo testing for his mental stability. It seems though, that this effort is stalled with Vick's representatives.

Sure, it might be a lofty request from PETA, and sure it may be humiliating for Vick. But sometimes you have to play the game. In a situation like this where Vick's popularity has waned, it might actually do him some good to show that he's just a man who made a mistake, and wants to help correct it.

PETA is a large and influential organization, and Vick is a man with a tarnished rep. I can't see the cons outweighing the pros at present moment, and I would strongly urge Vick, as a PR girl and as a fan who wants to see much more of him, to take full advantage of the opportunity.

If good PR is priceless, then I would think this is a small price to pay.