Green Daily

During his incarceration, Vick did his best to try spin it as much as possible. He took his case to the court of public opinion, releasing statements about how much he regretted his actions. He's talking now about how he's matured with the help of mentors like Tony Dungy. And after a false start with PETA, who broke up with him when he wouldn't submit to a psych eval from one of their shrinks, he's working with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) on an anti-dogfighting campaign.

In the surprising role of (literal) devil's advocate is Wayne Pacelle, President of the HSUS. Pacelle has a fascinating post on their blog about why the organization is working with Vick on the intervention program to prevent young people from getting involved in dogfighting in the first place, and why it's the right thing to do.

Pacelle freely admits that he's unsure of Vick's commitment. But he's very dedicated to the organization's campaign against dogfighting, and he points out that an intervention program could have helped Vick 15 years ago and prevented him from committing such terrible crimes. It sounds different when you put it like that, doesn't it?

So is Vick's reinstatement to the NFL -- which includes a tacit "role model" status -- acceptable if he actually does turn over a new leaf and start providing a good example to kids? Is it worth letting him make money and receive the accolades that go with a pro ball career if he uses his position to teach a generation of inner-city youth that you have to treat dogs, and anyone or anything weaker than you, with respect and care?

Is Vick getting the second chance he deserves, or is the NFL and HSUS just extending special treatment to someone because he's famous and talented?