Football

Shot at Redemption…The Michael Vick Story

Friday, 07 May 2010 18:00 Jourdan Webster

Once considered one of the “NFL’s” most dominant players, Michael Vick’s future now hangs in the balance due to his role in a illegal dog fighting ring. Michael Vick has been reinstated, but he is not completely in the clear. His reinstatement has come with an additional 4 game suspension even though he was suspended indefinitely from 23 months ago.

The million-dollar question is, if Vick is still as big of a threat now compared to what he was 23 months ago? Before the charges, Vick was the focus for opposing teams. His ability to turn broken plays into touchdowns was a skill few quarterbacks have. The Falcons have already released Vick and have chosen to put they’re future on Matt Ryan who led them to the playoffs last season.

One of the major problems that teams have with signing Vick, is what he brings with him. All the media would hound the team and that can potentially cause chemistry problems. Also the animal rights activists have said that they would boycott any team that picks up the ex-convict. Commissioner Roger Goodell says he would allow Vick to enter the league once he feels he has seen remorse for what Vick had done.

Some players feel Vick has suffered enough and has stepped up to speak for the ex-Falcon. As you may recall, when Vick was first indicted several players wore “MV7” on their eye chalk and used “MV7” towels. But most recently, newly acquired Buffalo Bills wide receiver Terrell Owens made headlines by stating, “I’m surprised that more players haven’t spoken out.” Owens added that he feels the players association should become more involved.

So far no one has shown any obvious interest in Michael, because it’s too much of a risk. But if Vick is anything like he was 2 years ago, a team in desperate need of a quarterback may take the risk and gain a huge reward. But we will all hold our breath and see what happens by week 6[Oct 18-19].

Plaxico Burresss Accidental Shooting

Friday, 07 May 2010 17:48 Kendra Crosdale

On Friday November 28th, NY Giants wide receiver, Plaxico Burress was in a downtown New York City club and accidentally shot himself in his right thigh with a semi-automatic gun that was in the waistband of his sweatpants. He arrived at 2:50AM to New York-Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell Medical Center and was sent to the emergency room. He did not report the incident to the police and when the incident was investigated the police found that he was carrying an illegal weapon. He may be charged with 3 ½ years in jail, is suspended from this season and will not have a chance to play in the superbowl.

Name: Wendy
Age: 51
Occupation: Pet Care Taker
Q. What do you think about the Plaxico Burress accident and what should his punishment be?
A. “Stupid! Bad move”. She says also says "I’m not really sure… I think he’s being punished enough with that bullet in his leg”
“Has he been threatened, has he been mugged?"
“I think it’s a stupid move especially when he’s got something going for him”

Name: Barbara
Age: 50
Occupation: Nurse
Q. How do you feel about the Plaxico Burress case and him being charged for a possession of an illegal weapon?
A.“I don’t think it’s right, they should take into account who the person is… Like his celeb status is gonna get him off”
"So I think you’re supposed to be…. You’re supposed to set an example”

Name: Anonymous
Q. What type of effect do you think his celebrity status will have on his conviction?
A. “Big knucklehead move”
“He is suppose to be a role model”
“He wont get 3 and a half years. He'll get probation, 6 months max.”
“He doesn’t deserve that”

Name: Anthony
Age: 47
Occupation: Maintenance Worker
Q. What do you think about the law that if you are in possession of an illegal weapon, you will be sentenced to a minimum of 3 ½ years? And how do you compare it to Plaxico Burress case?
A. “It's too harsh. You have to consider that he’s an athlete”
“ He wont get punished because He’s an athlete”. She also says “He’s not gonna get that much”

Name: Khadiedra
Age: 30
Occupation: Promoting
Q. What do you think about Plaxico Burress accidental shooting and his being in possession of an illegal weapon and what should an appropriate punishment be like?
A. “Um, what do I think? He shot himself so he shouldn’t go to jail”
“I’m this world, it depends on how much money and who you know”
“I have no idea, its different if it’s legal”

Name: Isiah
Age: 18
Occupation: Electrician
Q. Is it right that Plaxico Burress should be convicted to 3 ½ years for the possession of an illegal weapon?
A. “Wasn’t there an amendment for the right to bear arms, but they need to keep the streets safe, so I think its fair”

“If he’s a celeb, he should face it. Since he’s a celeb they should make an example, but I don’t think he’ll face the 3 and a half years”

Name: Maxwell Faires
Age: 41
Occupation: Artist
Q. What do you think the reason is for Plaxico Burress carrying an illegal weapon?
A. “If that’s the sentence, why did he feel the need to carry it?”
“If this is supposed to be a safe area, then why?”
“Money changes things…Money changes people do stupid things.”