Would you want to be Michael Vick’s new publicist?
Former NFL quarterback Michael Vick regained his freedom today after serving 18 months in prison for animal cruelty, and now the debate has fully begun as to whether or not Vick deserves a second chance at an NFL career. I’d like to say for the record that I think Vick has paid his debt to society and therefore does indeed deserve a shot to continue his career in the NFL.
Let’s assume for a moment that Vick is reinstated by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (and I think he will be), what must Vick do to win back the support of fans not only in the city where he ends up playing but around the country? Would you want to take on this daunting PR job?
I’d take him on as a client if he agreed to some actions like the following:
- Donate a significant portion of his salary to animal rescue causes
- Volunteer hours every month at a local animal shelter and speak to school kids about animal cruelty issues
- Make a series of public service spots about animal cruelty and dog fighting in particular
- Work hard on and off the field
Dog fighting is one of the most despicable acts I can think of and I think Vick and anyone else who participates in this activity should be punished. And Vick was punished (whether or not you agree with the terms of his sentence is not the issue).
Without question Vick will have his hands full once he rejoins the NFL. He’ll first have to convince his teammates and the local community where he plays that he is remorseful and willing to do what it takes to make amends to the animal kingdom. On the road the first few seasons are going to be brutal — just imagine some of the remarks he’ll hear and signs he’ll see in places like Philly and New York? On the road time will be Vick’s best friend. If he does the types of things outlined above, and performs well on the field, eventually the fans will ease up. But all he has to do is look to Barry Bonds to see what will happen if he tries to be aloof and ignore everything — he’ll be eaten alive by fans and protesters for years to come. And that doesn’t do anyone any good.
Sure, I’d take on this PR mission. Lots of good things can happen in terms of animal cruelty awareness, plus you’ll always be busy! Sports fans also have a short memory when it comes to scandal so this is a PR challenge that you can actually win.
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Comments
July 21st, 2009 at 11:29 am
While it seems that the justice system worked this go-around with Mr. Vick, representing anyone who committed a felony (especially of this nature) just isn’t my cup of tea. I think that the parameters you established are sound, but would you represent Scott Peterson once he’s served his time – as long as he did PSA’s for Missing Persons?
No matter how challenging/rewarding the work may be, at the end of the day we are people working with people. And this is one guy that I wouldn’t want in my client contacts list.
July 21st, 2009 at 11:59 am
Good topic. I do not feel he has re-paid his debt until he does some of the things on your list – volunteering and donating (not just donating) for animal rescue, etc. If he does those things, I believe he will be redeemed.
PS – I’m an animal lover (mom to rescued dogs) but I do not think that Dana’s comparison (above) to Scott Peterson and Missing Persons PSAs is reasonable.
July 21st, 2009 at 12:53 pm
I am a pretty forgiving person- people make mistakes and learn from them… but I also have a deep compassion and love for animals and I personally believe he got off easy and should not be allowed to return to the NFL. He used his millions from NFL fame for the most disgusting purpose I can think of. He was supposed to get six years but only served 18 months, lied about his involvement from day one, and tried to escape guilt through the most expensive attorneys he could get. Michael Vick does not deserve to play in the NFL any longer, regardless of his talent. It’s time Americans stood up and said “I don’t care how good you can play ball, you don’t deserve it! You are a disgrace!” Doing community service for animal groups is not repaying his debt to society… serve the whole six years. If he wants to be involved in football, be a high school coach but there is no way he should ever play in the NFL again. Period!
July 21st, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Not to diminish the atrociousness of dog-fighting, but more despicable than stoning women for adultery? Than waterboarding prisoners? Than bilking hundreds of thousands of people out of their life savings? Than killing someone in a hit-and-run driving incident?
July 21st, 2009 at 5:25 pm
As an admittedly forgiving person, you have quite an inflexible stance JoePRguy. While I would never defend dog-fighting or any other form of animal cruelty, I do believe Vick has paid a debt to society. He was prosecuted and served time in jail. Has he learned a lesson? Well that’s debatable; I don’t think anyone can answer that question besides Michael Vick. I will agree with Len that sports fans do have a short memory for scandal, and especially when athletes perform on the field. It’s clear that Vick has an uphill battle with regards to his public image and I think his actions off the filed will play a continual role for years to come.
Would I take him on as a client? Yes
July 21st, 2009 at 9:45 pm
Okay Joe. Hypothetically, if Vick’s people come to you and ask for your help, you wouldn’t at least talk with him? Get a sense of his soul man-to-man? I agree with Michael J. – I too love animals, but current NFL player have done far worse recently. If the man’s sincere and ready to move on, he deserves a chance to explain his story and would seem the perfect PR account.
July 22nd, 2009 at 11:33 am
Vick already survived the Ron Mexico/herpes debacle. Plus his brother has a terrible public standing as well, with criminal convictions galore. Additionally, Michael Vick failed a drug test after these dogfighting allegations came to light. And people are still talking about forgiving him … as well they should. America is a forgiving nation and Michael has served his time, hard time at Leavenworth, a federal pen. He has done some bad things and has paid dearly. If he shows remorse and does the things Len outlines, I’d totally represent him. What does it say about a communicator who can effectively turn around a person such as Vick’s image? It bodes well.