Dear Michael Vick: Welcome Back!

As a reporter in Atlanta who covered some of former Atlanta Falcon Quarterback Michael Vick's ups and downs, I can say today that I welcome him back to the NFL and applaud the Philadelphia Eagles' decision to give him the second chance that every American deserves after paying their "debt to society."

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the animal advocacy group still says no way! PETA, like many lobbying groups seem to never know when to take a win and go on your way. The group made its point--with the help of animal-loving California Congressman Tom Lantos who (ironically went on to his reward in February this year)--by successfully working vociferously to get Michael Vick tried and convicted. Since that time, Vick was been sentenced, served his time and has begun work with the Humane Society. For PETA to still be ranting is foolish and uncovers that this is more about "them" than what their mission is all about. Perhaps they don't like the fact he is working with a rival animal-rights group.

PETA should be touting that it took a stand it believes in, worked to correct a wrong in which its stand produced a positive result and forced a crime against animals to be disclosed and prosecuted. If anything, Vick's criminal justice journey shows that--although not perfect-- more often than not, America jurisprudence does work. But for PETA to continue to demand that no NFL team employ and employable young man is just as insane, cruel and downright un-American as denying convicts the right to vote after they have completed their court-ordered sentences. This concept of never-ending punishment is cruel and unusual which goes against everything we honor in our system of justice--not to mention the Eighth Amendment of our Constitution.

Anyone who knows me knows that I believe in zero tolerance when it comes to athletes, entertainers or anyone else of note getting special treatment when it comes to them disobeying laws. This is why I was so concerned about another Atlanta standout, the rapper T.I. (whose real name is Clifford Harris). He's doing time for illegally possessing illegal weapons (with machine gun silencers). I thought if he got special treatment it would send the wrong message to the millions of young kids who look up to him. When he completes his sentence, will the likes of PETA demand he no longer make records?

Eagles Head Coach Andy Reid put it this way: "This is America. ... We do make mistakes. He [Vick] has a chance to prove he's doing the right things."

Vick has a lot riding on it: in the short run the reported $1.6 million for the first year, with an option of $5.2 million for the second, and in the long run his career and reputation. Vick will tell more of his side of the story on CBS News' 60 Minutes this Sunday evening.

So at the end of the day, if the Philadelphia football team does well with Vick, so be it, and good for Reid and the team in the "City of Brotherly Love." Brotherly love, clearly something that PETA doesn't know anything about. I wonder, by the way, how many of the PETA folks had beef, or poultry as a meal in the past two years Vick was confined.

Again, Michael Vick: welcome back. Those who believe, only ask that you, please, make Americans proud by showing that in our great country we do believe in redemption and second chances.

Good luck!