Michael Vick speaks to Philadelphia high schoolers about making good choices

Michael Vick spoke to a group of 200 incoming freshmen on their first day of classes at Nueva Esperanza Academy, a charter school in North Philadelphia, earlier today.  In his speech to the students, Vick used himself as an example of the dangers of succumbing to peer pressure rather than being a leader -- but, at least in the portion of the speech shown in the above video, mentioned the dogs he abused and killed only in the most tangential ways. 

"Growing up, I had dreams and I always wanted to have this great, lavish life and make it to the NFL, go and accomplish great things and leave a great legacy. That was my goal from a young kid," Vick told the students. "My future was promising . . . at some point, I got sidetracked. I started listening to my friends and doing some things that were not ethical and not right." 

Vick urged the students to make good choices regardless of the choices their friends and classmates make, according to the Associated Press.  (We'll assume more specific advice like "Don't electrocute a dog," "Don't forcibly drown a dog" and "Don't put a family pet into the ring with a trained fighting dog because you think it'd be entertaining to see what happens" were implied, if not specifically addressed.)

Vick attended the event with Wayne Pacelle, president and chief executive of the Humane Society of the United States, with which the quarterback struck an unlikely partnership earlier this year.

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-- Lindsay Barnett

Video: Associated Press

Comments

[SOLDIER]

WELL, ONCE AGAIN WE GOT A BLACK MAN THAT GOT TO GO ABOVE & BEYOND BC HE F UP.WHEN WILL IT END,WHY CANT PEOPLE LET IT GO AND LET THIS MAN LIVE HIS LIFE.

[reese]

BLAH...BLAH....BLAH....BLAH....BLAH....BLAH.....
Will this idiot ever SHUT-UP!? He knew about, and participated in the ABUSE, TORTURE, AND KILLING of dogs for 6 YEARS!! Who is he kidding with the "I'm sorry" CRAP?

[MoJo]

I don't understand how a convicted felon can be allowed to be a sports hero. If he brutally murdered 1 child it would be different, I guess thousands of dogs is OK? Yes, I know he has served his time... just don't think he should now be allowed to become a sports hero again... and this has nothing to do with race, there are plenty of people from all races that support the ethical treatment of animals.

[Rob-L]

Funny how schools/parents get upset that President Obama is going to make a speech to their kids, yet no one has a problem with a convicted felon speaking to their kids.

[Don't have time for this train wreck]

Interesting comment, Rob L. As for SOLDIER ( if you've ever actually seen combat I'd be surprised), it's not about the pigmentation. MV did not "make a mistake." He made choices, repeatedly, over and over, again and again, to sytematically torture and otherwise abuse some of God's most trusting and loyal creatures.

I'd say MV is living large right now, all things considered. Nobody has to worry about him too much...I imagine he will hang himself again, given enough rope, since that is what assholes such as MV tend to do: self destruct. And it can't be soon enough for me.

As for the Philadelphia Eagles, jump back and kiss yourselves, because you are going nowhere fast.

[Vickie]

This thing and the organization that embraces it are human trash.

[JJ Johns]

Wayne Pacelle has lost all respect, or what little the pretty boy camera monger ever had with his high salary and the fact he never really liked animals. Michael Vick "did his time" for Federal Racketeering, he served his prison sentence for Federal Racketeering - ONLY. The crimes, the heinous acts and crimes of Animal Cruelty - Michael Vick plead "Not Guilty". The crimes in which, Michael Vick, systematically, prepared, planned, participated and executed, repeatedly, against these animals, was left unpunished in the legal justice system. This is a known public record of fact.
"He did his time, he paid for his crimes" - think again. "We all make mistakes"? - perhaps you will feel differently knowing that children are sporting dog masks to football games mocking the dead victims of his crimes. Laughing - joking - making fun - in support of their great idol with their parents right behind them screaming "To hell with Dogs - we love Vick". If this would not lower your head in shame, then I fear for the monsters this has unleashed in division across this United States in support of this great American hero.
He has not and will not spend a single day behind bars for animal cruelty as his federal charges were for racketeering. And as for remorse, Vick pled NOT GUILTY to animal cruelty charges at his state trial – and it was dropped in a plea deal. How can this man be remorseful for his crimes if he does not even believe he was cruel to animals?
I'm not against second chances. I am against rewarding people who commit criminal acts by giving them million-dollar contracts. And that's what the Eagles and the National Football League are doing.

[Victoria]

What does Michale Vick know about 'making good choices'? What an idiot! agree with Rob-L 100%!