August 8^th, 2009 – As we speak, top executives at the NFL are discussing Michael Vick’s future. According to The Washington Post, at least five teams have quietly shown an interest in signing the 29-year-old ex-convict as their new quarterback.

In 2007, the former Atlanta Falcon’s quarterback was charged with competitive dog fighting and conducting the venture across state lines. The 19-page indictment alleged Vick was highly involved in the business, alleging that he attended fights and paid off bets when his dogs lost. It also said he was involved in the executions of dogs that did not perform well.

Vick, released in May of this year after serving a 23-month prison sentence, could soon be on his way back to stardom. ESPN.com reported Thursday that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell issued a conditional reinstatement for Vick that will allow him to attend training camp if he signs with a team, but will still suspend Vick for the first four games of the 2009 season.

Many football fans and animal lovers are now bewildered by the situation. On one hand, Vick was one of the NFL’s most exciting players; on the other hand, Vick had a direct connection to the killing of at least eight dogs through means like drowning, beating and electrocution.

Animal right’s group, PETA, has issued statements saying Vick should first undergo a psychological evaluation before any sort of reinstatement is issued.

“Until a determination is made about his ability to feel empathy and contrition, the NFL would be acting irresponsibly if it offered Vick the opportunity to serve as a role model for millions of young children who look up to football players,” read part of the PETA statement. “PETA will not rule out targeting any team or league that may choose to associate itself with Vick.”

We here at OnlyforPetlovers.com agree. How can a league, which preaches good examples, allow such a heinous criminal to so easily return into prominence?

Some of our members are of the same opinion.

“I think they should not sign him up, when normal people come out of jail they don't just go back to their old job or profession one was doing before the crime was committed,” said Onlyforpetlovers.com member, Brenda Janner.

“He should work his way back up to that status like any other normal person would have done if they committed this crime. It appears to me, that his life will go on as where he left off, and that is not how it would work if that was not a celebrity.”

When asked whether Vick should be allowed to return Onlyforpetlovers.com member Aaron Gaitan simply stated, “No.”

Certain teams have blatantly denied Vick’s return, and say they have no need for signing such a troublesome player. Both the New York Giants and New York Jets have issued statements saying they are not interested in the player. We applaud those teams.

Football analysts say Vick should be allowed to play only in smaller leagues like the Arena Football League. But in reality, Vick could not afford a secondary team because the entire criminal case put the former owner of “Bad Newz Kennels” in a $20 million debt and bankruptcy.

Time will tell where Vick ends up, but chances are by the end of this season he will be climbing the ranks of the NFL’s elite again. Too bad. We think he should be put into the UFC and forced to fight his way out of debt. Maybe then he’ll get a small taste of the pain he’s inflicted on the lives of hundreds of innocent dogs. Go get knocked out Vick, you deserve it.