You Can Run, But You Can't Hide

Michael Vick, who made millions outsmarting and outrunning defenses as an Atlanta Falcons quarterback, was used to making smart decisions on the field. Monday he apologized for making off-field decisions that weren't smart: Being involved in a dogfighting ring, which included torturing and killing dogs who didn't perform. Lying about it to the public, his teammates, and to National Football League commissioner Roger Goodell.

Vick pled guilty to federal charges in a Richmond, Virginia courtroom. Sentencing will be on December 10, after which Vick will likely serve at least a year in prison. For what it's worth, that's more time spent behind bars than Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie and Lindsay Lohan combined.

When Vick gets out, the NFL will likely tack on an additional year's suspension. But if he had admitted to gambling on the dogs (which he has not), Goodell would have thrown the book at him.

(Of course, if Goodell suspended every player who drives drunk, abuses drugs, assaults women or engages in any other type of criminal behavior, there would be a major manpower shortage.)

This is a country where people love their dogs. But not a day goes by when we don't hear about some gruesome attack involving a pit bull and some unfortunate human victim who couldn't get out of the way. Shelters are bulging with unwanted animals who end up being euthanized because its owners can't or won't take care of them. There are no bad dogs, folks. Only bad owners.

In his nationally-televised apology, Vick promised to redeem himself, saying he had found religion. Forgive the snickers, but this isn't the first time a celebrity about to be incarcerated claimed to have seen The Light before going into the darkness.

Michael Vick may or may not be allowed to play football again (or, for that matter, ever be allowed to own a dog again). But if he is sincere about being a better man after all the mistakes he's made, then more power to him.