wanderer

Give perpetrators a second chance is probably one of the finest in American culture. It exhibits tolerance, it encourages humanity. For those high-profile individuals, the come-back twist is a great story. Robert Downey Jr. made plenty of entertainment news for his drug abuse and numerous jail visits in late 90s. 'He is done.' Everybody would think, but Robert returns to the film business and rebuilt his career as a prominent actor. 'The Soloist', 'Tropical Thunder', 'Iron Man', etc. if we count backward just a few of his movies, he had shinning performance. Hollywood is not the only conglomerate that loves comeback hero, this year it is NFL that welcomes back Michael Vick.

Who is Michael Vick? Vick used to be the most expensive player in NFL history, 10-year contact worth  130 million dollars with Atlanta Falcons. Vick is a great athlete in that not only he shattered quite a few record books in NFL, but also he can play positions more than a quarterback. He could play a running back, wider receiver owing to his excellent speed, power and agility. Major League Baseball team Colorado Rockies believes he can play baseball professionally and actually drafted him when he graduated from college. Needless to say, the difference between football and baseball is like swimming and running. His versatile sport talent seemed to guarantee him a luxury life and superstar status--'Vick 4 president' is not a uncommon sign on Atlanta's stands back then--but there is only a tiny problem in his hobby, Vick loves dog-fighting.

The rest of the story is all well-known, Vick is convicted in federal charge for running a brutal dog-fighting ring and served jail time of about 2 years. Contrary to some Asian culture, animal abuse is a big deal in the US. Killing dogs is more than uncalled for, it is criminal enough to wreck a celebrity's life. Vick spent his last two years in federal jail in Kansas and filed bankrupt later. Till weeks ago, he regained his freedom after finishing home containment probation on top of being behind of bar. With some process, NFL conditionally reinstated his status for playing the game. And yesterday, unlike suitor Philadelphia Eagles signed him.

It is not a sure thing that Vick would fly eagle-high as he could otherwise, it is sure that NFL fans, as well as the coaches, fellow players, are all expecting to see his play. I do wish Vick success, because this would be so inspirational to many people who are in their own battle ground. Ten years ago, one of my best friends, who worked at then Legend, now lenovo, Computer Corp.,  was sentenced 7 years in prison for taking bribes from his business partners in Shanghai. He got parole four and half years later and went direct to the VP at Legend for the second chance. As excellent in technical and gifted in communicating with people, he was allowed to work at the company from the bottom. In the summer of '99, the last time I met him, he got off work by a bike, a not-so- glamorous sign for a business man. He politely declined my offer to have dinner together as I had companies he didn't know. I never heard of him again. In hindsight, how badly I wish he could have been doing great in his life.