Today Michael Vick, the football superstar accused of hosting organized dog fights, pleaded guilty to said charges and secured his position as perhaps the first superstar to actually take responsibility for his own actions. I must say I am stunned.
Vick appeared reasonably sincere as he offered an apology to his teammates and coaches, and asked for forgiveness from the young fans that are hopefully reeling from the news that he was involved.
As a marketer, my study of this case lead me to expect that he would appeal to the public in some way, with denials and assertions that distributed blame and muddied the clarity of his guilt. After all, this is what I have grown to expect from our superstars; the likes of OJ, Specter, and so many politicians it would take the rest of my night to complete the list.
But no. Vick stood up and took it like a man. He even answered the judge respectfully with ‘yes sir’ and ‘no sir’. I honestly can’t recall the last time an obviously guilty party accepted responsibility so openly. Vick had a lot to loose, too, making his stance even more respectable.
In the end, Michael Vick may have pulled the ultimate trump card and played ‘responsibility’ to his favor. When I heard the news of his arrest a few weeks ago, I was disgusted and appalled. I had no sympathy for him and I hoped they threw the book at him.
Now, I am somewhat appeased that he has taken the high road. He stands to loose millions of dollars, and may well have given up what most Americans would consider the ultimate dream job. He’ll do some time, and end up on parole. There is even a chance he will be required to perform some type of humiliating public service. He seems ready to accept it, and somehow has already begun his walk down the road of redemption. Similar to my reaction when my own children answer an accusation with ‘Dad, I am sorry; it was a mistake’, I am diffused and at a loss for severity.
He won me over today, and it was brilliant.
So, today I write about an Arrogant Jerk Averted. Michael Vick; you have come through as a decent guy who made some bad decisions. You did some awful things to those dogs, so you must pay your penalty. However and in the end, I hope you can then be forgiven.
It is not often in these times that a roll model falls, and comes through a better role model. Michale Vick screwed up, and has the kajones to take the responsibility for his actions.
