Michael Vick became a topic of discussion this week due to his comments on Colin Kaepernick. “The first thing we got to get Colin to do is cut his hair. I don’t think he should represent himself in that way in terms of hairstyle.” Severe backlash arose after this interview.
Three Reasons Why Michael Vick is Being Criticized
His Reasoning is Inaccurate
Colin Kaepernick’s hair is not the reason why he is unemployed. The reason may be due to his public activism, and the protest he led during the season. While NFL teams will say it is because Kaepernick is not good enough, the reality is that his resume is better than many of the league’s back-up quarterbacks; as well as a few starters. With a 16:4 touchdown to interception ratio last year, Kaepernick deserves a spot in an NFL roster. To say that he will not be granted such unless he cuts his hair is preposterous.
Vick responded to the initial backlash, and stated that Kaepernick’s performance is the reason why he is not in the league as well. Once again, this is inaccurate as well. Kaepernick led his team to the Super Bowl in 2013, went to the NFC Championship game in 2014, has thrown for 72 NFL touchdowns, and is as good a runner as there is at the quarterback position.
Michael Vick is not innocent himself
Vick and Kaepernick are similar in that they both are good quarterbacks who experienced being out of a job. However, the difference between the two is that Kaepernick has never committed any crimes.
Michael Vick went to jail in 2007 for dog fighting charges. He served two years in prison, but he was able to return to the league in 2009. On the other hand, Kaepernick is unemployed for stating that he wants justice for all African Americans who suffer from police brutality.
Vick should understand the situation
Michael Vick should know more than anyone that this is an injustice to Colin Kaepernick to be unemployed. The NFL forgave him for dog fighting, but he cannot see the wrong in the NFL for not forgiving an activist for his own people? As a black man, Michael Vick should be in full support of Kapernick’s movement. Therefore, to make a statement saying that he is unemployed due to his hair shows he does not understand Kaepernick’s activism.
Vick must realize that Kaepernick’s activism affects people like himself. Vick has hed plenty of run-ins with the cops. Therefore, Vick should be a firm supporter in Kaepernick’s stance against police brutality rather than justifying his unemployment.
