“Yo, are you really wearing that?” a colleague of mine said with bewilderment. Low key I could see honest concern in his face as he asked. I assured him he had nothing to worry about and that I was well aware of the midnight black football jersey I was wearing.
It didn’t occur to me until later how significant it was to be seen in public sporting that worn out mesh top. I was rockin’ a Michael Vick jersey. For those that don’t know, Vick drew in media attention during his freshman year at Virginia Tech playing Quarterback. His ability to elude defenders while being able to rifle bombs with accuracy in the end zone landed him third place during the Heisman Trophy balloting.
He left VT after his sophomore year in college and was drafted overall No. 1 by the Atlanta Falcons. In Atlanta, Vick’s popularity only escalated - his talent on the field immediately transformed him into an immediate superstar. Endorsements, from brands like Nike, Gatorade & EA Sports. Vick appeared to be the revival the Falcons franchise had been looking for. During his six seasons in A-Town, Vick was the key figure in which turned around a losing franchise into a playoff and even Super Bowl contender. It was official, Vick had made it clear he was force to be reckoned with.
At the conclusion of the 2006 NFL season The Falcons were defeated by the Eagles in the NFC Championship game in January 2007. For Vick, that loss wouldn’t begin to compare to the fate awaiting him a few months to follow. Fantasy Football owners who were eagerly awaiting his ability to be drafted the following season into their respected leagues were about to be severely devastated. That April, Vick was linked to an illegal interstate dog fighting ring. Alleged to have promoted, funded, and facilitated multiple organized dog fighting rings. Engaging in atrocious slayings of dogs (once no longer useful), an operation that spanned over a five-year period. Vick pleaded guilty to federal felony charges and served 21 months in prison.
In the wake of these events majority of Americans were walking sideways away from any Vick affiliations and were openly speaking out about their disgust for what Vick allowed to take place. Arthur Blank, co-founder of The Home Depot and Atlanta Falcons owner did everything in his power to relinquish Vick. Only after he put him on the trade block only to fail with any successful negotiations with other teams. Animal rights organizations like PETA, working together with state and federal law enforcement were doing all they could to ensure that Vick and those that supported or condoned dog fighting were brought to justice. Vick’s indictment revealed the sickening abuse of dogs who are pitted against one another and he, Vick, essentially became the catalyst in the fight against organized dog fighting.
The name Michael Vick and any paraphernalia bearing it still make most of the general public uncomfortable. It’s a testament to how certain historic events with an individual(s) are associated with particular pieces of clothing. And when worn, have immediate capabilities of making normal everyday situations become tense or hostile.
Without even uttering a word the sight of me in a worn out, faded all black #7 jersey with the last name VICK in bold white letters with blood red outline gives the world the impression that I might be a little rough around the edges or quite simply …a thug.
Almost 30 years ago, emerging from the city of Compton in the late 80’s was the unapologetic violent and sexist pioneers of gangsta rap, also known as N.W.A. They were hardcore rappers proving that it was possible to be intelligent, revolutionary, and socially aware. They often were laced in all black attire, most notably LA/Oakland Raiders gear and snapback caps with ‘COMPTON’ or ‘LA’ above the brim. Their attitude and stance towards corporate America was assumed reflective of anyone who sported Raider gear alike. In many public schools across America, in the early 1990’s Raiders gear was considered gang related clothing and was forbidden to be worn.
Fast forward to present day, as I walk these 90210 streets and draw in immediate gossipers trying not be obvious as they whisper about the black guy walking past in a Vick jersey. For me, personally, Vick is a reflection of what Americans encourage and admire. Unlike OJ Simpson, who was a glorified athlete turned accused assailant of a double homicide - Vick unlike Simpson admitted to his wrong doing, served his time and made the most of his ‘second chance’. He worked his way back into the NFL and once again became a starter and enjoyed success yet again with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He went around the country, to various schools speaking about the misfortune that fell upon him and the people he associated with at the time. Vick appeared to be reformed and headed to pure resolution. He also was forgiven by the PETA organization and worked along aside them to help end dog fighting once and for all.
However, Vick, like OJ still remain to be two of the most hated athletes in American sports to date.
