I made a mistake

by now we've all certainly heard the gory details of michael vick's involvement in dogfighting. as a dog owner, i'm beyond disgusted by stories like these, amplified by the fact that he's such a high-profile athlete.

everyone is right in their condemnation and criticisms of him and his cohorts, but now the NAACP has chimed in, stating that vick should be allowed to return to the NFL once he's finished his sentence. maybe, but it's not their call. regardless, as abhorrent as the situation is, my ire has been raised yet another notch because of one little phrase--he made "a mistake."

teammates, friends, and NAACP reps alike have continued to throw every cliche known to man at the scenario. "he made a mistake." "he just got involved with the wrong people." "it's just a bad situation." let's get one thing straight here, the only "mistake" made on anyone's part is believing that vick didn't have complete and utter control over his life and his future, just as we all do.

making an accounting error is a mistake. having a bad car accident can be a mistake (assuming the driver isn't drunk). mispronouncing a name is a mistake. but bankrolling a dogfighting ring and willfully and actively participating in the torture, mutilation, and killing of animals is not a mistake, it's criminal.

it's fine that the NAACP wants to rally support behind someone whom they identify as their own (though i'd be willing to put money down that vick has not sent a dime to them in support), so long as the situation fits within the confines of their mission--advancing the cause of people of color.

the NAACP was among the first to condemn the duke lacrosse players for allegedly raping a black stripper--which was later proven false--and has yet to issue any type of apology. in that situation, they felt (understandably) the need to protect and support an african american in a time of need, as the victim.

vick is no victim. and in this situation, the NAACP has no reason to be involved nor anything to gain. no one was out to get vick because he's rich and black and just wanted to oppress him because of his race. the fact that he's agreed to a plea deal should signify to the world, and particularly the NAACP and others who want to bring race into the equation, that vick is guilty and is a victim only of his own poor judgment and bad decision making. the only "mistake" being made here is by the people and organizations that continue to try and deflect the blame away from vick and place it squarely on the shoulders of a racist country.