Vick is all dogged out

Pardon the intended pun, but Michael Vick has been dogged unfairly about his cruel treatment of canines.

That's why I think he, or his management, did the right thing by canceling his appearance on Oprah. We all know what the subject of his appearance would be, his dog fighting conviction. But what Vick needs to understand is his importance to Oprah comes only after he's successfully completed his comeback. So he doesn't need Oprah to prove to the world that he's a changed man.

Where was Oprah when the whole country ostracized him? When he tried to show people that there was a good man somewhere within the ruthless killer he was portrayed as. I'm not excusing what Vick did. It was ruthless, it was vicious, it was inhumane. But he paid his dues with prison time, loss of endorsements and the near loss of a career and his family. What more should he have to give up?

There have been too many athletes, celebrities and notable people who've committed worse crimes. No need to mention names, but every person reading this blog can name at least three others who committed worse crimes than Vick, but walked away with less or no time. But he kills dogs and Fox analyst Tucker Carlson thinks he should have paid the penalty with his life?

Since Vick came out of prison, he has worked slowly to rebuild his career, which led to the NFL's comeback player of the year and an all-pro selection. He's worked even harder to improve his personal life and become a better family man. Now do you think it's a coincidence that suddenly his presence is needed on the talk show queen's couch?

I get that Vick wants everyone to know how much of a changed man he is, and there's no better way than to do so with Oprah's help right? Wrong! After a brief reality stint showing the world--or the small fraction of BET viewers who tuned in to watch him-- how he intended to re-organize his life, Vick has quietly continued to help educate others like him against the improper treatment of animals. No cameras following him to each speaking engagement and no PR rep spinning any stories for his benefit. Just rediscovery the old fashion way.

And that's what Vick needs to keep doing. There are people who need Oprah to help tell their story or share their pain. Jennifer Hudson going on Oprah to talk about the murders of family members was a great thing. Vick going on Oprah to show Americans how much of a different person he's become is a bad idea that will only make him appear to be courting the press. He's just come off perhaps the best season of his career and needs to remain on the low during the off-season then come back focused for next year.

Meanwhile the press needs to cut this man some slack and give him the true chance at redemption that he deserves. And he's not going to get it if we continue to dog him every chance we get.