Forgiving Vick

???I'm torn.

???As the 2009 NFL Draft comes our way, I know that the Buffalo Bills won't look into picking up a quarterback. Don't get me wrong I love Trent Edwards, but I know he won't be the answer to helping the Bills bounce into the playoffs especially with one of the toughest schedules in the league next year.

???Free agency has come and gone for the most part, and the Bills picked up the lowly likes of Ryan Fitzpatrick, which isn't an answer by any means.

???I have an idea.

???When July 20 comes along, a certain person will be released from jail and, if NFL commissioner Roger Goodell forgives this mystery man, his service will be available to the masses.

???Enter Michael Vick.

???Before you bash me, let it be known that I love animals; I have more pets than you have fingers and I do not condone anything that Vick did to the dogs involved in his dogfighting ring. What I do know is that Vick, who will be available for a very small contract, would be a steal and would make an immediate impact on a struggling Bills team.

???In his final season before being prosecuted, Vick completed 204 passes from 388 attempts for 2,474 yards, 20 touchdowns and 13 interceptions behind a horrible offensive line. Buffalo's line, while not the best, will be better than what the Atlanta Falcons had back then, so those numbers could increase.

???While many might think he's rusty, he's been working out throughout his tenure in prison in addition to playing basketball so he's still in shape. He has also donated funds for the betterment of the dogs involved in his dogfighting ring, trying to right the wrongs of his past.

???Once Vick is released from prison, and before Goodell ever gives him back a shot on the gridiron, he has to prove to everyone that he's legitimately sorry for what he did and that he has learned his lesson. I personally think that he will have no problem doing so.

???It's safe to say that most of the life as he knew it has ceased to exist. Vick is now bankrupt. He lost everything he once had and has built character while in prison. I wouldn't be surprised if every single dog that died under his watch haunts his dreams daily as he sits in his jail cell.

???What we need to do is forgive him. There are some families who have men rape and kill their daughters and sisters, and they find the ability to forgive these people. Why can't Americans forgive Vick for killing dogs? They have feelings and emotion just like any human being, so I don't see the issue. Forgiveness is, or should be, everlasting.

???The NFL has given thugs like Adam "Pacman" Jones a second chance, so I don't see how Vick, a first-time offender, shouldn't be given the same treatment. Hell, even Bills running back Marshawn Lynch, who hit a woman with his car and was found with an illegal handgun, was given a slap on the wrist. I don't see why Goodell shouldn't give Vick the same treatment.

???Why shouldn't Vick be allowed to get his life back on track? Buffalo would be a great place to start.