It appears that Michael Vick is the victim of ‘da man – at least according to the Director of the NAACP of Atlanta (you know, the folks who used to work with Dr. King – non-violence and all that).

Here’s part of the statement:

“We further ask the NFL, Falcons, and the sponsors not to permanently ban Mr. Vick from his ability to bring hours of enjoyment to fans all over this country.—

Let’s hear a rousing chorus of Let Me Entertain You…

For a recap of the foolish statements the under brained and overpaid are making check out this story from the San Jose Mercury News: Marbury and NAACP: Did we really say what we said about Vick? (Um, yes)

As an aside, Stephon Marbury was selling his Starbury/Doonsbury/Foolsbury sneakers to folks (little white kids from well-to-do families who eat up this drivel – as long as it comes from the mouth of a “”star””) right here in Colonie, NY – at the Colonie Center Mall when he made his statement.

Now we hear from Mr. Vick’s estranged father as well.

So to the title of this post – is Michael Vick the victim of ‘da man?

Yes.

Here’s why.

Mr. Vick grew up surrounded by violence, was trained in violence, and profits off violence on a regular basis.

If anyone is deluded enough to think that people watch football for the ‘skill’ involved, well have I got a bridge for you.

What he did – while abhorrent, is what he was brought up and trained to do. He lives by violence, and like other entertaining stars, he does what he does for the benefit of ‘da man.

He makes a salary of $130 million per year!

We are supposed to be amazed and shocked, envious. Can’t I have a large house, fancy cars, a few dogs, some friends, and women who throw themselves at me?

If we were smart and wise we would look at these poor misguided folks as the victims of ‘da man.

Rather, paid a sum that seems hefty to Joe and Jane blue/white collar slave, we are flabbergasted by their shallowness.

Football, basketball, hockey players who do violent things – oh, the horror. Hollywood eye candy who degrade themselves, sell themselves, and methodically kill themselves in the fast lane – oh, the loss…

Mr. Vick will never be the man – only a play actor. Paris and company will never catch the man – they will only be his puerile fantasy.

‘da man is the one who is a step above the franchise owner and the Hollywood producer. He or she is the financier, the one you will never meet. Mr. X. They don’t touch down or show their face. They simply get rich.

Yes, Michael Vick and all of us are victims of ‘da man.

The thing is, we have the power to say no more. All we have to do is put down those tickets, turn off the TV, and buy plain ‘ole Keds.

Oh, and by-the-way, I know redemption/rehabilitation is overplayed. But being Christians we know of one sure way – a call to true repentance.

Perhaps repentance for Mr. Vick would be his voluntary rejection of football, and all other violence. True repentance can happen – and leads to reconciliation. Pray for Michael Vick, and that we all be granted the grace of not buying-in.