Second Chance

Late last night my wife Hope and I had an interesting discussion. The issue at hand was whether or not Michael Vick should be reinstated into the National Football League. This past week Vick completed a 21-month sentence at the federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas. He had pleaded guilty to bankrolling a dogfighting operation at a home he owned in Virginia. He also admitted to participating in the killing of several underperforming dogs. Needless to say Vick is not exactly the person you would ask to dog sit while you go on vacation, but does that mean he should be black listed for the rest of his life?
The question, which has dominated the media, is whether or not we can assume Vick is a “changed” man. Some say he has endured the punishment that was given to him, and that alone is adequate. There is no need to punish him further than our judicial system has prescribed. They feel Vick has a right to have his job returned to him after having completed his sentence.
The opposing view feels that just because he sat in a federal prison for almost two years, does not mean he is remorseful for his actions. How do we know he is not going to be a repeated offender? Even if he does not repeat the offense is it appropriate to allow a person who has committed such horrific crimes to compete in the NFL on a national stage?


Questions for the Shabbos table: In an email to Vick’s attorneys, PETA President Ingrid Newkirk urged that Vick undergo a brain scan and a full psychiatric evaluation before being eligible to return to the NFL. “If he passes the test, everyone can truly have hope that he has the capacity to change, and indeed has changed, not just in word but in heart, mind and deed,” the email read. What is the Jewish perspective on this case? Is PETA taking this too far? Does G-d demand that we go as far as psychiatric test to ensure that we have truly repented? If the answer is no, how do we know when we have truly repented?


My thoughts: The Jewish belief is regardless of how awful a person’s action is there is always an opportunity for repentance. The Sages explain that there are four steps to repentance.
1. Regret our sin.
2. Admit to our misdeeds.
3. Remove ourselves from the sin.
4. Accept upon ourselves not to commit that sin again.

If a person says that he is remorseful we do not have the right to question him. However, the person who is repenting must make sure he is following the four steps to repentance.