Is Dungy Risking Too Much For Vick?

Tony Dungy has proven to be a wonderful man of great character. He has build an impeccable reputation as a human being not only in the NFL but in society itself. Dungy is the ideal person to be a mentor for, not only Michael Vick, but for all NFL players. In fact, I believe the NFL should start a new mentoring program for those players who have issues with drugs, drinking, arrests, domestic violence, and etc. Dungy should head the program and any player that gets in trouble should enter the program. With all of that said, I cannot get away from one recurring question that I have with regard to Dungy mentoring Vick. Has Dungy stuck his neck out too far for Vick?

I believe Dungy is a truthful man and that he believes that Vick has remorse. Only time will tell if Vick has truly change or not. I believe Vick should be allowed to play in the NFL again. He has paid his due to society. His actions were awful but he has admitted his guilt, took a while but he did, and he has paid his debt. I also believe he should have very strict limitations with any serious offenses resulting in permanent ban from the NFL. Dungy has went to bat for Vick to the ninth degree. Not only mentoring, but vouching for Vick that Vick deserves this chance and that Vick has changed. Dungy has made very direct statements that presents himself as very confident about Vick.

My question is what if Vick makes another bad mistake? Note that I wrote "bad" mistake. We all know he will make mistakes, as we all do. However, if he makes a bad mistake that ruins this chance for him, how will that impact Dungy's reputation? Dungy has worked a lifetime to build this reputation. Should Dungy be with Vick twenty four hours a day for seven days a week to make sure Vick walks the line? No, absolutely not. Vick is a grown man and must make his own decisions. Is Dungy responsible if Vick goes astray? No, absolutely not. Dungy can only mentor he can't make Vick behave in a certain way. Should people look at Dungy different if Vick makes that bad mistake? No, absolutely not but that doesn't mean that people will not question Dungy's ability as a character reference.

If Mike Vick doesn't take advantage of this opportunity and makes another bad mistake, whatever it may be, will I think worse of Tony Dungy? No. Tony Dungy's life speaks for itself. There is more than enough proof in the pudding. Tony Dungy is the ideal man to lead a "mentoring" program for the entire NFL and if I were Roger Goodell I would pursue that today. Unfortunately, Dungy has given the appearance of total confidence in Vick. Confidence is ok, but Dungy should have left the impression more open ended by noting that only Vick knows if he has changed and only Vick can make sure Vick behaves appropiately. Dungy's intentions are good as always. However, should Vick fail Dungy with another bad mistake, Dungy's reputation will take a hit of some sort. Dungy should be careful to state his belief in Vick, while at the same time put all of the responsibility on Vick by stating, "Michael Vick's future is in the hands of Michael Vick".