Vick Gets it Right

Disgraced quarterback Michael Vick, recently released from an 18-month stint in prison, granted one of his first interviews to CBS’ 60 Minutes. The interviewer pulled no punches and, unlike nearly every disgraced sports figure in recent memory, Vick made no attempts to deflect them. A recent Yahoo! Sports article has some excellent examples of his heartfelt responses:

• When James Brown confronted Vick with a graphic recitation of the acts associated with the Bad Newz Kennels dogfighting operation, then asked him, “For those who may say it showed a lack of moral character because you didn’t stop it, you agree or disagree?” Vick didn’t hesitate, equivocate, hem or haw. “I agree,” was his simple reply. • When Brown asked Vick, “Who do you blame for all of this?” Vick once again resisted the urge to deflect the question or share the blame with others. “I blame me.” • When Brown asked Vick about blowing his $130 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons, the richest in the NFL, Vick said, “I deserve to lose the $130 million.”

Vick’s frankness and honesty in this interview will do wonders for his crisis management efforts. Though it can be a long road, it is possible, with time and effort, to reverse even the most devastating reputation damage.