CBT
07-01-2009, 10:00 AM
I love doggies as much as the next person, but I think Vick got a raw deal. Hopefully his new job isn't just a publicity stunt. Thoughts?
Vick changes job to work
with kids
Updated: Wednesday, 01 Jul 2009, 8:24 AM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 30 Jun 2009, 4:50 PM EDT
NORFOLK, Va. - Suspended NFL quarterback Michael Vick is leaving his construction job and will begin working for the Boys & Girls Clubs.
The President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of the Virginia Peninsula, Steve Kast said Tuesday, "I would like to confirm that Boys and Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula, in cooperation with the U.S. Federal Probation office in Virginia, has agreed to permit Michael Vick, a 12-year member, to fulfill a portion of his probationary requirements by working this summer at our Greater Hampton Roads facility, where he belonged as a youth."
Even before the official confirmation, children in nearby neighborhoods who use the Boys & Girls Club at Hampton and Jefferson Avenues were spreading the word. Betty Barnes said her 12-year-old son ran into the house and said, "Guess what, guess what, Michael Vick is going over at the Boys Club!"
Kast said the decision was made after consulting with board and staff members, community leaders, and parents.
"We think he can have an impact on our children because of some of the decisions he has made, and his ability to deliver a message to our young folks," Kast said.
One of those decisions is the very reason the suspended NFL quarterback is working for $9 dollars an hour at the club. Vick is still serving a federal sentence for bank rolling a dogfighting operation. Having a job is one condition that allowed his transfer from prison to home confinement.
Adults and children told WAVY.com Michael Vick and his family are part of their families. After all, Vick spent 12 years as a member at the club where he played football and was mentored by adults.
Barnes said, "He's still going to be a good influence regardless of the things he did, or [has] done. I think he's paid for that and kids are still gonna love Michael Vick."
"Michael Vick has donated a lot of time and money to that boys club for these kids," Barnes said, referring to Thanksgiving Day giveaways at the Boys & Girls Club that were funded and hosted by Michael Vick and his family.
Kast said Vick's role will be to help with health and fitness, as well as general programs at the Boys & Girls Club. He said there may be a time when he works at one of the organization's other 14 facilities, but for now the plan is for him to work at the Hampton Avenue location.
Kast said he expects Vick to continue working for the organization until at least July 20.
Before starting his new job, Vick was working at a local construction company for $10 an hour.
Vick changes job to work
with kids
Updated: Wednesday, 01 Jul 2009, 8:24 AM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 30 Jun 2009, 4:50 PM EDT
NORFOLK, Va. - Suspended NFL quarterback Michael Vick is leaving his construction job and will begin working for the Boys & Girls Clubs.
The President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of the Virginia Peninsula, Steve Kast said Tuesday, "I would like to confirm that Boys and Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula, in cooperation with the U.S. Federal Probation office in Virginia, has agreed to permit Michael Vick, a 12-year member, to fulfill a portion of his probationary requirements by working this summer at our Greater Hampton Roads facility, where he belonged as a youth."
Even before the official confirmation, children in nearby neighborhoods who use the Boys & Girls Club at Hampton and Jefferson Avenues were spreading the word. Betty Barnes said her 12-year-old son ran into the house and said, "Guess what, guess what, Michael Vick is going over at the Boys Club!"
Kast said the decision was made after consulting with board and staff members, community leaders, and parents.
"We think he can have an impact on our children because of some of the decisions he has made, and his ability to deliver a message to our young folks," Kast said.
One of those decisions is the very reason the suspended NFL quarterback is working for $9 dollars an hour at the club. Vick is still serving a federal sentence for bank rolling a dogfighting operation. Having a job is one condition that allowed his transfer from prison to home confinement.
Adults and children told WAVY.com Michael Vick and his family are part of their families. After all, Vick spent 12 years as a member at the club where he played football and was mentored by adults.
Barnes said, "He's still going to be a good influence regardless of the things he did, or [has] done. I think he's paid for that and kids are still gonna love Michael Vick."
"Michael Vick has donated a lot of time and money to that boys club for these kids," Barnes said, referring to Thanksgiving Day giveaways at the Boys & Girls Club that were funded and hosted by Michael Vick and his family.
Kast said Vick's role will be to help with health and fitness, as well as general programs at the Boys & Girls Club. He said there may be a time when he works at one of the organization's other 14 facilities, but for now the plan is for him to work at the Hampton Avenue location.
Kast said he expects Vick to continue working for the organization until at least July 20.
Before starting his new job, Vick was working at a local construction company for $10 an hour.