How to Prevent a Career Downfall Like Michael Vick's

Michael Vick is a former football star whose amazing career ended abruptly because of bad decisions in his personal life. On December 10, 2007, Michael Vick was convicted on charges stemming from his involvement in a dog fighting ring. His sentence was 23 months in prison for his involvement in the crimes.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Know that the law applies to everyone. Laws protect people and property. Michael Vick was part of an illegal gambling and dog fighting ring. He even admitted to participating in killing dogs. If you follow the law, you will be less likely to have a major career downfall like Michael Vick's.
2. Remain humble. Michael Vick, like many professional athletes, let his success get to his head. His fans adored him and he thought that his popularity would protect him from major legal troubles. Michael Vick refused to admit to any wrongdoing until he discovered that other defendants made deals to testify against him.
3. Uphold the standards set by your profession. In Michael Vick's case, he was subject to the ethics standards of the National Football League. He violated these standards by participating in dog fighting. He lost many fans because of his actions.
4. Focus on your career. When you focus on your career, you are less likely to get involved in unethical or illegal activities. Michael Vick allowed his desire for ultimate popularity to overshadow his common sense. He decided to attend the dog fights in multiple states when he should have been practicing his game so that he could be the ultimate quarterback.
5. Be content with your pay and benefits. Michael Vick participated in the dog fighting ring partly because of the fast cash to be made by charging admission to see the fights. He also enjoyed the “easy” money from the gambling that is associated with dog fighting. He also admits to loving the rush that he got from seeing the fights and he liked the popularity that he gained in the underground dog fighting ring.
6. Consider how your actions will affect others. Michael Vick had many young fans that would have been willing to support him for many years to come. These young fans lost their faith in him. One fan, Mr. Payne, said "Disappointed and devastated that another brotha is linked to foolishness and sociopathic behavior that not only will possibly terminate his Falcon's paycheck, but further tarnish the reputation of brotha's who are trying to stay out of prison and do the RIGHT thing."