Vick Bashed for Donating Money

I just read an article concerning former Virginia Tech and current Atlanta Falcons quarterback, Michael Vick, donating $10,000 to the victims' families at Virginia Tech. I then read the ensuing comments by commoners across the country. I'd say at about a ratio of 2:1, the comments were very negative in nature, bashing the Falcons' quarterback for only giving ten grand.

What can or can't this guy do that won't result in him getting bashed by the media and the people at large? Before test results come back in the water bottle incident, chalk it up, he's guilty. The results come back drug-free and it's a conspiracy. He speaks about the incident and he's lying. When he's a pocket passer for a game or two, he should've run more. When he gallops for record-breaking rushing yards, he should've thrown more. When he throws four touchdowns in the game with no turnovers, he should've converted that one third down play in the third quarter. This guy could go overseas tomorrow, kill every single terrorist in the Middle East, donate his entire career salary to improving life in Africa, and become involved with Oprah Winfrey and Jimmy Carter in their humanitarian efforts, and people would still find something to gripe about. "He's still overrated." "He's still a running back trying to play quarterback." "He's still a thug." "He can't pass the football accurately."

The man donated $10,000 to thirty-two families who just lost loved ones. Spread that out and that's $312.50 per family. Is $10,000 a minimal amount in comparison to what Vick makes on an annual basis? Yeah. But, what are most people told to give? $5? $10? $20? These are families who make between $30,000 and $70,000 a year. If some families in this country donated just a very small portion of what they make, $20 for example, then funeral arrangements, transportation, medical bills, etc. could be paid for. It'd be crazy to ask anyone to donate their entire salary or even a bulk of it. Vick donated $10,000. That's nothing to scoff at. The man did what he could do to help a little. With his salary, he could afford to hand out a much larger total than the majority. While he's sending ten grand to aid the families, what good does it to do for us to criticize a man for donating $10,000, when we could be donating, as well?

Put personal feelings and biases aside and do something yourself. A donation of money is great, but that isn't even essential. If nothing else, just keep the victims' families and others surrounding the incident, in your prayers.