Infamous Vick cashes in on new show

What do mothers with eight children, bachelors and young fashionistas have in common? They are all a part of the reality show cult, allowing cameras into their private lives. Infamous Eagles quarterback Michael Vick is joining the group.

Just as flamboyant NFL wide receiver Terrell Owens gained TV fame through his "The T.O. Show" which airs on VH1, Vick will star in an eight part show tentatively titled "The Michael Vick Project" for BET. Though Vick is looking for redemption through this series, he doesn't really feel guilt towards his actions.

The controversy began when Vick was charged with handling an illegal interstate dog fighting ring in 2007 and sentenced to 23 months in jail. His extreme cruelty to animals shocked and disturbed many Americans.

The show is just a potential gimmick providing free PR time for Vick. In an interview with the LA Times, Vick said, "What I want to do is change the perception of me. I am a human being. I've made some mistakes in the past, and I wish it had never happened." Despite Vick's words, he doesn't seem genuinely regretful for the horrible crime he committed. Mere months after his release from prison in May, Vick is already craving the public's attention. It's disturbing how eager Vick is to get back into the positive spotlight. It seems like he cares more about what people think of him than about truly contemplating his actions.

Furthermore, the show will do little to change the public's perception of him. The public is fully aware that the show is for Vick's personal publicity and monetary gain. If he really wants to change his reputation to something positive, he ought to quietly return to NFL and play a successful season.

The most awful part of his signing into the show is that everything seems to be falling into his lap. Not only is he allowed to play in the 2009 NFL season with the Philadelphia Eagles, he is being paid to try to lift his negative reputation.

To top it off, the show will probably attract a large audience regardless of how ethically wrong Vick was for agreeing to do the show. History shows that audiences love to hate, as shown by the publicity the Balloon Boy Hoax received. Reality show stars like Kate Gosselin, "Octomom" and "Speidi" all achieved incredible viewership for their respective shows. Michael Vick will be no different. It's unsettling how the public will probably devote time and attention to this man who killed dogs to gain a profit.