In a speech at a high school only blocks away from a recent dogfighting bust, Michael Vick takes his anti-dogfighting message to Philadelphia’s youth. Via an introduction by Humane Society President Wayne Pacelle, Michael’s developing role as an HSUS spokesperson is explained. According to Pacelle, he originally wanted Vick prosecuted to the full extent of the law. But when Vick approached him while still incarcerated, Pacelle recognized the heartfelt change in the humbled football superstar and an earnest wish to help eradicate dogfighting nationwide.

Taking the microphone on stage, Michael explains how much he’s learned in his few months working with The Humane Society and how he never should’ve been involved in dogfighting to begin with. He then harkens back to what got him started with dogfighting, and the scene shifts back to the Ridley Circle projects. There, on a tour with childhood best friend Kevin Stanley, the two men talk about their common bond of sports and the everyday nature of seeing two dogs fight. Michael then expounds upon his initiation into the dogfighting culture and how it developed into a dogfighting ring after meeting fellow Newport News native, Tony Taylor.

With the help of Taylor, Michael and his friends built one of the biggest dogfighting compounds authorities had ever seen, according to local southeastern Virginia news reports. There were those in his inner circle who warned him against his felonious behavior, including his girlfriend, grandmother and personal assistant, CJ Reamon. It is with CJ by his side that Michael returns to the erstwhile home of Bad Newz Kennels in Surry, VA. As they embark on a tour of the compound, Michael says he’s there “to put the demons to rest.”

Michael takes us on a tour through the kennels, pointing out where the dogs were kept chained up, the infirmary, and the barn where they actually used to fight the dogs. That barn still had the old, bloodstained carpet in it, which brought back memories that made Michael nauseous. After revisiting the cemetery where countless dogs were buried and finding the post upon which he used to hang the dogs, Michael truly understood the egregious errors of his ways. As he and CJ walk off the property, he talks only of saving more dogs than he hurt.

Back in Philadelphia, Michael finishes his impassioned speech on behalf of the Humane Society. Mr. Pacelle explains how the Vick case was the tipping point in the HSUS’s crusade to end both dogfighting and animal cruelty as a whole, saying that where dogfighting is concerned, “there’s before Vick and after Vick.” Michael is encouraged at the results they’re getting and is very gratified to be part of the solution and not part of the problem.

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Credit: BET.com