Michael Vick deserves second chance ... barely!

Michael Vick is a disgrace, scumbag and anything else you want to call him.

That being said, he deserves the second chance he is being given by the Philadelphia Eagles.

Vick has served his 23 months in prison for leading a dog-fighting ring. He’ll also be sidelined up to six games this NFL season as further punishment.

Some will say he can never be punished enough.

I’m willing to give him another chance, with a 2-inch rope to hang himself if he screws up again.

After all, he has taken his legal punishment. And think of how many other people with lesser profiles have been given second chances.

If there is even an indication Vick is involved in dog-fighting rings or any other poor behavior, the NFL should tell him “goodbye.”

The biggest reason he should be given a second chance is his mentor, former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy.

If there were more Tony Dungys in today’s society with strong Christian morals and a lifestyle to back it up … just think of how much better off our country would be.

Hey, O.J. Simpson was given a second chance (and even didn’t go to prison) after killing his wife. Thank goodness, he’s finally in prison where he belongs.

Give Vick a second chance. If he stumbles, put him right next to O.J.

Holiday Bowl honors deserving athletes

Two standout East County athletes were honored at the 30th annual Pacific Life Holiday Bowl kickoff luncheon Wednesday.

Alex Arroyo of Grossmont High was awarded the Holiday Bowl Memorial Scholarship, founded in memory of R. Hastings Garland Jr., one of the bowl’s founders and its president in 1982.

Lawrence Walker of Christian High earned the 2007 Kiwanis Most Inspirational Football Player Award in San Diego County.

Arroyo has a cumulative GPA of 4.64, is editor of the campus magazine, a member of the Grossmont Interact Club, Varsity Academic League, Musical Activities Club, and Yearbook staff. He is also a varsity letter winner on the tennis and wrestling teams.

Meanwhile, some of the University of Texas players at Wednesday’s luncheon expressed surprise at how rowdy San Diego Chargers’ fans had been Monday night when the Chargers defeated Denver, 23-3, at Qualcomm Stadium.

They even went so far as to compare Charger fans to the loyal supporters who traditionally pack the stadium for Texas home games.

Arizona State will have more fans in attendance than the Longhorns at Thursday night’s Holiday Bowl, but it shouldn’t make any difference.

Prediction:

Texas 27, Arizona State 24