Count Dracula, Frankenstein, and Wolfman are all ficticious, scary monsters that have been depicted in book form and on the silver screen.
There is at least one, though, who is real among us in the world of sports. His name, of course, is Michael Vick.
Kids, don't be like Mike.
OK, OK, I don't personally know the man, but then again, I don't want to know him, either.
Many of you are probably aware of Vick's history. Briefly, the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback is a convicted felon who served prison time for financing a dog fighting ring.
Now, he's free to negotiate and resume his professional football career.
So far, there have been no takers. It does not appear that the Steelers, Bengals and Browns are interested in Vick.
Even Oakland, notorious for signing misfits, is staying away from him.
Whichever team does eventually sign Vick, I wish that team the very, very worst.
Frankly, Vick got off way too easy. He really should've been shipped to the Guantanamo Bay detention camp in Cuba - for life.
Vick just had a crack team of lawyers.
Was justice served?
No way.
Some of you out there might believe Vick deserves a second chance and that he may turn things around with exemplary behavior once he signs with an NFL team.
Well, if that's how you feel, you probably wouldn't object to the unconditional release from prison of O.J. Simpson and Rae Curruth, either.
Vick, Simpson and Carruth really have a lot in common.
Before I go any further, I am admittedly a dog lover - and I'm not alone. According to the latest findings of market research firm E-Poll (Forbes.com), Vick is the most disliked athlete in sports.
Do you still want Vick's autograph? Well, maybe he'll give it to you in dog's blood.
I really believe that Vick is the type of person that if driving on the road he would purposely run over a box turtle instead of stopping the car, getting out and taking it to the side, out of harm's way.
Would you like to know who else is on that E-Poll? From No. 2 to 10, respectively, they are Manny Ramirez, Alex Rodriguez, Terrell Owens, Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Isiah Thomas, Stephon Marbury, Nick Saban and John McEnroe.
Personally, I would agree with most of the choices. But, I would've also included Brett Favre, Randy Moss, Roger Clemens, David Beckham, Barry Bonds, and Simpson.
All of these individuals, except for Simpson, aren't the monster that Vick is, though.
Years from now, a movie, based on a true story, will probably be made on Vick's life.
Hope it's called "Michael the Vicker."
Ron Johnston is the Marietta Times sports editor, and can be reached at 376-5441 or at rjohnston@mariettatimes.com
