Nils Lofgren, acclaimed singer, songwriter and guitarist in Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, has written an impassioned call for balance in the recent media coverage of shamed NFL footballer and convicted dog fighter, Michael Vick.

Lofgren – writing for ESPN – says Vick's attitude toward his animal abuse was 'chilling'.

Lofgren writes:

"I do not know what is in Michael Vick's head or heart. But in a recent ESPN interview, and elsewhere, he stated that while he was committing these heinous acts of cruelty, it never occurred to him that he was doing anything wrong.

What a chilling, telling statement.

In Vick's case, I believe his second chance should certainly allow him to be free and to love and raise his family.

I think he should make speeches about the error of his ways and help animal groups. I understand that he is doing some of these things and I applaud that. He's also admitted to being haunted by his dogfighting days. That growth is welcome and necessary, but comes too late for me and those dogs."

You can read his (excellent) piece in full here.