"The Michael Vick redemption tour hits Arlington tonight at Cowboys Stadium.

Fans in the Fort Worth-Dallas area finally can come face to face with the conundrum that has swept the nation since the start of the NFL season.

How do you appreciate Vick's Most Valuable Player-worthy play in leading the Philadelphia Eagles (8-4) to the top of the NFC East while still being appalled by his despicable criminal act?

Vick has paid his debt to society, spending 21 months in federal prison after being convicted of dogfighting and animal cruelty charges.

But there are many who will never forgive and more who will never forget his inhuman crimes of violence against the helpless.

James Bias, president and CEO of the Society for the Prevention and Cruelty to Animals of Texas, said Vick's case represents a "dark and seedy side of our culture" that needs a spotlight shined on it.

He said law enforcement agencies across the country aggressively have pursued more dogfighting crimes and the Vick case was a catalyst for that.

"With each game he is playing in, there will be a buzz and activity about his past. If there is any good, it will keep it on folks' minds about the illegal nature of his activities," Bias said. "Our culture is about people committing crimes and paying the price. He has done that. Many will move on. There will be others who will continue to condemn anyone who has abused an animal. I don't know what's in his heart. I know he has a lot of people watching him.""