Michael Vick: Dog’s Worst Friend Heads to Court
Dog killer Michael Vick is due in court this afternoon to face federal dogfighting charges.
We hope his choke chain is tight and he shows up.
As CR readers know, the Atlanta Falcons quarterback and three others are accused of participating in a competitive dogfighting conspiracy, buying and training pit bulls for fighting, and conducting the operation across state lines.
Prosecutors allege the business operated on Vick’s property in Virginia. Vick has rolled over and played dead: He says he doesn’t know anythig about it.
He could get six years in prison if convicted. That’s not even one year, in dog years.
In the meantime, the NFL Commissioner put an invisible fence around training camp while the league investigates the charges. Falcons’ owner Arthur Blank said the team wanted to suspend Vick for four games, but that the NFL told him to sit, stay.
“We are committed to doing the right thing on and off the field,” Blank howled. “No one will compromise what we stand for.”
Meaning: The NFL loves dogs as much as it loves money.
After his indictment last week, the NFL’s says it will monitor developments and allow the legal process to “determine the facts.”
That’s fine. We like facts.
Here’s a fact: Cruelty to animals is disgusting. Cruelty to animals to make money is unforgivable.
Animal-rights groups have been all over this.
PETA demonstrated at the Falcons’ headquarters and outside NFL offices in New York. At the same time, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was meeting with officials from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The league and the ASPCA are working on a program to educate players about the proper treatment of animals.
Activists also put pressure on companies with endorsements deals with Vick. Nike said it would not release a fifth signature shoe, the Air Zoom Vick V, this summer. However, the four shoe products and three shirts that currently bear Vick’s name will remain in stores.
Let’s hope conumers do the right thing and keep their paws off those remaing Vick goods.
Man’s best friend? Michael Vick is a pig.
July 26th, 2007 at 8:42 am
I hope he gets what is coming to him.
It’s very sad to see people getting enjoyment and money, by watching animals killing eachother.
I read an article about Dogfighting, and it was about a pitbull/boxer mix named Molly, her owners tied her to a tree when she was a puppy and let dogs attack her. Luckily she got saved, her new owners said she has scars all over her body and scared to death of men and other dogs.
July 26th, 2007 at 8:58 am
Well I guess we will see if this is another case of fame winning out over punishment.
July 26th, 2007 at 8:59 am
Don’t forget to mention the torture used to kill those dogs. Electrocution…smashing their heads in. It takes an oh-so extra psychopathy to torture animals…..glad he was caught before he moved on to the next level of torture and murder….anyone that reads this site and others like it know that those are traits of a budding serial killer…..
July 26th, 2007 at 9:06 am
Love your puns! Even though this is a very serious issue, they made me smile. I, too, hope that consumers refrain from buying his products. I am truly hoping that just punishment is meted out to the scum by the judicial system so that the NFL will not even have a choice in the matter. It is important that he be punished to fit his horrendous crime to send the right message to children who may have looked up to him in the past. Too often fame does win out, and that certainly is sending the wrong message to adoring fans.
July 26th, 2007 at 9:19 am
The whole thing (except for your awesome puns) makes me sick. I hope they put him and his buddies in the *real* doghouse for a long while as punishment AND that consumers and football fans let the Falcons and NFL know where they stand on disgusting crimes like this.
July 26th, 2007 at 9:22 am
“Man’s best friend? Michael Vick is a pig.”
And has been for years, even before this all came out. I hate him like Melissa hates Bush
Seriously, this makes me think of OJ. What other acts is this man capable of? And do I think he’ll get anywhere near 60 years? Not a chance. Thanks to our wonderful judicial system. I would love to see his smug smile wiped off his face, that I would pay money for, WAY before I’d pay to see a Falcon’s game.
Oh, and what’s this statement about? “The league and the ASPCA are working on a program to educate players about the proper treatment of animals.”
Huh? They need to be educated on proper treatment of animals? Asinine.
July 26th, 2007 at 9:31 am
KimPossible,
I thought that was interesting also. Will that be his big defense? He didn’t know any better? Please, what a load of crap! Also, I felt calling him a pig was offensive to swine everywhere.
July 26th, 2007 at 9:35 am
Doggone it, glad you liked the puns.
Seriously, the line that KimPossible points out is the true kicker here: “The league and the ASPCA are working on a program to educate players about the proper treatment of animals.”
I’m so tired of “education” programs. Doesn’t that approach sound like the rehab solution for any bad behavior? It is as if we no longer hold people accountable for anything — because they “didn’t know” that it was wrong to torture animals.
gregg
July 26th, 2007 at 10:03 am
Not to discount the abuse to the dogs, which in my mind is absolutely deplorable, but perhaps the league should also consider educating it’s players about the proper treatment of women as well.
http://snipurl.com/peep/1osmv
July 26th, 2007 at 10:53 am
fedup, this is from the CBS new site:
[Fifty-four pit bulls were recovered from the property during searches in April, along with a "rape stand," used to hold dogs in place for mating; an electric treadmill modified for dogs; and a bloodied piece of carpeting, the documents said.
During a June search of the property, investigators uncovered the graves of seven pit bulls that were killed by members of "Bad Newz Kennels" following sessions to test whether the dogs would be good fighters, the documents alleged.]
And further:
["Sometimes, dogs weren't fed to "make it more hungry for the other dog."
Fights would end when one dog died or with the surrender of the losing dog, which was sometimes put to death by drowning, strangulation, hanging, gun shot, electrocution or some other method, according to the documents.]
This info was re: Vick’s indictment. I think we are all just hoping that “due process” pans out like it should in his case. Unfortunately, as TxMichelle stated, “Well I guess we will see if this is another case of fame winning out over punishment.” This man is disgusting!
I also thought the education program comments were a lot of “hogwash”. Make the punishment fit the crime.
July 26th, 2007 at 10:59 am
Actually, isn’t six human years something like 42 dog years? I think you got the math backwards.
July 26th, 2007 at 11:04 am
Without knowing the facts, Vick’s defense is not entirely implausible. I can imagine some star athlete who owns property and doesn’t live there, his hangers on engaging in bad stuff, the star not really paying much attention to what they were doing.
I would assume, however, that the prosecutors have enough evidence to show that Vick knew what was going on and/or participated in it, otherwise they wouldn’t have brought the charges.
July 26th, 2007 at 11:39 am
Blah — have you read any of the information about this case? Vick has been into dog fighting for years — there are witnesses who put him as funding the things — in person.
July 26th, 2007 at 12:03 pm
When I heard on the news this morning that the max he could get is 6 years, my stomach turned. I looked over at my beautiful Australian Cattle Dog – whose been very sick with IBD but still insists on being by my side every morning as I get ready for work, and almost lost it (i.e. ugly cry).
Vick should get 10 years for each dead dog. Who are the pieces of chit that were indicted with him? Do we know their names or affiliation with Vick? (sports, friends, family etc.)
July 26th, 2007 at 12:31 pm
Fedup, we are entitled to our opinions. He certainly isn’t going to be put in prison just on the say-so of millions of disgusted animal lovers. He will have his day in court, and IF he is guilty then I say treat him the way those poor dogs were treated. Let him go starving, hang heavy objects around his neck to “strengthen” his neck muscles, then hang him from those stronger muscles.
July 26th, 2007 at 12:43 pm
Oh, jeez, here we go again. ‘Due Process’ instead of ‘innocent until proven guilty’. When WILL people learn that the public isn’t bound by the rules of a courtroom? We can judge for ourselves, and we’re not required to wait for a legal verdict to tell us how to think.
July 26th, 2007 at 1:04 pm
The fines that he is facing should go to save animals. And 6 years is not long enough for this cold hearted BOY!
July 26th, 2007 at 1:08 pm
Cari:
I haven’t been following the case closely, so I wasn’t aware of the evidence they had against him. But it doesn’t surprise me, since it would be very risky for prosecutors to go after someone like Vick unless they had a very solid case.
I suppose, under the circumstances, “I didn’t know about anything” is probably the best defense Vick could muster.
I do wonder if the prosecutors are really going to try to nail Vick, or if they will end up agreeing to a plea that spares Vick any jail time. It wouldn’t surprise me.
July 26th, 2007 at 1:16 pm
anyone who is cruel to animals could just as easily harm a human–there is NO REGARD for LIFE, whether animal or man. Studies about animal cruelty have shown that, PERIOD.
He has no monetary need to fight dogs, so in this case its the classic “ya can take the man out da ghetto, but not the ghetto out da man.” DO NOT hear me wrong, I LOVE my brothers but he’s acting a fool! Kids look up to him–he needs to be a real leader and role model.
last year here in Detroit a 6 year old child was mauled to death by a pit bull fighter.
I wonder how Vick would feel if we electrocuted him for losing a football game? God says, how we judge others is how we will be judged ourselves, and with the measure we use the same measure will be applied. ouch.
July 26th, 2007 at 1:17 pm
anyone who is cruel to animals could just as easily harm a human–there is NO REGARD for LIFE, whether animal or man. Studies about animal cruelty have shown that, PERIOD.
He has no monetary need to fight dogs, so in this case its the classic “ya can take the man out da ghetto, but not the ghetto out da man.” DO NOT hear me wrong, I LOVE my brothers but he’s acting a fool! Kids look up to him–he needs to be a real leader and role model.
last year here in Detroit a 6 year young child was mauled to death by a pit bull fighter.
I wonder how Vick would feel if we electrocuted him for losing a football game? lol.
God says, how we judge others is how we will be judged ourselves, and with the measure we use the same measure will be applied to us. Ouch!
July 26th, 2007 at 1:39 pm
fedup- I’m not sure if you know this, but real life doesn’t work exactly like the show CSI. Not all of the evidence is out on the table in an hour.
Why are you unwilling to face the facts here wrt MV?
July 26th, 2007 at 1:43 pm
fedup,
The public at large is not required to use Due Process when rendering an opinion on an alleged crime or criminal. However, with that said, I agree with your take on the need for evidence, at least as it relates to convictions in a court of law. However just the fact that you seem to think that CSI is a credible source of comparative information in order to justify your point, or that CSI should be cited as a relative, real world example at all, just boggles my mind. {{{rolls eyes}}}
As far as finding someone to roll on Vick who has nothing to loose, come one, that’s done every day. LE uses insiders all the time. And a good part of the time those insiders are just as big of dirt bags as the looser on trial.
July 26th, 2007 at 1:54 pm
fedup:
The prosecutors aren’t going to show their cards before they need to. If they took the risk of indicting Vick, it is very likely they have strong evidence.
July 26th, 2007 at 1:57 pm
This is for Fedup
I’m sorry that you are so stupid that you can’t see this for what it is, digusting, shameful, and just plain evil. If you have been paying attention to this case from the beginning you would know that, the Feds have pictures of Vick and some of these dog fights. Also, there have been some Atlanta Falcon players that have come forward to say that Vick has discribe some of these fights to them and have seen pictures themself. Now, in my opinion these players are guilty of not reporting a crime when they knew about it and should be punished as well.
Back to Vick, talk to any good lawer and they will tell you Vick’s only smart solution is to plea guilty and get the best deal possible. To paraphrase one lawer “kill everyone in the house but kill the dog you have crossed the line”. Another lawer said that it is alomst impossible to get and fair and impartial jury, because when you get into to the graphic details of dog fighting its hard to get past it.
As a person who grew up outside of Altanta and still lives there today, I’m embarresed by whats happened and to have someone like that to linked to my home team. I hope the Falcons and the NFL to the right thing and never let Vick play again.
July 26th, 2007 at 2:11 pm
I’m not ridiculing the concept of due process, Fedup. I’m ridiculing you, who watches one episode of CSI to learn big words like “due process” without grasping how and where it is actually applicable.
July 26th, 2007 at 2:54 pm
And by the way geez lighten up people, did you not get that me watching CSI was only a joke? Or do I really have you guys shook up that badly to have you grasping for any sort of a reply? Didn’t anybody see the Holiday Inn commercial for pete’s sake lol
July 26th, 2007 at 3:08 pm
As usual, someone like you will yadda yadda yadda on-or offer to-to hide the fact that you haven’t a clue about what you are discussing. But, then, looking at who and what you are defending kind of tips everyone off to the calibre of your thinking.
“Proof” is individually conclusive. Some may conclude that Michael Vick being charged with the crime as proof that the police gathered enough evidence to indicate his guilt. Are they wrong? No. It may not be ‘proof’ to you, but one man’s ketchup is another man’s catsup.
In any case, ‘judging’ is human nature. If you think citing the Holocaust (Auschwitz being a concentration camp, not the Nazi regime’s attempt to exterminate Jews) and Stalinism, etc. is going to subdue anyone into not judging, then you, again, haven’t a clue. Judging others, judging situations, judging anything is as instinctive to human beings as the physical act of breathing.
July 26th, 2007 at 3:08 pm
fedup…I did not ridicule “due process”! I said,”I think we are all just hoping that “due process” pans out like it should in his case.”
(I probably should have said I am hoping instead of we, though…) And that is exactly what I meant! IF the facts show that Vick is indeed guilty of these horrendous crimes, I hope he gets the maximum punishment allowed. Then the NFL won’t have to decide what to do about him- he will be locked up! You said,
“In other words Gam, to any two cent lawyer all the rape stands and graves in the world on his property does not amount to a hill of beans when it comes to direct physical evidence against Vick.” I don’t claim to know all the facts in the case, but assume that if he was indicted that there is strong evidence pointing to his guilt. Seems to me from news reports that there has been plenty of corroboration regarding his guilt in the matter.
As others have stated, I am entitled to my opinion. I don’t expect to get called for jury duty, so I can state whether or not I feel he is guilty and what I think his punishment should be! I also don’t think your examples of “Auschwitz, the Inquisition, Stalinism, McCarthyism”, etc. are an appropriate comparison in this case. IMHO
July 26th, 2007 at 3:44 pm
Hey Rae, you gonna join the list of those that wish to insult my intelligence too? DogLover just called me stupid too, but I guess that’s what “intelligent” people do when anyone disagrees with them. Is it too much to ask to stick to the discussion at hand? Let’s examine your thoughts on my Auschwitz comparison for a sec. You said that judging is fundamental to human nature and I agree with you. But we were not talking about judging. We were talking about PRE-judging as in our friend Vick. See the difference? In order to debate you have to understand, and be able to respond to the relevant topic at hand. Oh, but I forgot, I’m stupid, as you say. Now prejudging is fundamental to human nature too, I can assure you of that. But does that make it…. right? Is it really OK to drag a man through the mud before he sets one foot in a courtroom? When a majority of people come up with a prejudgement that is…not OK… it doesn’t really matter does it? Hey, it really wouldn’t except for one thing….
Throughout history public judgements, no matter how erroneous, can become public policy.
Disagree with me? Well ask the Iraqis. Was it 91% of americans polled after 9-11 that thought it was ok to invade Iraq? Because of the overwhelming evidence of WMD? etc. etc… see where this is going? The Auschwitz comparison doesn’t seem so stupid now does it?
I submit to you that while it is second nature to make judgements or even prejudgements, we need to be careful at how we arrive at them. In the long run you can avoid an awful lot of human misery that way.
July 26th, 2007 at 4:43 pm
fedup why don’t you google the news on Vick? The many witnesses whose testimony are almost all corroborating? Even if they are thugs, you get enough witnesses saying the same thing, chances are they happened.
July 26th, 2007 at 4:47 pm
Vick should fight one of his Dogs…and if he doesn’t win….be put down or electrocuted….bastard……..
July 26th, 2007 at 5:05 pm
Michael Vick is nothing more than a THUG who just happens to have quarterback talent.
He is a monster to be so cruel to man’s best friend, it makes me want to vomit. What… the millions he is making in sports isn’t enough… he has to have dog fights….give me a break.
As an owner of 2 dogs, I cannot even fathom being cruel to ANY animal.
Vick is as low as they can go. I truly believe that he’s not going to weasel his way out of this one. I think his sorry, mean, stupid butt is going to jail. Good Riddence.
I really think that the sports industry had better do better background checking before they sign some of these freakin’ idiots. I really don’t give a rat’s ass how much talent he has…. he’s nothing more than a ghetto thug who just happened to get lucky. Vicky boy… your luck just ran out.
July 26th, 2007 at 5:05 pm
Michael Vick is nothing more than a THUG who just happens to have quarterback talent.
He is a monster to be so cruel to man’s best friend, it makes me want to vomit. What… the millions he is making in sports isn’t enough… he has to have dog fights….give me a break.
As an owner of 2 dogs, I cannot even fathom being cruel to ANY animal.
Vick is as low as they can go. I truly believe that he’s not going to weasel his way out of this one. I think his sorry, mean, stupid butt is going to jail. Good Riddence.
I really think that the sports industry had better do better background checking before they sign some of these freakin’ idiots. I really don’t give a rat’s ass how much talent he has…. he’s nothing more than a ghetto thug who just happened to get lucky. Vicky boy… your luck just ran out.
July 26th, 2007 at 5:05 pm
Michael Vick is nothing more than a THUG who just happens to have quarterback talent.
He is a monster to be so cruel to man’s best friend, it makes me want to vomit. What… the millions he is making in sports isn’t enough… he has to have dog fights….give me a break.
As an owner of 2 dogs, I cannot even fathom being cruel to ANY animal.
Vick is as low as they can go. I truly believe that he’s not going to weasel his way out of this one. I think his sorry, mean, stupid butt is going to jail. Good Riddence.
I really think that the sports industry had better do better background checking before they sign some of these freakin’ idiots. I really don’t give a rat’s ass how much talent he has…. he’s nothing more than a ghetto thug who just happened to get lucky. Vicky boy… your luck just ran out.
July 26th, 2007 at 5:08 pm
OH GOD… so sorry, hubby was hooking up new phone at same time and I kept clicking enter….so sorry.
July 26th, 2007 at 5:08 pm
fedup… This is a site for expressing opinions, but since it has nothing to do with the legal process that will take place, I do not believe it correct to call it “pre-judging. I am JUDGING (i.e. forming my OPINION on)his guilt based on what I know so far.(That is NOT pre-judging!) It has nothing to do with his criminal case which will be JUDGED in a courtroom. Now, if I were going to be on his jury, it would be inappropriate for me to pre-judge (form a legal opinion of his guilt or innocence)before I heard all of the evidence.
July 26th, 2007 at 5:28 pm
Fedup, I don’t have to call you stupid. You are the one defending the man and his alleged deplorable actions. That speaks for the calibre of your intelligence itself. Although, I notice you had the admins delete your references to your expert opinion coming from half an episode of CSI-after all, you wouldn’t want to be “prejudged” by newcomers reading those.
You can point out how we should all allow this man due process as much as you want. Since this site isn’t a court of law, but an opinion forum, and since none of us will actually serve on the man’s jury, your point is…well, pointless.
Your other point, that history is saturated with skewed judgment (oh, wait, sorry, prejudgment) is, well, an astonishing observation. Imagine that: human beings being flawed.
July 26th, 2007 at 5:33 pm
I hope they throw the book at Vick and give him the MAXIMUM; 6 years is not much for animal abuse. As someone pointed out, that isn’t even a year in dog years. 1 year in cat years is 7 years. I don’t know what that would be for dogs. If dog and cat years are the same, Vick should serve all 42 years in the slammer doing HARD time. I know that won’t happen, though, that’s my calculation.
I support animal rights groups like PETA and the Humane Society on animal rights and back them against cruelty to animals.
Gregg says:
‘Here’s a fact: Cruelty to animals is disgusting. Cruelty to animals to make money is unforgivable.’
That’s just how I feel, too. It angers me that animal abuse is a way for evil people to make a fortune. The animal rights groups are up in arms over this and animal lovers on MySpace post bulletins about this all the time with petitions, me included.
Mans best friend deserves to be treated with the same love and loyalty that he shows his human companion. In many cases, mans best friend will risk his own life for his human companion in emergencies. Animals have feelings, too.
July 26th, 2007 at 5:33 pm
Oh, and while we are the subject of your intelligence, Fedup – Auschwitz is a place. As in a geographical location. It is not a period in history. If you are going to use the reference as an example of flawed human judgment, it is known as The Holocaust.
July 26th, 2007 at 5:35 pm
Oh yeah, Rae, now I notice his earlier comments about CSI are just gone! How does that work? He asked for them to be deleted???I am fairly new to this stuff and sorta confused! (I must admit though, I did think he must have been being sarcastic about CSI…)
July 26th, 2007 at 7:04 pm
Well I will congratulate you for toning down the insults, Rae. Thanks. For the record I absolutely did not delete my previous comments, especially the long one dealing with what Vick would actually have to go through in order to be convicted. Either the admin deleted my posts or some blogger far more sophisticated than myself deleted them for me. In any event, not a bad reaction for someone whose comments are “pointless”, hmm? And yes, the CSI reference was only a joke. Now lets get to the heart of the matter shall we?
I stumbled onto this blog looking for reading material about Vick, and what I find is several people infuriated at what seems to have went on at Vicks home. If one tenth of what is alleged to have happened is proved in court I assure you that no one will be more outraged than I, as I own two dogs myself and have been an animal lover all my life. But what really struck my nerve was the blanket declarations of his guilt and what needs to be done to him posted here before the man stepped even one foot in court.
I agree that this is a forum for opinions, and of course everyone is entitled to them. If my posts have a “point” as Rae would say, it is that based on the evidence presented in the indictment so far, in my “opinion” your OPINIONS ARE DEEPLY FLAWED, and I have made it my business to point out why. But since you delved into the actual meanings of prejudgement and opinions, I would ask what exactly do you call your opinions that practically shout out the guilt of a man to the whole world before he steps one foot in court? If that is not prejudging, Rae, then please enlighten me on what you yourself would call this, and I will happily revise my dictionary.
And by the way Rae if it makes you feel better to point out to me that Auschwitz is an actual place, thats cool, I understand if you’re not feelin me on why I would purposely choose to use the location itself because of the imagery it invokes. To me it represents the pinnacle of what can happen when a group of people decide like a herd of sheep to follow and act on opinions and judgements (or whatever) that are deeply flawed. Or, we could always visit Iraq. I say give the man his day in court Rae, and if your opinions dont have anything to do with what I just discussed then obviously they dont apply to you, just those who are trying to convict the man before his time in court.
July 26th, 2007 at 7:05 pm
Apparently I missed some Fedup comments that are now deleted. I did read the one alluding to a lack of “due process” which is now gone, and that is what I wanted to comment on.
Due process is a civil right guaranteed in writing by the federal constitution. It states: “No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.” “Due process” simply means that a deprivation can’t occur without the involvement of a grand jury and a judge.
Where is the violation of the right to due process? Evidence was presented to a grand jury which handed back an indictment. Vick made a plea in front of a judge who allowed him to go free without bond, but restricted his travel and dog ownership rights. Vick received all of the due process that the constitution guarantees.
July 26th, 2007 at 7:09 pm
Hi all,
FYI…Crime Rant did not delete any of fedup’s comments.
gregg
July 26th, 2007 at 7:11 pm
fedup asks, “…But since you delved into the actual meanings of prejudgement and opinions, I would ask what exactly do you call your opinions that practically shout out the guilt of a man to the whole world before he steps one foot in court?”
I would call them opinions, just as you just did!!! Again, I point out, I am NOT part of the jury and am entitled to my OPINIONS and JUDGEMENT based on what I know so far from news reports.
July 26th, 2007 at 7:23 pm
“I would ask what exactly do you call your opinions that practically shout out the guilt of a man to the whole world before he steps one foot in court? ”
I call them just what you do…opinions. Ones based on the indictment handed down that indicates Vick’s guilt. You remember that document? The one that the investigators pursued and a grand jury signed? It, too, “shouts out” Vick’s guilt to the whole world before he has stepped one foot in court. In fact, it…gasp…prejudges Vick. Gosh, you’d better get on to those investigators and grand jury members and remind them all about the Holocaust and the Inquisition, etc. and how humans have flawed judgment, and so forth. They may not know.
July 26th, 2007 at 7:28 pm
Vick looks forward to proving his innocence. He says he didn’t know about a dog fighting operation that went on for 6 years, and he blames friends and family for it. One of four cooperating witnesses says that Vick paid him $23,000 for winning a dog fight.
Vick claims that he hardly ever visited his home. If he visited the home even once, how in the hell did they hide 66 dogs from him? I have one dog, and if you came to my house, I don’t think I’d be able to hide the fact that I have a dog for very long. How did they hide 66 dogs? Who bought all the dog food?
If Vick hardly ever visited his own house, when he did visit, wouldn’t he look around to see how things were going? 66 dogs is a lot of dogs. There would have to be people there full time taking care of them. The cops came there to look for drugs, and it didn’t take them long to find the 66 dogs.
Vick has 5 high priced lawyers. It will be interesting to see how he proves that he visited his house but was unaware of 66 dogs and a dog fighting operation being conducted there.
July 26th, 2007 at 7:33 pm
If Michael Vick did do what he is being charged with, then he should be punished to the full extent of the law.
July 26th, 2007 at 7:48 pm
Schuler- due process is simply a phrase I used to respond to those who are declaring Vick guilty before he even got to make a plea. That’s not too much of a leap to make is it?
Gam- we will have to call it a draw, seeing that you are incapable of making a judgement outside a courtroom venue. Prejudging or prejudice only occurs in a courtroom setting. Gotcha.
Schuler- I agree with everything you said. As I have said before, it does not look good for Vick. I have absolutely no problem with going so far as to say that. What I will not say, like so many others here, is that he is absolutely 100 percent guilty and discuss the various means of torture we need to devise for him. I find that mode of thinking to be extremely offensive. Let’s see how this thing plays out before we go there.
July 26th, 2007 at 8:10 pm
What is it with suspending for 4 games? Wow, 4 whole games! Let me tell you, in the company where I work, if I were under suspicion of anything and LE came to my place of work and spoke to my managers and directors, I would be fired on the spot and escorted out of the building. There wouldn’t be a suspension while an investigation was conducted. These people make millions of dollars and engage in horrible activities, 99% of them illegal and the American public (present company excluded) just shrugs it off and goes to another sports event, rock concert, etc.
And the whole thing about “educating the players about proper treatment of animals”. Spare me. I’m so tired of “the squeaky wheel gets the grease” policies. How about some “squeaky wheel gets yanked off and thrown away” policies for once? How about making grownups act like grownups and making kids that act like grownups and make grownup mistakes pay for the mistake like a grownup.
This guy was torturing dogs and holding/participating in dog fighting events. Nail him. Fire him from his cushy job as a professional football player and throw him in jail. . . where he can get a college education and spend more time working out . . . gee willakers . . . Never mind. :::scowl::: I’m going to go get some coffee and dwell on more pleasant things . . . like root canals and bunions.
July 26th, 2007 at 8:23 pm
“Gam- we will have to call it a draw, seeing that you are incapable of making a judgement outside a courtroom venue. Prejudging or prejudice only occurs in a courtroom setting. Gotcha.” Apparently you don’t “get me”, fedup!!! Instead of explaining AGAIN what I mean, why don’t you just reread my comments. You have twisted my meaning.
I will say again though, that this IS a site for opinions, and I haven’t read any on this thread that are as “extremely offensive” to me (even yours) as what Vick has allegedly done to these poor animals!
July 26th, 2007 at 8:32 pm
Lisa, lol, I just had a root canal! Maybe that is what is clouding my thinking! Still though, fedup, did you really mean to use the word “incapable”, as in “you are incapable of making a judgement outside a courtroom venue.” I don’t that you meant that the way it sounds. Think you meant to say that (from my perspective) I don’t consider it a judgement if it isn’t in a courtroom…However, what I said was: I am entitled to make any judgement I want, since I am not part of the courtroom process. I confessed to making a judgement.
July 26th, 2007 at 8:34 pm
Gam has got a point there, Fedup. There’s an indictment that states that Vick is guilty of horribly inhumane behavior towards innocent animals…and what you find offensive is animal lovers on an Internet blog offering opinions in response to that?
You say you will not declare Vick 100 percent guilty, or discuss various means of torture. In all fairness, who asked you to?
July 26th, 2007 at 8:35 pm
gam,
Lol, always happy to have timely input
July 26th, 2007 at 9:01 pm
Gam- What Vick is alleged to have done is horrible, and would have resulted in the unnecessary deaths of dogs, whom we all love. What I have been trying to point out to you is your propensity (whether you admit it or not) to prejudge, which in many ways is much more offensive to me because I understand that way of thinking can ultimately result in the deaths of Men. And Women. And Children.
For those of you that are wondering how in the world does he make that leap, I wish I could refer you to an earlier post I made on the subject, but unfortunately they have been deleted by someone yet to be revealed. They say that the truth hurts. A few posts that still remain might bring you up to speed. In any event Rae, I understand fully that no one asked me anything. I’m simply posting to a blog the same as you, just sharing an opinion.
July 26th, 2007 at 9:15 pm
OK, you are right,fedup, it is a draw…because I cannot possibly understand how in the world my “propensity to prejudge” someone indicted for a despicable crime “can ultimately result in the deaths of Men. And Women. And Children.” For those of you that might have missed the posts that were deleted, don’t worry, they didn’t explain his leap. And, in my opinion, it is a huge leap. I felt your comparisons were absurd! And I did understand what you were trying to say, but I don’t think it is at all applicable to this thread, this site, or much of anything! Your “opinions” amazingly are against opinions!!!
July 26th, 2007 at 9:39 pm
I have never posted to a Blog before, but if these sites are about opinions, then I have one. I am an animal lover have a dog, a cat, and volunteer for an animal rescue group. Like most animal lovers when I first heard of this arrest and saw some footage, I was sickened. After the indictment today, I knew it would be posted, so I took a deep breath and read the whole indictment. There is no way he didn’t know what was going on. He even had a name for the kennel, more like a torture chamber,and was going to make T-Shirts to advertise his enterprise. The investigation was over a period of years, not months and the Feds are not stupid. I would like to see him serve 6 years for every dog that was tortured and killed at this place. I could care less about the football part, except he should not be a role model for young kids, kids were even allowed to attend the fights. This is my opinion.
July 26th, 2007 at 9:58 pm
Dont think my last post went through Gam, but I will say that we may indeed call it a draw. You are far too intelligent to have reduced everything I have said to the degree you did. You are not being intellectually honest when you say that you understand what I was “trying” to say, but that it was absurd, not relevant to this post, or that my opinions are against opinions. You can do better than that. Better to just say that we agree to disagree. In any event I fully respect what you and Rae have had to say and I’m sure we will speak again as events continue to unfold. Until next time, and have a good night.
July 26th, 2007 at 10:18 pm
fedup….Huh?
July 26th, 2007 at 10:45 pm
Sorry, can’t let it rest. I think you were equating our opinions (which you call prejudgements) as similar to what caused various historical catastrophes and upheavals. Am I correct? If so, then I stand by my opinion that that is absurd. And it would make this and many other blogs guilty of what you are cautioning against, wouldn’t it?
You said, “You are far too intelligent…”lol
You have a good night, too.
July 27th, 2007 at 2:33 am
Lisa in OK Says:
July 26th, 2007 at 8:10 pm
What is it with suspending for 4 games? Wow, 4 whole games!
It’s just a ploy by the Falcons. They know it will take at least a year before he goes to trial. If he sits out 4 games, they can say he’s been punished and then he plays 12 regular season games with no problem.
Vick is in worse trouble for gambling than he is for dogfighting, with the NFL. The indictment says he payed out $23,000 to the winner of a fight. If that purse was paid to the winner of a horse race, he would still be in violation of NFL rules. The NFL gives out life time suspensions for gambling. The following is from a standard NFL player contract:
Among the types of conduct detrimental to the NFL and professional football that call for serious penalties are the following: [...]
4. Associating with gamblers or with gambling activities in a manner tending to bring discredit to the NFL.
Any such conduct may result in severe penalties, up to and including a fine and/or suspension from the NFL for life.
July 27th, 2007 at 5:42 am
FU, give it a rest. Michael Vick will have his chance to prove his innocence, and I am fairly certain that none of the opinions posted here will lead to the death of even one man, woman, or child. If you find posts offensive, don’t read them. It is equally as offensive that you are defending a man accused of the specifics listed in the indictment.
Mike, I don’t know who bought the dog food, either, but I’d sure like to hire the grounds keeper who cleaned up after 66 dogs so well that Vick didn’t even notice the dogs were on his property.
July 27th, 2007 at 8:17 am
I, for the life of me, cannot understand what Fedup’s squawking is all about. It was pretty plain that all of the posts are people’s OPINIONS and not in any way hurting Vick’s due process. Should any one of us somehow end up in voir dire for his trial we would be excused if we honestly said we thought he was guilty before seeing the evidence. There are many people, who having an opinion formed, would still be able to be objective if allowed to see/hear new evidence not given out by the media. I consider myself to be one of them. My opinion stands that the treatment of the dogs at Bad Newz Kennels was atrocious, and all those found to be responsible should be treated in the same manner as those dogs. I also think it is impossible for Vick to state that he has been to his house and NOT seen evidence of this if indeed there were at least 66 dogs in residence. The amount of poop alone would announce the presence of dogs by the smell!
July 27th, 2007 at 8:33 am
According to the indictment, Vick bought the house for the express purpose of dog housing/training/fighting. It doesn’t matter how little or how often he visited there, since it doesn’t change the purpose behind his initial investment in the property.
July 27th, 2007 at 9:05 am
Besides seeing as it is his property then he is responsible for anyone that uses it.
I agree that sitting out four games is to light. Then again this is a business and they are far more concerned with the bottom line. For all of us that feel that what he is accused of is not acceptable there are many out there that think it is no big deal.
It irritates the piss out of me how much professional atheletes make. It is outrageous. There should be caps on the income. What’s more is people will pay more and more to see a game or buy the products rather then protest by not purchasing them. That money would be better spent on teachers, police officers, EMS techs, firefighters. I could think of a hundred other jobs that deserve better pay and more respect then most atheletes.
July 27th, 2007 at 9:12 am
This whole thing disgust me. I raised a pit bull from the time she was 5 weeks old until she was a year old & she disappeared. I was very attached to her which is odd for me ’cause I’m a cat person & not so much a dog person. She was the most lovable creature I have ever had the pleasure to be around & it saddens me to know what has happened to her. I hope she didn’t end up in hands such as this. Pit bulls have a bad reputation & it’s one that shouldn’t be. People such as Michael Vick making them bring out their aggressive side is what makes them have the bad name they have. I don’t think 4 games off or most likely anything they decide on is enough. If there’s enough facts to prove he was any part of this, he should be removed from NFL all together. Our kids look at these sports stars as roll models. My son has jerseys, backpacks, posters, etc.. of Michael Vick & he’s his favorite player. I haven’t had the heart to tell him about what’s going on with him right now. I’m sure someone will eventually mention it when he returns to school from this summer. That’s sad! He obviously only thinks of himself.
July 27th, 2007 at 10:11 am
If they only make him sit out 4 games and he is found to be quilty I hope the fans hit the Falcons where it hurts. I doubt that would happen but it sure would be nice if they boycotted the games and stayed home.
July 27th, 2007 at 11:34 am
Good afternoon people, and Im so glad to see that the rhetoric has toned down quite a bit, at least in comparison to the earlier posts. Rae I too am certain that the opinions posted here won’t lead to the deaths of anyone, but history says that your mindset…the way you are so quick to form an opinion or judgement based on faulty analysis and limited, if any evidence…is ultimately responsible for the deaths of more than just a few (cough Iraq cough). It’s that mindset I’m squawking about, Sibby, and if you can’t make that simple connection then my squawking is needed more than even I could have imagined. I feel as if I’m providing a much needed public service and I thank you for this opportunity. Time for a change of subject folks… I think you might find this interesting….
I came across this today at MSN.com. I’m quoting from fox sports.com legal analyst Rob Becker.
“…the feds announced they will be filing a superceding indictment in August since there was only ONE COUNT in the original indictment…”
“…It’s possible that they are hoping the threat of enhanced charges will increase their leverage on Vick to come in and plea bargain to some or all he has already been charged with…”
“…the government would be likely to accept such a deal…since the government knows that if it has to actually try Vick it will be going up against a high-powered defense team…whereas if they do deal with Vick… they will not be facing anywhere near as well-financed a legal defense…”
What this simply means is folks that THERE IS NO CHANCE IN ##$@ VICK WILL GET THE MAXIMUM 5-YEAR SENTENCE. All ye who expected for the book to be thrown at Vick, abandon hope. The additional charges in August in street speak translates into nada, a first indictment with no real teeth per se. All the hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of dollars spent to get ONE COUNT. Make a careful analysis of every action the prosecution has taken to this point and the actions they are presumed to take in the future and if you see anything even resembling confidence in a full conviction, let me know.
So lets see whats left.
“…if Vick is convicted of conspiring to violate the Travel Act [conspiring, mind you, not committig the act, this quote is mine]… Vick, with no previous convictions would probably receive a sentence of between 10 and 16 months…”
“…but if is only convicted of conspiring to participate in dogfighting across state lines the maximum he could get is one year in prison and a 100,000 fine.”
Translation- in spite of all the howling, squawking and what have you, I assure you that you have not seen the last of Michael Vick. In spite of the millions of dog lovers across this county, and I include myself among them, despite PETA, the humane society and anything else you can name, based on what I have seen so far, Vick will indeed “wiggle out of this one.” The charges he will ultimately submit to will not be enough, the public outrage will not be enough, nothing will be enough to overcome the moneymaking machine that is called Michael Vick. You will definitely see him again in football in one form or another. It will take time, and obviously he wont operate at the level he once was, but he will be back so get ready.
July 27th, 2007 at 11:45 am
Fed, how does all that provided information play into your innocent until proven guilty rhetoric? The fact that he may not do much – if any – time behind bars doesn’t erase the fact, or “opinion” that the man is bloody guilty.
July 27th, 2007 at 11:55 am
I said that at the begining didn’t I? He is famous, he has money, he will get a slap on the wrist. Just like Paris, Just like Lyndsy, just like Michael etc. etc. etc.
The justice system is not balanced and what should be sitting on the scales of the blind lady is a pile of gold.
July 27th, 2007 at 12:01 pm
I didn’t form my opinion on faulty analysis, FU, just the indictment. Aren’t you supposed to be writing emails to all the grand jurors, etc. who prejudged Vick? And you have no idea what my mindset is…seems you are doing a little prejudging yourself, just like those responsible for coughIraqcough. But, at least, your hypocrisy is amusing.
July 27th, 2007 at 12:07 pm
Yes, TxMichelle, you said that and I totally agree! Seems we are right back where we started, eh? That was my whole point, Fedup, don’t you see?
July 27th, 2007 at 12:51 pm
“Sibby, and if you can’t make that simple connection then my squawking is needed more than even I could have imagined. I feel as if I’m providing a much needed public service and I thank you for this opportunity.”
Oh spare me. You’re pretentious, condescending, self-importance makes me want to vomit.
July 27th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
As far as hitting the Atlanta Falcons where it hurts if they let him get away with a 4 game suspension? Really hard to do. For example, the way the merchandising revenues are divided up – each team getting an equal share, regardless of how much merchandise with their logo was sold – guarantees that the Falcons will get a chunk of money. Off the backs of us hard-working Steelers fans.
Also, we can bitch and moan about how much the players make, but it goes back further than that. The owners are willing to pay that much, because they make so much more back. 20 million dollars is chump change when the franchise (as in the NFL charter) is worth somewhere around 300 million. So many owners treat their players as disposable and that is why they don’t care if they pick up some thugs.
Also, it was well known in Atlanta that Vick was fighting dogs. I know of someone who has made stopping dog-fighting (while at the same time, re-building the reputation of the pit bull breed) in Atlanta. I know what their campaign involved. And yeah, I’d be willing to bet that LE hasn’t put everything they’ve go out there. (and if they have – then they are missing some huge evidence and a key witness.)
July 27th, 2007 at 2:29 pm
“Michelle Gray Says:
July 27th, 2007 at 12:51 pm
“Sibby, and if you can’t make that simple connection then my squawking is needed more than even I could have imagined. I feel as if I’m providing a much needed public service and I thank you for this opportunity.”
Oh spare me. You’re pretentious, condescending, self-importance makes me want to vomit.”
Pass the bucket when you are through because I can hardly read his posts without the same thought going through my head.
July 27th, 2007 at 2:33 pm
Well PJ, this previous info doesn’t really relate to what I was talking about earlier, my innocent until guilty “rhetoric” was basically aimed at the opinions posted much earlier here. They were declaring Vick gulity, and suggesting outrageous forms of punishment, etc, before the man even made a plea. I was commenting on why I believed the mindset behind your opinion that Vick is “bloody guilty” was inappropriate. Now I myself will say that it does not look good for Vick but I will not go further than that and say that he is “bloody guilty”. That is the difference between you and me, Rae, I am not “prejudging.” Why would I make a blanket statement like that when one, all the evidence hasn’t been presented yet, and two, it’s just not right. I left my opinion on that open for discussion and I think it’s been covered pretty well. My last post is really targeted towards those who seem to think that the evidence against Vick combined with the public’s outrage is going to get the book thrown at him. Gam and TX michelle came to the conclusion that it won’t go down like that earlier, so that post isnt really for them and others who feel the same.
So are you saying Rae that I can’t determine your mindset from the words that you write? I’ll cut you a break, you don’t have to respond to that one. I’ll just say that your opinion, which you say is based on the indictment, is still flawed,and as long as you or anyone continues to say he is 100% guilty based on what you’ve seen so far I will always say that until further evidence leads us elsewhere.
Michelle Gray- I sincerely apologize if I come across to you as pretentious, condescending and self-important, and I would like to humbly submit to you that I haven’t acted pretentious one single day of my natural life.
July 27th, 2007 at 3:25 pm
“and as long as you or anyone continues to say he is 100% guilty based on what you’ve seen so far I will always say that until further evidence leads us elsewhere.”
I never said he was guilty. I said he was accused, which he is. I said his crimes were alleged, which they are. I said the evidence presented to the grand jury indicated his guilt, as proved by the grand jury handing down the indictment.
You should learn to read more carefully.
July 27th, 2007 at 4:22 pm
“It’s that mindset I’m squawking about, Sibby, and if you can’t make that simple connection then my squawking is needed more than even I could have imagined. ”
Is he referring that I am stupid? Not that it really matters as he doesn’t know me from, well, Vick!
If you are so worried about the mindset of people who form opinions on what they see, hear, or read, then I think I should be worried about your health. That much worry surely can’t be good for you. Have you tried Xanax? I hear it works wonders.
My posts have always said that these were my opinions. I guess I need to clarify that my opinions can, and often do, change once new or better information is received. Don’t be so sure to write me off as someone who would send someone to Ol’ Sparky without due process and just cause.
Now, back to your gaggingly sick rhetoric!
July 27th, 2007 at 4:24 pm
PS…I am planning a major POWER TRIP for any of you that wish to come along. I will bring the dip for the Doritos.
July 27th, 2007 at 4:33 pm
I’ll bring the beer for the pizza!
July 27th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
Here’s a suggestion, FU – why don’t you occupy yourself with your own mindset and let other people worry about theirs? Because your squawking isn’t needed, wasn’t asked for, and hasn’t, so far, even been accurate.
I’ll bring the jello shots for dessert!
July 27th, 2007 at 6:35 pm
FU – I like that nickname for him. Says..
“Michelle Gray- I sincerely apologize if I come across to you as pretentious, condescending and self-important, and I would like to humbly submit to you that I haven’t acted pretentious one single day of my natural life.”
Your posts here are absolute proof that you are a liar on top of being pretentious, condescending and self-important. You are the furthest thing from humble that I think has crossed this website. And from long time readers that says a lot.
So FU FU.
July 27th, 2007 at 7:52 pm
FU…reread your posts…they are pretentious! IMO
July 28th, 2007 at 6:41 am
Wow, so hurtful..
We need better laws to protect animals. In Utah there was this little dog named Henry and his owner put him in the oven and beat him with a leaf blower, which resulted in Henry losing an eye.
I’m not sure how much time the owner got in jail, but it’s not a lot. Henry’s other owner has been trying to get a bill passed called, “Henry’s Bill”, but the big shots say it’s just a “dog”.
Dogs are used in the police force for so many things, search and rescue, drugs, pursuing criminals. Dogs have so many “jobs” and they ask for so little in return.
July 28th, 2007 at 8:05 am
Admin said:
Seriously, the line that KimPossible points out is the true kicker here: “The league and the ASPCA are working on a program to educate players about the proper treatment of animals.”
I’m so tired of “education” programs. Doesn’t that approach sound like the rehab solution for any bad behavior? It is as if we no longer hold people accountable for anything — because they “didn’t know” that it was wrong to torture animals.
I couldn’t agree more. In no way do I excuse the horrendous treatmen of dogs by these pigs, but I have long said that my parents’ generation (”the greatest generation”) did a much better job of teaching us manners and consideration than my generation (”baby boomers”) did for our children. Think about it, when you’re in the store and reach in front of someone and say “excuse me” they act like they don’t understand that what you’re saying is “I’m sorry for sticking my arm in your face” they think you’re saying “get the heck out of my way”. If we can’t even treat other humans with consideration and compassion we have no chance of treating “lesser beings” with any.
July 28th, 2007 at 3:24 pm
The man who hurt little Henry, got 6 months in jail and had to pay a $500 fine. That is crazy!!!
Animals in general provide us joy and happiness, we really need to get stricter laws in protecting them.
The animals depend on us to take care of them. Give them there food and water, shelter. Same goes for exotic animals, that people keep for pets. Like big cats and monkeys, without us they won’t survive.
The one thing that irks me the most is animal abuse, absolutely hate it.
July 28th, 2007 at 9:15 pm
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”
is a quote attributed to Mahatma Gandhi
Enough said. Animals lovers out there, you should also read Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Albert Schweitzer on Reverence for Life. ALL life. If life were fair, the bastards that harm would be the ones reading it, IQs permitting. But that’s asking much.
FedUp: There’s a difference between legal guilt and moral guilt/wrongs. Let people be outraged. That’s the only good in this pathetic story. The fact that there are people that are outraged by what Vick has done (yes, done, as opposed to alleged to have done). It’s when we stop the moral outrage that we become truly hopeless, because what then will propel us to act?
How many more Mollys, or Henrys, or nameless, forgotten tortured little souls do we have to know die or suffer before the @4%#ing politicians & legislature such big pussies that they can’t mandate real laws against animal cruelty? Ones that are actually enforced so that they feel like punishment? How many years ago was it that, what Vick did to those dogs, he would have been able to do to women without punishment because women (and children) were considered property just like dogs still are? Folks, from a legal standpoint, dogs are no different than your @#$%ing sofa.
Rather than attacking each other over opinions, we should be attacking our respective legislatures with an assault of letters, phone calls and emails.
July 28th, 2007 at 9:22 pm
I meant to say because politicians and legislature are such bich pussies that they can’t mandate real laws against animal cruelty…sorry.
And another thing – TXMichelle Says:
July 27th, 2007 at 9:05 am
“It irritates the piss out of me how much professional atheletes make. It is outrageous”. Their salaries and the way they are glorified are a perfect example of something that’s really wrong with the world. The glorification of the ignoramus because he can run fast. They’re worshipped as heroes…paid astronomically….and for what? It was only for a short while after 9/11 that firefighters were considered heroes, and other public servants. But don’t you think there are other, much more heroic people in the world deserving of even an ounce of the glory and admiration this dick, I mean, Vick, gets?
July 28th, 2007 at 9:23 pm
Big. BIG pussies. I’m SO MAD at this story i can’t get it right. !!!!!
July 28th, 2007 at 9:24 pm
How about he donate that diamond boulder in his ear (from the picture, above) to an animal shelter for food and blankets for unwanted pets????
July 29th, 2007 at 4:13 pm
I hate to admit that I live in the town next to his hometown. I’m so tired of reading of the law investigations into some member of his family that it does not suprise me that this time is actually his turn. Someone described him as a THUG with an athlete’s talent, and that is really good. He certainly comes home more often than he admits, and the local gossip says he certainly knew of this business… that he was putting money into it even before he started playing for Atlanta. He and his family are not the wonderful “poor local boy makes good” like everyone likes to think. His mama is not a good woman, in that she lies and takes up for her law breaking family, and her family would rather break the law to make it good than work hard. Most people around here see them for what they are, but because he does spread some of his money around to local charity, some are willing to look the other way. I feel sickenlingly sure that he’ll get off way too easy for this offense but don’t think for a minute that he’s not guilty. He bought that property and built that house for one purpose… and he’s not lying this time when he says it was business.
July 29th, 2007 at 9:11 pm
If they did not have the goods on Vick, or if he was factually innocent, then Mr. Hero Football Player with all the zeros in his bank account and a million reporters at his beck and call would be holding a press conference to denounce the charges. Of course the Falcons want him to be able to come out and say something to stop the firestorm, but he can’t. Though the 4 game suspension is a joke, it says alot about what those on the inside of the Falcons know. (They say that they are doing their own investigation to determine whether to suspend him for the season as well.) And they do not want it to come back to haunt them later, after he is convicted or pleads down, that they took no action. Nor do they want it to come out at trial that players from the Falcons knew about the kennels and the fighting, while management stood behind him, so they suspend him for 4 games to cover their ass yet still reap the benefits of “W’s”. Any other normal paying job, out in the real world, would can his ass and find a replacement.
One of the men, Tony Taylor, is considering cutting a deal and may end up testifying against Vick, which would mean no deal for Vick. He would not plead down to anything that would even insinuate his guilt in the fighting, gambling or torture/death of the dogs because that would spell the end of his career. If noone were to testify against him, and he was offered a deal, he would only take a deal that included lesser crimes such as buying the dogs, knowing of the dog fighting but not admitting involvement, ect. I seriously doubt they would allow him to plead guilty to anything that light. They believe that they have solid evidence against him, as well as witnesses (even without Taylor), so going up against high priced lawyers is not a factor. If they had a weaker case then of course it would be a daunting task bringing down someone of his stature. At the least, I hope he walks away from this with a soiled reputation and a place in the unemployment line. At the worst I wish the jury could be as imaginative with his sentence as they were with the types of executions brought upon these dogs. Or, maybe we should just put him in the cage and let the dogs decide.
July 29th, 2007 at 9:59 pm
Hmph, sounds like fedup is not worthy of addressing. IN MY HUMBLE OPINION OF COURSE. I’ve ben watching the words going back and forth between our crimerant readers and this wannabe, and have realized he’s not worth responding to. I would love to see him try to get me to respond, and ya’ll watch, he will. Let’s just completely ignore at this point. Someone like this, it’ll work.
July 29th, 2007 at 10:58 pm
How do you NOT know you have over sixty dogs in your home? Granted you may have numerous homes being a pro sports star but seriously what is this loser smoking? To keep on lying to try to save such a sorry face is pathetic.
Also, maybe if some of these athletes followed through on their college athletic scholarships and actually graduated before making the mad dash to turn pro they wouldn’t need to receive “further education” now to become decent human beings.
July 30th, 2007 at 8:23 am
It looks like his walls are crumbling in.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/07/30/sportsline/main3109998.shtml
July 30th, 2007 at 10:59 pm
Exactly Melissa, he’s toast. Now it’s up to the prosecutors and jury to make sure he is given the max. I almost puked when I read this article: http://tinyurl.com/2xsxkk
With memorable quotes such as:
“We Support Vick a Human Being Over Dogs”
“Look at what he has done for this city — he’s made this city a ton of money every Sunday,” said Hiram Melvin, 50 of Decatur. “This dogfighting has been going on for years. It’s not something that just started. It’s not a big deal.”
“We need to support him no matter what the evidence reveals”
And this gem of info: “Many of Vick’s supporters outside the Dome on Sunday said the Falcons and the NFL should stand up to animal rights groups such as the American Humane Society and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.”
So, we should be attacking Peta and the AHS, not Vick? Yeah, that’s the ticket! Attack the people who are trying to PROTECT the innocent animals. Brilliant. Maybe all of these people should get together with OJ’s supporters and throw a party. Oh, nevermind, same crowd.
Vick’s radio interview quote: “I just want to thank all my fans and all my support and all the people that are praying for Mike Vick and are in my corner right now. It’s a crisis situation for me but I’m going to get through it and I feel, by the grace of God, that’s the only way. I believe in the outcome at the end, and that’s why I put my faith in the man upstairs. It pains me not be down there right now because I know so many people want to see me and I want to be there.” http://tinyurl.com/ynrw7c
I’m sorry, did he really just speak in the third person about himself? Did this interview just slightly show the type of narcissist this guy is, considering how the entire interview was about him? Well, he’ll get plenty of one on one time with himself, whom he loves so much, while behind bars.
One of the attributes of a good leader is to PROTECT the weak. Animals are considered “weak” too.
July 31st, 2007 at 5:25 am
I believe that there are dire times when a human being should be put ahead of an animal. If there were a fire in an apartment complex for instance, I believe that fire personnel should save human life before animal life. To say that people are putting Vick before animals in his defense is plain sick to me. I wonder if these people are truly aware of how brutally these dogs were treated, all for the sake of making big bucks. The people who say that Vick has put money into the town don’t realize that the money from these dogs is blood money. Tainted. It makes me wonder if these supporters would like their beloved pets treated the way those dogs were. Or perhaps these people already mistreat their pets.
July 31st, 2007 at 2:13 pm
He is a pig, Gregg is right. And he did TOO just talk about himself in the third person.
Sibby I agree with you. The guy that says we should be taking up for a human being over an animal is an asshole. No matter what the evidence reveals? What a jerk.
Drug dealing has been going on for years too. Would they overlook it if he turned out to be a part of a drug cartel?
July 31st, 2007 at 9:19 pm
Melissa,
I’m kind of afraid to ponder the answer to your last question . . .
July 31st, 2007 at 10:39 pm
I say rape and hang the son of a bitch
August 1st, 2007 at 8:02 am
Lisa, pondering that question is scary. Because I think we know the answer.
Whoa Jen.
August 1st, 2007 at 5:47 pm
I really don’t have anything more to say, but couldn’t resist making the count of replies go to 100.
Oh, wait a moment, I do have to ask….
Jen, who would get the task of raping him? ICK!
I have no problem with hanging anyone that would torture animals though.
August 2nd, 2007 at 6:29 am
I think those who protest that people should defend a human being over an animal haven’t stopped to look at the horrific behavior they are defending. I’d rather not defend that, thank you very much.
Whatever happened to commit the crime, do the time?
Hang him high, I say.
August 2nd, 2007 at 8:57 am
—————————————————-
# admin Says:
July 26th, 2007 at 9:35 am
the line that KimPossible points out is the true kicker here: “The league and the ASPCA are working on a program to educate players about the proper treatment of animals.”
I’m so tired of “education” programs. Doesn’t that approach sound like the rehab solution for any bad behavior? It is as if we no longer hold people accountable for anything — because they “didn’t know” that it was wrong to torture animals.
gregg
————————————————–
Quite. Whatever happened to ignorance of the law being no excuse for breaking it? Further evidence, if any were needed, that we’re embracing the exaltation of ignorance like never before.
These are shameful times, highlighted by those who would pardon this evildoer for donating a fraction of his ill-gotten gains to his community. If they’re successful, perhaps he’ll reward them further – and they can sing his praises – when he takes to abducting their children for ransom.
Karma can be a b*tch…… he and his supporters would do well to consider that which befell fellow sports star and pitbull torturer Gerald McClellan.
August 5th, 2007 at 9:34 am
While I find his acts to be disturbing and deplorable. Don’t forget that animal fighting was extremely popular, particularly for poor Southerners in the United States, just this past century(GAMECOCKS anyone??).
Sure, we hope that most people have evolved beyond that period, but we can’t forget where Michael Vick came from(like many other poor football players suddenly turned megastars). Many of these people are born and raised at the bottom of society, and dog killing pales in comparison to the other things they have witnessed perpetrated against human beings(themselves included).
August 5th, 2007 at 2:21 pm
Okay, fair enough. But you are what you allow yourself to become-and Michael Vick shouldn’t need a judge and jury to explain the point that killing or mistreating a dog is wrong. If he is guilty, he made a conscious choice to disregard the inherent wrongness of the cruelty inflicted on those animals.
There are a great many people who were raised in similar circumstances who wouldn’t do so.
It’s a matter of choice. He made the wrong one.
August 25th, 2007 at 1:08 am
I am horrified by the details of dogfighting – dogs tortured, beaten, starved, maimed, electrocuted, drowned, etc. People involved in this crime have serious, intense psychological problems, and need to be helped immediately so that they may not kill again. I am glad to know that Michael Vick’s crimes are being taken seriously by the public – there is no excuse for animal cruelty.
Where do we go from here? People around the world will be celebrating and honoring animals on World Animal Day, October 4, 2007. For more information, or, if you would like to post a prayer for animals born into the cruel and inhumane world of dogfighting, please visit our site.
Thank-you!
Nancy J. Cronk
Founder, Chair and Chaplain
Interfaith Association of Animal Chaplains
http://www.AnimalChaplains.com
Email: AnimalClergy@aol.com