Being based in Miami, it's only natural that I write about the Dolphins; they, after all, are the home team. But the recent allegations against Michael Vick, the Atlanta Falcon's quarterback, and his friends have me so appalled that I feel I can't quite keep my blow hole shut.
Still, I'm not sure how to address this issue without simply addressing the accused.
Dear Michael and Friends,
As animal lovers, it was hard to read the indictment against you without throwing up breakfast. As human beings, it was even harder.
It's too bad for you that all dogs go to Heaven; you're going to have a lot to answer to in the afterlife.
On behalf of all those revolted and disheartened by your actions, all that can be said is: Purnell Peace, Quanis Phillips, Tony Taylor, and Michael Vick, you make us sick.
Sincerely,
The human race
Now, of course, I could be jumping the gun: after all, these men are innocent until proven guilty. But, this isn't law enforcement reaching for a case: the amount of evidence is overwhelming. This is also not the system trying to make an example of Michael Vick, easily the most famous of the four. Vick is not a fall guy; the operation was based on property he owned and, according to the indictment, he was highly involved in the criminal activities.
Not only are the four accused of buying pit-bulls, training them to fight, conducting illegal business across state lines, and overseeing a competitive dog fighting ring, but they are also accused of executing dogs that did not perform well in testing sessions. These dogs were killed through the most inhumane ways possible: gunshots, hanging, drowning, being slammed to the ground and electrocution. Yes, insert nausea here.
The operation, called "Bad Newz Kennels," is now bad news for Vick: while his teammates suit up for practice, he will suit up for court instead. On Monday, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell ordered Vick to stay away from the Atlanta Falcons' training camp. Good for you Roger; you've restored some of my faith in the NFL.
Article comments
1 - Jo Ackman
What is even worse to me, is that Nike refuses to pull its Michael Vick line of shirts and shoes. In lieu of this, they just won't release the new shoes they were going to put out with the Vick name on them. Because of this, and Nike's willingness to continue to profit on this player's name, I'm personally boycotting all things Nike until they either 1) agree to donate the profits, if Vick is convicted, to a legitimate animal rescue group, or 2) pull the entire line of Vick products. Of course, if Vick is found totally not guilty, then Nike should continue to endorse this athlete. In the meanwhile, it is in really poor taste to continue to profit off of Michael Vick, and allow him to profit with the charges pending.
2 - nicolas
if you've read about any of the human rights violations that Nike itself is guilty of, you would be far less perplexed by their (lack of) action.
3 - RJ
Great post! I'm glad to see that you apparently read the indictment (most people who write about this case haven't).
4 - Diana
I couldn't agree more with this story. As an animal lover ( I have 3 chi's and 4 cats) the slightest thought of this man(if we can call him that) makes me want to VOMIT! He is just another stupid fuck that plays football...but can't get away from the ghetto.
The actions of this so-called "HUMAN" is beyond repulsive. T keep him in the NFL/Falcons would be representing "Hitler" for the canines! He should be stripped of all his earnings from this game and anything that he benefits should be donated to animals. He should never be allowed to play football again. His earnings should go all to
a)rescue this 52 pitbulls and b) to animal rescue causes. He should go to jail not for 3 months, 6ths months, etc...for a substantial time...5 years MIN (which isn't even enough)...no parole and on top of that must do 2 years community service for animals.
People who say dogs are JUST animals just don't get it. To hurt an innocent animal without a care in the world easily can translate to abuse in other areas...children, wives, etc. Serial killers are known to start with animals. Get this SOB where it really hurts....do a Tanya Harding...and get him to NEVER play football again. You would be foolish to keep him on the team. If you have animals, you undertand me completely. I pray to God this bastard gets what he so rightly deserves..the dogs never had a chance.
check this video out ...he says it like it is!
Diana Campuzano
5 - The Haze
It appears one of "Ron Mexico's" boys is gonna sing like a Temptation at the Apollo. Tsk,Tsk, no honor among thieves anymore. BTW - that's another thing the ghetto teaches you.....be a thug until it gets too hot and then roll over on your homies. Remember the "Don't Snitch" campaign? Oh I think they're all gonna get exactly what they got coming to them.
6 - amanda
michael vick is a poor excuse for a human being. i think he should be buried underneath the jail, 4 REAL!!
7 - KC
I know it's not yet a done deal, but Vick will cop a plea if he's not a total and complete moron. I can hardly suppress a smile just thinking about what that would mean - end of NFL career, endorsements, and freedom for at least a year.
God bless America!!!
8 - Francine J
Myself and family are avid animal lovers. We have 4 dogs, 7 cats, 2 birds and an Iguana. All of these animals were victims of abuse in one form or another. We got them out of the hands of people like Michael Vick. I aquired these many animals in less than 3 years, not to mention all the others that we could not keep and had to put up for adoption. The thought of how many more Michael Vick's there are out there sickens me. Furthermore, the statements I've been hearing all week that this is part of their heritage sickens me even more. ITS ANIMAL ABUSE! and ITS AGAINST THE LAW!! An example needs to be set. One year to 18 months does not an example make. Not after six years of torturing defenseless animals..This must STOP NOW.. We need to have harsher laws so that this doesn't happen again! He is suppose to be a role model for our children? It's a disgrace.
9 - dogbegone
52 pit bulls. HAVE MICROWAVE WILL TRAVEL. Wire Smoken Dog, San Fran.
10 - Jimmy
This guy is not contrite nor will he ever be. He only "got it" when the prison doors closed. Yeah, Vick, that was really profound, just as profound as you dunking those dogs while you & your buddies watched.
Sure everyone deserves another chance but for him not in the NFL. For 18 months he could of got an education & work in the real world.
But then again the NFL is all about bad-ass stories.
11 - RS88
I have 2 dogs and what Michael Vick did was completely and undeniably wrong in every way. But seriously, this post makes me sick. What about the athletes that have affected the human race? Leonard Little, Larry Johnson, Kobe Bryant? Drunk driving man slaughter, violent assault, alleged rape? You people make me sick. Michael Vick got full punishment and he served it. The face of the NFL is already f*cked because of those other guys still in the game. There are plenty of other assholes that have gotten off easy because of this "celebrity plea". Vick served, changed and is proving to everyone giving him a second chance that he deserves one. Again, I'm not defending him, but when an argument comes down to "Dogs, not sports, will always be man's best friends. We will not be disloyal to the species that taught us loyalty," it's just a little far-fetched. And by the way, that figure of speech or whatever you'd call it is bogus. Dog's are only man's best friend when the man can't find a friend. Clearly that's the case with all of you.
12 - Doug Hunter
Vick was not raised to understand his crime the way you or I would. I agree he should have another chance as he has done his time. In the end, his situation was a great thing for animals as it put a spotlight and exposed a nasty practice. I think the level of furor, indignation, and the conversation his conviction sparked will effect a group of people who was susceptible to this activity and prevent this practice and save many more animals than he every harmed.
Now let him get back to living his life, lesson learned. There are people who have murdered other humans who don't have half the stain on their name Vick does. It is enough.