what you're saying has some merit, but I HAVE heard some people claim that they're after him for being a rich black man. there are always people yelling racism whenever a black person gets arrested. I guess society is supposed to let "minorities" do whatever they want.
My brother-in-law and another sister-in-law are from down South. The way they interact with my dog allows me to understand why Michael Vick could be so callous around dogs, as the indictment suggests. My sister-in-law HATES my dog, and my brother-in-law just tolerates her. And my dog is the sweetest little bundle of slobber you'd ever want to meet. She greets everyone on the planet with over-zealous affection. My brother-in-law tells me that, where he comes from, dogs are something you string to a chain in the back yard, drop a bowl of food, and visit now and then. They don't roam around your house like one of the family. That's the word I get, at least.
Great article by Jason Whitlock... used to be a regular on the sports reporters till ESPN screwed him for "not towing the company line" http://www.kansascity.com/sports/columnists/jason_whitlock/story/195760.html
COMMENTARY Vick can evolve from hip-hop prison culture By JASON WHITLOCK Honestly, I don’t wish jail on the people who despise me the most. Incarceration is that dehumanizing. So forgive me for lacking passion about the guilt, innocence and/or punishment of one-time franchise quarterback Michael Vick for his alleged involvement in a dogfighting ring. Hell — given that the state, if inclined, can make a blind witness’ vision 20/20 — I’m even willing to give Vick his presumption of innocence. Why not? He is an American citizen, last I checked, and we don’t need to look any further than Duke lacrosse to see what can happen to a prosecutor when the media spotlight descends on a criminal case. Nope. My desire is to see Vick evolve as a human being and for his troubles to serve as yet another wake-up call for black athletes to reject the hip-hop/prison culture that glorifies much of the negative behavior and attitude that has eroded the once-dignified and positive reputation of African-American athletes. As much as I love dogs — and I really do have an affinity for them — this case primarily repulses me because I believe Vick got involved with breeding vicious pit bulls because rap-music culture made it the cool thing to do. Listen, I don’t want PETA supporters upset with me. Animal cruelty is intolerable. But I’m wondering what could turn a human mind and heart so cold that a person would find pleasure in breeding dogs for cruel destruction in 2007. Seriously, Vick didn’t do it for the money. The Atlanta Falcons gave him all the money he could ever hope to spend. Vick was involved in pit bull breeding (and quite possibly dogfighting) because he enjoyed it. He’s a product of a culture that makes the “profession” acceptable and honorable. It’s the same culture that has turned the dope dealer into mayor of the neighborhood. This is a human tragedy, too. It speaks to the grip the negative aspects of hip-hop culture have on young people. Vick is a millionaire athlete who has spent most of his NFL career trying to maintain his street cred. Despite lifetime financial security, Mike Vick stayed on the “grind,” hustling for that paper with his Bad Newz Kennels. Idiot. Well, unless he plans on launching a rap career and releasing a solo “Dogfighting Was The Case,” I don’t see any of this ending well for Vick. Even if he’s not convicted or reaches a jail-evading plea bargain, Vick has destroyed his athletic reputation while trying to keep pace with T.I. This is a cultural phenomenon that has swallowed a small percentage of African-American athletes, but a large enough percentage to significantly damage the overall perception of black, American-born athletes. As Dr. Harry Edwards told me two weeks ago, it only takes a few key people to hijack an entire culture. N.W.A., the late-1980s rap group, hijacked hip-hop years ago, and calls to return it to something resembling decency and self-respect have fallen on Def Jam ear$. Allen Iverson and his sneaker/jersey sales hijacked the image of black professional athletes years ago, and out of fear of being labeled a racist or a sellout, few have even dared question the sanity of it … until now. Now we can all see the stupidity. Gangsta-wannabe rappers masquerading as professional athletes is a public-relations nightmare waiting to tear apart sports franchises and leagues. Vick’s employer is in an impossible position. The right thing for the Falcons to do is support Vick through his legal proceedings. But how can the organization? Vick is a human distraction now. Atlanta has a new coaching staff that will find it nearly impossible to operate smoothly in the environment/media circus Vick has created for the organization. Heck, even Al Sharpton and Russell Simmons joined in the castigation of Vick and dogfighting, penning a joint letter with PETA that was sent to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and all of Vick’s corporate sponsors. True, the letter wasn’t all that harsh, but the fact that Sharpton would in any way publicly hold a black person responsible for any action is historic. And, if you have a scorebook at home, we now know that Russell Simmons is adamantly opposed to the killing and brutalization of dogs, but he is in favor of the glorification of killing black men in music. I’m just passing that along without any editorial comment. OK, where was I? Yes, the Falcons might as well name Paris Hilton cheerleading captain. If Vick were to play this season, the fan hostility directed at Vick will engulf Atlanta’s home stadium. Vick needs a paid leave of absence to sort out his legal problems. He shouldn’t be suspended or denied pay because the Falcons and the NFL have invested too much in Vick to treat him like Pacman Jones. That’s right. I don’t believe in treating everyone the same. I believe in treating everyone fairly. Suspending Vick would be too prejudicial (legal term, not a race term) and inhibit his ability to receive a fair trial. If he’s convicted of a felony, the Falcons probably have provisions within his contract that would grant them the right to release him and go after a portion of his signing bonus if they so choose. Ray Lewis was at the scene of a double murder, failed initially to cooperate with police and eventually pled guilty to obstruction of justice charges. Ray used to be in love with his street cred, too. It took double-murder charges to knock some sense into one of the game’s best linebackers. He evolved, and he’s certainly been an asset to the NFL ever since his evolution. Will the same thing happen to Michael Vick? I doubt it, but I certainly hope so.
I used to think he was race-hustling fat fahk. Either I was wrong or he evolved. I'm willing to concede. He's now one of my favorite sportswriters.
Well, he got one word in that whole article right. Vick is an idiot, and that's why he did it, not because he watched Scarface too many times or too many rap videos.
I'm not sure if it was already posted, but anyone who has time I strongly suggest you go to www the smoking gun DOT Com (I don't have 50 posts yet) to read the indictment. It's sickening with the amount of detail that's in there, but it shows just how much evidence there is against Vick and the other 3. Which also will be a factor for Vick because they are going to dangle freedom in front of those other 3 if they admit Vick was the sole financial backer for the entire operation. It shows 12+ dogs were killed by the ways we've already heard about, not to mention Vick purchasing and traveling across state lines to buy and fight dogs. Vick is the worst... PS - Innocent until proven guilty is this country, but the Duke case was a local prosecutor looking to be re-elected. The federal prosecutor's lose 5% of cases; they are pretty much undefeated.
Vick to face no-nonsense judge in "rocket docket" court By HANK KURZ Jr., AP Sports Writer July 19, 2007 http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_y...hDubYF?slug=ap-vickindicted&prov=ap&type=lgns RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- When Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick appears in federal court next week on dogfighting charges, he'll go before a judge not impressed by Vick's celebrity and in a court known nationwide for its speedy handling of cases. Legal experts describe U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson as a tough but fair jurist who, in five years on the federal bench, has become known for handing down stiff sentences, for being prepared and for allowing both sides to show their cards. "Trial lawyers love to appear in his court because he lets the lawyers try their case," defense attorney and former prosecutor William J. Dinkin of Richmond said. "Everyone is going to get their fair shake. He's a very evenhanded trial judge." Vick's appearance July 26 along with three other defendants will be to enter pleas to charges of competitive dogfighting, procuring and training pit bulls for fighting, and conducting the enterprise across state lines. If convicted of both felony charges, the four face up to six years in prison, fines of up to $350,000 and restitution. Hudson is "generally known as a hard sentencer," Dinkin said, and is not likely to treat Vick any differently because of his superstar status and $130 million contract. "He's straight forward, a straight shooter," said Carl Tobias, a law professor at the University of Richmond. "You don't get any special perks because of who you are, and you don't get punished because you aren't somebody who is a public figure." The Falcons will be conducting their first practice of training camp under a new coach while Vick is in court, and Hudson is unlikely to be influenced at all by that. "I would not expect Judge Hudson to make any special allowances because Mr. Vick plays in the NFL," said defense lawyer Craig W. Sampson of Richmond, who has had several cases before Hudson. "Virginia courts, both state and federal, are generally very businesslike in the way they run their dockets." That's especially true of the U.S. District Court in Richmond, which has become known as the "rocket docket" for getting its cases handled expediently. "They really do move the cases along," Tobias said. "They're no-nonsense." Sampson said lawyers know going in that their cases won't languish. "When a case is filed, the judges demand that the lawyers get moving," he said. "Discovery is to be done, hearings scheduled, and the cases heard. No excuses." The complexity of Vick's case, however, could slow it down, Tobias said. "You've got four people and a lot of actions in a lot of states and a whole bunch of witnesses. It could be fairly complicated so, on that basis, it may take more time," he said, adding that most federal cases are plea-bargained before getting to court. Considering the stakes, though, and Vick's ability to afford the best legal team money can buy, it seems unlikely he'll pass on a trial and his possible exoneration. While Falcons owner Arthur Blank on Thursday echoed the stances of the NFL and the player's union in saying his centerpiece quarterback is due his day in court, Tobias said the grisly allegations in the 18-page indictment are difficult to ignore. But, for due process to work, they must be, he said. "What the grand jury certified certainly was extensive and reprehensible, but it's different than being convicted before a jury in a courtroom," he said. "We'll see."
You really don't think there's a hip hop connection to dog fighting? have you ever seen rap videos? all too many of them show aggressive pit bulls and dog fighting... his commentary is spot on IMO
Vick's troubles suspend release of Nike product By GEORGE HENRY, Associated Press Writer July 19, 2007 http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_y...De105nYcB?slug=ap-vick-nike&prov=ap&type=lgns ATLANTA (AP) -- Michael Vick's legal troubles prompted Nike on Thursday to suspend the release of its latest product line named after the Atlanta Falcons quarterback. Nike has told retailers it will not release a fifth signature shoe, the Air Zoom Vick V, this summer. Nike spokesman Dean Stoyer said the four shoe products and three shirts that currently bear Vick's name will remain in stores. Vick will be arraigned next week in a Richmond, Va., federal courtroom on charges of sponsoring a gruesome dogfighting operation. Meanwhile, Falcons owner Arthur Blank issued a statement Thursday, saying the organization is "working diligently on exploring our options." "This is an emotionally charged and complicated matter," Blank said. "There are a wide range of interests and legal issues that need to be carefully considered as we move ahead, including our need to respect the due process that Michael is entitled to. Also, this situation affects everyone -- our club, our players and associates, our sponsors, our fans and the Atlanta community among them -- so we must consider all of our customers in making any decisions. "Given the differing perspectives and strong feelings around this issue, we probably won't make everyone happy, but we are committed to doing the right thing. As the owner of this club that's, ultimately, my responsibility." Blank added that he was "saddened and distressed about this -- not for myself, for our fans and community who have been so loyal to us." ESPN reported that Vick had called Blank on Wednesday. The network said its sources believed Vick to have been contrite, and he apologized for the distractions the case has created, and thanked Blank for his support. Stoyer said Nike still has a standing contract with Vick, but declined to speculate on his future with the company. A statement released by Nike Inc. said the company "is concerned by the serious and highly disturbing allegations made against Michael Vick, and we consider any cruelty to animals inhumane and abhorrent. We do believe that Michael Vick should be afforded the same due process as any citizen; therefore, we have not terminated our relationship." Stoyer, who declined to discuss terms of Vick's contract, indicated the company has no commercials or documentaries planned with the three-time NFL Pro Bowl selection. In previous years, Nike has run footage and interviews with Vick on its Web site, but none of the video promotions are currently posted. "Some of that was shown on a limited run based on rights and usage," Stoyer said. "There's nothing new planned." The Humane Society of the United States issued a statement calling upon Nike to pull its Vick clothing and shoes from retailers and from its web site. It also called upon NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to suspend Vick. Vick signed his current contract with Nike in 2001, the same year Atlanta chose him as the NFL's No. 1 overall draft pick. After leading the Falcons to the 2002 and '04 playoffs, Vick last year became the first quarterback in league history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season. ______________________________________________ I was wondering how Nike was going to handle this.
So seeing a pit bull in a rap video is going to make you go out and decide to get involved in dog fighting? I also doubt there are any videos that show even simulated dog fighting. Just like we saw with the Benoit case there are people that have a particular axe to grind and use tragedies and cases like this to further their own agendas. There is also someone ready to crucify the TV and movies they watch, the music they listen to or the games they play as the reason behind these actions. It's a load of crap.
Comment heard at Falcons management meeting: "Damn, I guess loading Schaubb off to the Texans wasn't such a good idea afterall."
It's stereotypical is state that it's part of the rap-culture. Unless you've been with rappers and their entourage's to dog fights, your statement doesn't hold water. Granted, DMX seemed to be a dog lover with the amount of pit-bulls and other dogs he owned, but that came crashing down when there were more than 20 in a basement starving with feces all over the place and crack stashed in the living room of his house. But you can't say he's right that it's part of the rap culture because there is no definitive proof. How would the boys at Outkast feel about that feeling? In my opinion, a lot of people in the south in general, that come from broken homes or whatever are desensitized at an early age by seeing dogs fighting. I'll never condone it. I hope Vick gets a full 6 years and his ass beaten and raped every day in jail, but generalizing too much to say it's part of an entire culture as big as rap.
I still don't get how anybody could say Vick should be given a paid (no less) leave of absense and pacman jones got a year suspension and lost everything. Neither has been convicted of anything so why the double standard? If that's what happens the NFL will be spending the entire year fighting lawsuits. In fact it may even be worse then that. At the time of the suspension Jones hadn't even been arrested for any of those incidents and now VIck has been arrested and indited.
Its an urban thing. Dog fighting is big among the urban areas. Since commericial hip-hop tries to maintain ties to that community, they include these images in many of their videos. At the firehouse in Newark, they had a big huge lab puppy the adopted. Huge dog and really nice dog but not agressive. Since most people in the neighborhood don't have a problem with the FD they gave them a warning not to let the dog roam the streets because the pit bulls and castoffs from fighting would tear him up. Eventually the firehouse had to put the dog up for adoption outside of the city.
I'd sooner hit myself over the head with a hammer repeatedly than listen to rap music, and I don't watch TV enough to know what the videos are like, but IF Michael Vick got into dog fighting to maintain his "street cred" because thats how a bunch of wannabe gangsters and posers act, he may be among the stupidest men alive. I just can't believe it. I mean, we all saw it on TV, this guy went to college. He must have at least driven by the campus with the windows open a few times.
