Michael Vick...and other felons.

Jeannette - posted on 08/19/2009

Quoting Joy :

Quoting Jeannette:

ooohhh...my hubby and I were just talking about this! fate! Dante Stalworth (sp?) killed a person because he was drinking and driving...he got suspended from the NFL for 1 year and........24 MONTHS PROBATION!!!!
I love dogs/animals...I donate to organizations that help animals.
However, our society is messed up when it values the lives and treatment of animals above that of people!
I don't feel sorry for either NFL player, but our system is way out of balance!
What about the people who are still serving sentences for crimes that carry less weight now? They are grandfathered out?
Johnny Cash "Man in Black" reminds me that we have injustices to face...

That's so funny you said that Jeanette!  Because my husband and I were sitting on our porch just last night discussing the exact same thing and he brought up Dante Stalworth (sp?) also.  It doesn't matter if the guy jumped in front of his car or not....he killed a PERSON while driving intoxicated behind the wheel.  And he got his career back with very little punishment.  I have a personal opinion about Michael Vick, that I think he has serious moral and personality flaws if he for one second thought treating dogs (or any animals) like that was ok or even remotely acceptable.  But my personal opinion aside.....my logical side says he committed the crime, served his time and should be able to get a job in his line of "work" (which just happens to be getting highly over paid to play a GAME...ugh that's another topic).  I also look at it like this...how many athletes in general do we always see on the news for beating their wives, drugs, guns, a whole host of crimes?  They do their time (or pay their fine) and go back to work.  Why should it be any different for Mr. Vick?

Joy, I agree with all that you have said!  I support animal rights. I even have problems with animals being locked up in zoos for us to gawk at all day. Though it keeps many of them from becoming completely endangered...I just wish there were better ways.

Well said!

Nichole - posted on 08/19/2009

UGH. He was signed by my team, the Philadelphia Eagles. Booooo to that. I think that man should still be in jail for what he did. He was basically killing dogs. That is sad. The only reason that my team signed him is because our quarter back sucks and is a slacker. I do not agree with there decision to sign him, but who knows maybe the eagles will have a chance this year cause Vick is a good quarter back.

Jenny - posted on 08/18/2009

He says he has a new anti-dog fighting campaign coming out so hopefully that does some good especially if it puts the focus on the "culture" of dog fighting.



Hats off to you for supporting the breed Evelyn. I have two American Pitbull Terriers who I used ot show and do some weightpull with. Now they are spoiled housepets and my personal bodygaurds lol. Good thing the bad guys don't know they are all bark, no bite.

Rachel - posted on 08/18/2009

Just to kinda set the record straight..Michael Vick did have a very big role in the dog fights. When he first got arrested he denied everything but quickly retracted that statement and admitted everything to a judge who was threatening him with a lot of jail time. Im not sure if he had an arena at his house but he had something like 20-30 living pits and a ton of dead ones. He admitted to drowning, electrocuting (that spelling looks wrong), stabbing, burning, shooting and fighting the dogs. Not JUST funding them.

Traci - posted on 08/17/2009

LOL, Joy...it was bound to happen sooner or later I guess :) haha Right back at ya on the high 5 !!! :)

Joy - posted on 08/17/2009

We agreeeee Traci!!!!! Yay!!! High five! LOL



I'd also like to add that if anyone ever watches Animal Cops (any city, but Houston usually has some pretty messed up animal owners) on Animal Planet, you'd see people getting WAY less punishment for the same exact thing Mr. Vick did. Actually, Mr. Vick didn't personally supervise or take part in the fights....yes he funded them and in my eyes, that makes him just as guilty. But the people you see on Animal Cops...the ones who get caught actually standing there supervising dog fights? They get minimal jail time, compared to what Mr. Vicks got. And fines? Oh please. If they weren't trying to make an example out of a public figure, then Mr. Vicks' fines wouldn't have damn near put him in debt. Like I said at the begining of this post, for once Traci and I agree (again YAY!). Leave him be. Let him live his life. His lawyer was smart to get the judge to allow him to continue in the NFL and play football while he is on house arrest. Otherwise, without playing football, he'd NEVER be able to get out of debt at all.

?? - posted on 08/17/2009

He could find gainful employment in an occupation that doesn't put him in the position to be a public figure. What I find disturbing that a person with such a background and that did such a horrible thing is being made out to be 'a good guy' because he paid his debt and now everyone should just forgive and forget and let him go back to being a football STAR. Rapists say sorry and they're stoned in the back alley. People who accidently kill someone driving SOBER are ridiculed and denied work as bag packers in grocery stores because they have a record... but this guy, who may be sorry for what he did and paid his debt is being made out to be like it's nothing for him to go back to being a football star makin so much money for whatever organisation - he isn't special. He should be denied grocery bagging jobs left right and center - not put center stage in the race for the super bowl.

Mary - posted on 08/17/2009

You know what the difference is? He is returning to a high profile position where, right ot wrong, children and teens look up to people in his position. Allowing him to return to that position unintentionally sends the message that what he did wasn't that bad.

Traci - posted on 08/17/2009

I agree Evelyn :) And actually, I heard today that he's gotta pay the people who are now raising the dogs that were part of the organization he was part of, so he is repaying his debt, so to say. It's not like he got off scott-free by any means. What he did was dispicable, but he does seem to be remorseful, and it seems to be genuine. When asked who's fault this whole thing was, he simply said, MINE. That says a lot. He didn't try to blame anyone or claim to be some sort of a victim. He took responsibility for his actions, served time, and is working to better himself again. I can forgive that as long as its sincere, and I think he is. :)

Evelyn - posted on 08/17/2009

Sorry ladies, but I have to disagree with you on this one. It's pretty ironic because I was featured in NY Newsday about 10 years ago with my pitbull. I was part of a story about the "Pitbull Savior" Steve Tromboli who would basically go around to all of the shelters on Long Island, NY and rescue every American Pit Bull Terrier that he could. I was featured with my dog Ferbie. She was a BEAUTIFUL pit. A perfect specimen of the breed, almost show quality (except for the fact that she had a HORRIBLE case of mange when I first got her from Steve that took a long time to clear up and it left her with several permanent small bald spots). I used to get approached by scumbags who would ask me if I fought her, I actually called the police on several occasions because of this. I have been offered money as well. She has passed on, but I currently own a Pit Bull/German Shepard mix and a Jack Russel/Pit Bull mix. I'm telling you all this because I want to stress how much I love and respect this breed of dog. They get a bad rap as a breed, as I find them to be one of the most loyal and trustworth family dogs you can own. However, I do feel that MIcheal Vick, while it was despicable what he did, has served his time. He lost EVERYTHING over this. He lost millions of dollars, his home and a large chunk of time. As well as respect and adoration from his former fans. He has been probably punished more harshly than anyone prior to him for the same crime. I mean seriously...how much more can he lose or do? I do think he should set up some sort of non-profit foundation for the rehabilitation of dogs that have been fought/abused. Which if you give him enough time, I think he will. I just feel that some people won't be satistfied unless he can never find gainful employment again and has to spend his life on a street corner. I mean come on people, have more compassion than that. He did something terrible, he paid a HUGE penalty, both financially and personally...now just let the man live his life and you live yours. If you don't like him...then just don't bother with him.

JL - posted on 08/17/2009

My problem with Micheal Vick is not just looking at what occurred with the dogs which was disgusting but his association with other illegal acts and with people involved in criminal activies. He has a pattern of having a questionable moral character and of having horrible judgement. Accusations and arrests involving Drugs, STD's, Theft and Rape. The dog fighting was not the first time he had been in trouble and I really wonder if it will be the last.

?? - posted on 08/16/2009

Danny Heatley, NHL hockey player killed his best friend in a car accident while he was drinking and driving and he's a star player with teams waiting to scoop him up. He should be in jail, not being glorified on the ice.



Do the crime, you do the time. You do the time and hey who cares if you KILLED, MAIMED OR BRUTALIZED another living creature.... your name & face can help us sell tickets & merchandise!!!!



I know there is a law about making money off of crimes - every penny those guys make should be going to charity.

?? - posted on 08/16/2009

Quoting Lisa:

Perhaps professional sports should look at codes of conduct as a way of preventing people who commit a heinous crime (which I believe this was) from returing to the spotlight and therefore undermining the seriousness of their crime.

Traci - posted on 08/16/2009

Although I absolutely LOATHE what he did, he did serve his time (it's up for debate on whether the punishment was fitting or not). Since he did serve out his punishment, he should be able to go back to his life as it once was. I don't think he should be banned from the NFL, but I also think that the Eagles have to be ready for some amount of protests from the public.



Just a couple years ago there was a big story in the news in my area about some fire fighter who fought dogs in Gary IN. He abused them horribly. I don't know whatever happened to him, but since he was employed by the city, I don't think he should be able to go back to his job, being a public employee. A private company, such as a football team, should be free to hire and fire as they please. But a supposed pillar of the community, such as a fire fighter is supposed to be, should be held to higher standards and the community should not be employing someone with a record such as that..

Joy - posted on 08/16/2009

Quoting Jeannette:

ooohhh...my hubby and I were just talking about this! fate! Dante Stalworth (sp?) killed a person because he was drinking and driving...he got suspended from the NFL for 1 year and........24 MONTHS PROBATION!!!!
I love dogs/animals...I donate to organizations that help animals.
However, our society is messed up when it values the lives and treatment of animals above that of people!
I don't feel sorry for either NFL player, but our system is way out of balance!
What about the people who are still serving sentences for crimes that carry less weight now? They are grandfathered out?
Johnny Cash "Man in Black" reminds me that we have injustices to face...

That's so funny you said that Jeanette!  Because my husband and I were sitting on our porch just last night discussing the exact same thing and he brought up Dante Stalworth (sp?) also.  It doesn't matter if the guy jumped in front of his car or not....he killed a PERSON while driving intoxicated behind the wheel.  And he got his career back with very little punishment.  I have a personal opinion about Michael Vick, that I think he has serious moral and personality flaws if he for one second thought treating dogs (or any animals) like that was ok or even remotely acceptable.  But my personal opinion aside.....my logical side says he committed the crime, served his time and should be able to get a job in his line of "work" (which just happens to be getting highly over paid to play a GAME...ugh that's another topic).  I also look at it like this...how many athletes in general do we always see on the news for beating their wives, drugs, guns, a whole host of crimes?  They do their time (or pay their fine) and go back to work.  Why should it be any different for Mr. Vick?

Jinglebones - posted on 08/16/2009

I saw the pictures of those poor dogs on www.dogster.com - their eyes still haunt me. That said, I'm also of 2 minds on this - he has served his sentence so perhaps he should be allowed to go back to his "job". On the other hand, some jobs have codes of conduct that if one breaks a code they are not allowed to return to the profession, Perhaps professional sports should look at codes of conduct as a way of preventing people who commit a heinous crime (which I believe this was) from returing to the spotlight and therefore undermining the seriousness of their crime.

Lindsay - posted on 08/16/2009

I feel like if he has served his time, he should be allowed to go back to work. If his charges were related to his work, I would say no but in general, if someone gets in trouble for something that is not work related, serve their time, and go back to work.

Charlie - posted on 08/16/2009

This happens in Australian rugby league so much , there have been numerous sexual assault and rape charges the players were suspended for a few weeks and came back.Others include players bashing and glassing their girlfriends and only getting suspended .
It's sick !
AND they get paid for their time off .

Rachel - posted on 08/15/2009

Quoting Jeannette:

ooohhh...my hubby and I were just talking about this! fate! Dante Stalworth (sp?) killed a person because he was drinking and driving...he got suspended from the NFL for 1 year and........24 MONTHS PROBATION!!!!
I love dogs/animals...I donate to organizations that help animals.
However, our society is messed up when it values the lives and treatment of animals above that of people!
I don't feel sorry for either NFL player, but our system is way out of balance!
What about the people who are still serving sentences for crimes that carry less weight now? They are grandfathered out?
Johnny Cash "Man in Black" reminds me that we have injustices to face...

Well wait a sec...with Dante Stalworth..yes he was drinking and driving which I dont agree with but there is video of the guy just plain running in front on his car..this could happen to anyone weather you were drinking and driving or not. He got 30 day in jail..should have been more in my opinion, 2 years house arrest, 8 years probation, and his license taken away for life in Florida, plus a huge fine. If he wouldn't have been drinking he would have gotten Vehicular  Manslaughter which would have carried a much less sentence. So Dante Stalworth did his time and should be allowed back in the NFL in my opinion but as far as Michael Vick I dont think he should be. What he did was terrible and listening to him talk now about how much he "regrets" it just sounds like a load of Bull shit. Its all a speech and is very apparent.

Shelley - posted on 08/15/2009

He served time. Now, I think he needs to serve the community. I saw someone representing an animal organization say that remorse is a process. You don't just say you're sorry and be done with it. He has a lot to do in order to rebuild his reputation, and a good place to start is on the streets of his new town -- helping animals with all that $$ he's getting paid without even knowing WHEN the NFL is going to let him play. Ugh. I love animals, and obviously he's a peice of shit for what he's done. I'm willing to give him another chance. Someone must really believe in his possible contributions to the NFL, so I guess we'll see if that will overshadow his past...

Mary - posted on 08/15/2009

ughh...sociopathic...cannot type on 2 hours of sleep!

Mary - posted on 08/15/2009

I'm disgusted with the NFL for allowing him back, and even more disgusted with the Eagles for signing him. Yes, he did serve time, and was forced to "give" hundreds of thousands of dollars towards the care and rehab of those dogs, BUT...for me, it will never be enough. I'm sure this is "wrong", but I am not capable of forgiveness on this one. This is probably influenced by the fact that one of my dogs is a pitbull who was most likely used as a bait dog for the first 2 years of his life. I know he has tried to make amends, and has entered into an agreement with the HSUS to speak out against dog fighting, but...it cannot, and never will atone for what was done for those animals. Anyone ever watch Dogtown? They had a 2 hour special on last year about what happened to the 25 "worst" dogs that had been rescued form that dog fighting compound. ALthough all of those dogs will be loved and cared for the rest of their lives, it broke my heart. There is something seriously sociopathetic with someone who can take part in that, and I'm not sure that they should be placed back in a postion where people cheer for them in ANY capacity. I hope the crazy PETA people haunt him forever!

Jenny - posted on 08/15/2009

Sharon, that is true. I wish all dog fighting scumbags were in jail longer, not just Vick.

Sharon - posted on 08/15/2009

He was actually punished more harshly than people convicted of the same things here. Most dog fighters/killers never see jail time. So in a way I'm satisfied with his punishment.



Its his job, its what he has trained himself to be. At least he's making a living, over paid to be sure, but I'm willing to be he will continue to donate generously to animal programs in order to stay on their good side. If he had a real change of heart - then I'm happy about that too.



Frankly - I hate dog fighters, scum of the earth only 1 step above child abusers.

Alison - posted on 08/15/2009

I don't understand the game, but my hubby thinks his playing sucks. He says the only reason he gets so much exposure is because of the way he acts. He would never get that kind of attention if he relied soley on his game. I don't know how true that is, but if so, then it sounds like he has been rewarded hansomely for being a big screw up. What sort of message does that send out to kids?

In my opinion he should cut his losses and leave the game. Let good players be rewarded for playing a good game and being good rolemodels.

Jenny - posted on 08/14/2009

I think he's a piece of shit and should still be rotting in jail. I hope the Eagles face major boycotts for supporting this scumbag.

Kylie - posted on 08/14/2009

I think because sporting heroes are role models and are paid so well they should have to be held to a higher standard..criminal charges of this matter should mean immediate dismissal from the game with no option for return.
We have similar problems with our Australian sportsmen, they are abusing alcohol and getting up to some disgraceful stuff. It's not acceptable that they be allowed to return to the field after deplorable or unlawful behavior.

Jeannette - posted on 08/14/2009

ooohhh...my hubby and I were just talking about this! fate! Dante Stalworth (sp?) killed a person because he was drinking and driving...he got suspended from the NFL for 1 year and........24 MONTHS PROBATION!!!!

I love dogs/animals...I donate to organizations that help animals.

However, our society is messed up when it values the lives and treatment of animals above that of people!

I don't feel sorry for either NFL player, but our system is way out of balance!

What about the people who are still serving sentences for crimes that carry less weight now? They are grandfathered out?

Johnny Cash "Man in Black" reminds me that we have injustices to face...

~Jennifer - posted on 08/14/2009

I think that he should have 40 lbs of filet mignon stapled to his face and then be bound and thrown into a pit of starving dogs.

JL - posted on 08/14/2009

Uhh..overpaid and overglorified. If after being arrested he had at some point acknowledged his wrong doing then maybe people would feel a bit differently about him but because he showed no actual remorse or acknowledged any understanding of how violent and disgusting his actions were people cannot forgive his horrifying indisrections. Maybe if he had donated some of that ridiculous amount of money he gets paid to a worthy animal cause and spoke out to his young fans I and many others would feel better about him coming back into the NFL. Actions speak louder that words and he hasn't taken any to show he is changed or shamed by what he did. However, even if he now decided to donate money or give a speech I would find it completely insincere since it has taken so long for him to do something. The best he can do now is keep his head down, keep his mouth shut, and do not do the slighest wrong thing or he will have a shit storm on him before he can say he is sorry.I hope he is getting a significant pay cut! I personallly find the man disgusting!