"maybe some desperate team (ahem) will give him a shot when he gets out of jail."
I thought you were referring to the Argos.
Oh how far Ron Mexico has fallen!
But seriously, this guy has been a tool since day one. His education was football driven and he's been running dog fights since he joined the NFL.
Damian, great post!
I agree that dogfighting is depraved. But (you knew there would be a 'but') why should it be illegal?
There's a lot of emotional connection and response people give and get from animals, so I can see the *wish* to only allow "kind" behaviour. Still, though, making sicko behaviour such as cock-fighting and animal cruelty illegal seems an over-reaction.
I'm not convinced that Vick is a "bad man" based upon his willingness to cause suffering to animals. Otherwise "good" people may not agree that an animal's life or feelings deserve the protections we afford humans. (Hello, Roe v. Wade, anyone??)
Why the Law has granted animals standing, as it were, and the human "fetus" none - I just don't bloody get it.
Someone is selling a Michael Vick dog chew toy, at [External Link] No, I don't represent him.
Still, at least he and his friends didn't kill any human beings. I mean, I think what Ray Lewis had done is worse.
Couldn't agree more with Ran. This is a grotesque over-reaction to an activity that has been enjoyed by men since the dawn of time. I'm not particularly fond of such bloodsports -- I saw a corrida once and it nearly turned my stomach -- but to destroy a man's life over a friggin' dogfight is ridiculous. It's a goddam dog.
Posted at 2007-08-21 23:39:23 [PermaLink]If it were in Canada, the dog fighting would get him a maximum of 6 months and $2000, according to CBC Radio this morning.
The kicker is that, due to the wording of the animal cruelty law, every spectator would also be in violation of that law, which I think is great.
Never mind the dogs though, most of the money in dogfighting is in illegal gambling. We're talking about bets in the tens of thousands. That's the bigger issue and it's why Vick deserves most of what he's getting.
It's funny though that although he's about to plea in federal court, Virginia may prosecute him under their stricter laws. So two charges relating to the dogs and no charges for the money?
There must be an assumption of illegal profit in those dog fighting laws which is why the punishment is so hefty.
"Still, at least he and his friends didn't kill any human beings."
Perhaps - not yet. There is a well defined connection between perpetrators of animal cruelty and some (although not all) who graduate to humans. IMO - screw Vick although I expect he has enough money by now that he needn't be a porter in some train station when this is over.