Vick's legal dream team

dan Riverside CA — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 02:21:59 GMT

I don't apporve of dogfighting but cruelty to dogs seems like a lesser offense than domestic violence, murder and many of the other crimes that some jocks have been accused of. Lighten up. It was just a bunch of dang dogs.

Vick's legal dream team

John Doe, Seattle, WA — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 02:52:50 GMT

Vick, although an outstanding player is an idiot. He will reap what he has sown, high-priced lawyers be damned.

Vick's legal dream team

Warren, Atlanta — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 03:15:33 GMT

Those without sin cast the first stone. I believe in our justice system that still states innocent until PROVEN ("without a shadow of a doubt") guilty. How about if you were accussed of a crime and people were saying "just throw him in jail". Who is barbaric here the accused or the accusers.

Vick's legal dream team

lee ing — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 03:15:57 GMT

yeah , sorry how people didn`t have all that money,
suddenly become millionaire over night cause they
have talent to play balls, thinking they can do
what ever they want, it`s a crying shame how they
think. maybe we need to pay them by the hour,
or banning advertising on their game.

Vick's legal dream team

Roberta, Oliver Springs, TN — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 03:31:15 GMT

My sentiments exactly. I am a 63 year old woman who through 40 years of marriage, has left the room whenever my husband watched ball games. Since I am not a sports fan, I do not pay attention to many sports scandals. For the first time ever, I have been watching ESPN and reading the sports pages from newspapers all over the country. I'm appalled by this story, and I know most people share my sentiments. Vicks biggest problem is that he is charged with a crime that drew attention from non-sports fans like me who could care less how good he is at his job. We won't forget or forgive.

Vick's legal dream team

Oscar Graham, Arlington, Texas — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 04:13:08 GMT

Let's get something straight...Not all people are motivated by money which is the downfall of this capitalistic society that we live in...Whites are extremely shameless in their ever-loving pursuit of money and at all cost. Surely, Mike Vick has made enough money to last a lifetime... And if he beats the allegations against him...He will most definitely play professional sports again. Something, that most of you white bread commentors are envious of...because your only talent which is not a talent is judgement. Judge not least ye' shall be judged. Get a life!

Vick's legal dream team

David C., Glenview, Illinois — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 04:33:38 GMT

I say, put Michael Vick in the "Pit of Truth". That is; a pit full of "pit bulls". If he's innocent, the "jury" will set him free, but if he's guilty, they'll "eat him up"

Vick's legal dream team

HL Bowen — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 04:36:36 GMT

Great column. Vick is spending money and dressing sharp and in the end, it won't matter. Federal Grand Juries don't casually indict. I recommend he pick up the book, "What Color is Your Parachute?", a classic tome for those needing a career change.

Vick's legal dream team

Danni Arlo — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 04:40:27 GMT

I hope you're right. Due process will play out, but there is no way his boys did anything that he didn't know about. He's guilty. He's a savage.

Vick's legal dream team

Dr. Medzley — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 04:42:19 GMT

I think the only way out for Vick is to become the posterchild for animal rights and expose all those involved. If there is not a movement to stop these things from the head, then the body will remain in tact.

Vick's legal dream team

marshell scott Desoto Tx. — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 04:44:12 GMT

I am constantly amazed at how guys who grew up poor
con so quickly forget what it was like to be poor.They get so big they feel they are untouchable by the law.
Very few of us are untouchable, just ask Martha Stewart.

Vick's legal dream team

Bree Sims — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 05:05:11 GMT

Why is everyone assuming he is guilty? Mike Vick has done nothing wrong in my eyes. He is innocent until proven guilty. If the NFL bans him why not ban Ray Lewis who was charged with a much more serious offense, murder. But I guess in white America every black male is guilty until proven innocent. If the NFL does ban Mike Vick I will no longer be a fan and will no longer watch. All of you sportwriters need to be ashamed of yourself adn issue him an apology.

Vick's legal dream team

Scott MacKenzie, Incline Village, NV — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 06:36:39 GMT

Vick is a gifted athlete and any one of the Canadian football teams would take him in a heartbeat. He might not initially get the money he got here, but he'll be such a crowd pleaser -- his style of play would work well in Canadian rules football. It looks bad for him, but money talks -- he should escape with some huge fines.

Vick's legal dream team

John Q. Citizen, Macon Ga. — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 10:28:09 GMT

Hmnnn? I don't quite get it. Dog fighting is wrong and illegal, that part I get. What I don't get is how a dogfighting chargeget's to be so serious that a man could lose his freedom and livelyhood when Ultimate Fighting and Boxing are still legal. It seems that we care more about animals than we do humans. Why isn't anyone standing trail for Iraq? It seems that the media is advertising this case and at the same time trying to rachet up the public disgust. We can own dogs send'em into buildings where we suspect bombs might be, make them sniff out dangerous drugs and in some parts of the world eat them but for god sake don't fight them. God help the next athlete who owns a set of Japanese fighting fish, someone make take offense.

Vick's legal dream team

Joe Brzoska — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 15:15:25 GMT

Money is the unspoken nexus in this case.

Did the Falcons decide not to release Vick because of the salary cap issues?

Did the Falcons not release Vick because a conviction and a subsequent lifetime ban from Goddell allows them to recover part of Vick's signing bonus?

Did Nike not release Vick because of the unsold inventory in their warehouse?

Are Vick's co-defendants willing to take their chances with the thought that they will be taken care of financially on the back end?

Just wondering.

Vick's legal dream team

john — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 15:54:22 GMT

What planet do you live on, Michael Vick will play again in the NFL. Most die hard football fans don't care anyway. The evidence by itself creates enough doubt that he wasn't at the home fulltime. That's enough to give a star athlete the benefit of the doubt. Cruelty to animals is a bad thing, are the guys who beat their wives and girlfriends better than Vick? No they all get a second chance and with his legal team, you can expect to see michael starting for a team near you in a couple of seasons.

Vick's legal dream team

Tonee — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 16:41:54 GMT

I think your comments are right on. In my opinion the fact that he was a registered kennel owner with the AKC for Pit Bulls says it all. He knew and condoned what went on, there is no doubt. I think he deserves the fate that awaits him whether he is found guilty or not. He deserves the scorn, condemnation and isolation that will be coming his way. Shame on him for the rest of his life!!! I used to be a fan and admired his skill and talent, what a waste. He and his dog killing friends disgust me.

Vick's legal dream team

Dollar Bill Danville, VA — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 16:50:57 GMT

I believe a man is innocent until proven guilty. Your comments are bias at best. You dominate the media, but you want dominate the jury. Vick will rise again and become a good citizen. He made poor choices and surrounded himself with poor characters. PETA has tried to use this situation to further it's own adjenda. It is and always a black and white issue depending on where and how the shoe fits. There are more deserving people who need to serve time behind bars and Vick is not one of those. Yes , he is guilty of poor judgement. He has no priors and thus this will go a long ways in this case. Try to spend this situation on the other foot.

Vick's legal dream team

Ben Mansfield, Saint Peters, Mo — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 16:56:58 GMT

i still cant believe the people who are coming forward to downplay the seriousness of this (deion sanders is the latest clinton portis type idiot)....it's a sad state of affairs that a person with all this money, people who go anywhere on a whim and see all the world has to offer would turn to this to get their entertainment. This is as much to do with keeping street cred as anything else. Thugs have no respect for anything, and earn it through brutality. Mike is a thug and personally i hope this bankrupts him to send a message to the other thug athletes.

Vick's legal dream team

Brad, Lynbrook NY — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 17:14:17 GMT

I agree that it will be difficult if not impossible for MV to play again. We are not yet sure of how he participated in the actual horrendous things that occurred at this house, but he bears an enormous responsibility for allowing these things to occur on his property even if he was not there. If he did participate then no punishment should be considered too severe. To allow and participate in the typw of suffering that this practice glorifies is beyond just a criminal act. This offends the moral sensibilities of the vast majority of people and further erodes the feelings we have towards our sports stars. I personally would never watch or attend a game in which MV participates and if the NFL allows him to participate I will seriously reconsider whether I will want to continue as a fan.

Vick's legal dream team

SYLVIA MOSLEY ATLANTA GEORGIA — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 17:55:02 GMT

IT APPEARS TO BE FASHIONABLE AND POLITICALLY CORRECT TO CRITICIZE MICHAEL VICK AT THE MOMENT. I LOOK FORWARD TO MIKE CELIZIC AND A LOT OF OTHER RACISTS EATING THEIR WORDS. PEOPLE HAVE KILLED ENTIRE FAMILIES AND NOT BE CONDONED TO THE EXTENT THAT VICK HAS. WHERE IS THE VOICE OF REASON?

Vick's legal dream team

W. Bell, Aiken, SC — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 18:02:10 GMT

Mike Vick has done a dispicable thing and deserves what is coming. I am taken back by comments like, "he should be electrocuted, hanged,etc.). We love our pets in the US and I have no problem with that, but I will predict Mike Vick will be found guilty of owning, and knowing about the dogfighting. the witness for the government are more than likely from the gang and/or drug world and his attorney's will undress them on the stand. Mike's future is held by the very men who are on the same indictment sheet that he's on. If none of these guys flip on Mike, HE COULD WALK!! (with paying the Feds a healthy sum). This will infuriate many, but we still live in America. I don't want to play the race card, so I'll play the money card, Money talks!!!

Vick's legal dream team

KEITH BOYD NEW HAVEN CONN. — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 20:16:02 GMT

I FEEL MR VICK IS NOT GETTING A FAIR SHAKE!THE MAN WAS IN ONE INCIDENT DURING HIS NFL CARREE AND THAT WAS MINOR I THINK ALL OF HIS BROTHERS UNEXCUSABLEBEHAVIOR IS BEING PUT TO MICHEAL VICK REGARDLESS IF HE INNOCENT OR NOT THEY WANTED HE BROTHER MAROUS SO BAD BECAUSE HE BROKE THE LAW ! BUT BIG BROTHER ALWAYS GOT HIM OUT OF TROUBLE!NOW HE MIGHT HAVE TO PAY

Vick's legal dream team

Birdgirl, Rutherfordton, NC — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 21:15:57 GMT

I am so sad about this whole case. Vick was my personal favorite player because he is so talented. But he is so stupid, and assuming the charges are true, so cruel and disgusting. I feel personally betrayed by his actions. He even thinks that his fans will still love him (comment on one news show). How wrong he is. Thank God for baseball, even Barry Bonds looks like a hero right now!

Vick's legal dream team

vic, los angeles, california — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 22:15:15 GMT

When did we accept people being found "guilty" before the trial even starts? Vick has yet to speak or tell his side. We have no idea what happened. Let the system play itself out...

Vick's legal dream team

E. leggett,Tampa,fl — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 15:37:09 GMT

yeah it's sad to say but it seems that somehow Vick is worse than benoit. I wonder why that is guilty until proven innocent by the media I wonder why.

Vick's legal dream team

Kathy, St. Louis, MO — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 17:12:17 GMT

Vick, and all his "ghetto-trash thugs" should all get the maximum sentence for their hideous cruelty to innocent animals. And, I don't believe for a minute that any NFL Team would ever hire this piece of human-trash to represent their team - even if he does walk.
He's bad newz .... funny how that name is coming back to him full-circle. Too bad we can't put Vick in a pen with a bunch of hungry black bears ... see how he likes it.

Vick's legal dream team

Gabriel, Patterson, CA — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 19:02:59 GMT

I don't like Michael Vick, as a matter of fact I can't stand him because he's ghetto, and he's really arrogant. But for crying out loud...we're talking about some dogs not humans. White america cares more about dogs than humans it's disgusting. They have no problem killing all those people in Iraq, killing innocent children on a everyday basis. Michael Vick will learn his lesson because in the end is going to cost him most of his fortune, as far as putting him in jail I don't think is necessary.

Vick's legal dream team

Carl Deener, Atlanta — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 21:18:02 GMT

It's a FELONY, people. It's not up to you to decide how it compares to a homicide, etc. It's against the law, and there are consequences under the law. We shall see when it is all done. As for Vick, he keeps showing himself to be a "bad seed." He makes really bad decisions off the field. I don't want him anywhere near a football team, because he can't shoulder the responsibility of role model and be a man, not a thug. Animal cruelty (and these charges make the word "cruelty" totally inadequate) is a stepping stone to more violence -- violence against humans - children, spouses, innocents. That's why it's a felony, and there are EIGHTEEN pages of charges. Wake up, those of you who think football games are more important than human decency or respecting the life and the laws that protect us all from criminal acts and the thugs that commit them.

Vick's legal dream team

Pitbull Dad, Minneapolis, Minnesota — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 05:01:47 GMT

I am proud of the comish for taking a stand on player conduct! Professional athletes from many sports have been made to believe they are untouchable and I am glad that Goodell is trying to clean up the NFL.
Of course Vick is innocent until proven guilty, but the Feds don't mess around, so they must have some serious evidence to put a high profile player like him on trial. I am so tired of hearing that this is a race issue, screw that, this is a moral, ethical, and player conduct issue and I hope this sends a message to other professional athletes that they need to conduct themselves in a proper manner on and off the field.

Vick's legal dream team

disgusted fan, Lansing, Michigan — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 13:09:47 GMT

The difference between human fighting "sport" and dog fighting is that the humans make a choice to fight. The dogs don't! If the dogs aren't "successful" fighters they are brutalized and killed in the most horrific manner. To me, that's a BIG difference.

Vick's legal dream team

Realist Joe from Liberal Seattle — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 19:54:20 GMT

It was a bucnh of dogs. If you have a problem with Mr. Vick then you had better run down to the local dog pound and rescue the millions of dogs being euthanized everyday. What's more cruel? Euthanizing an animal or letting two animals that were originally bred to fight, fight. ? The media is boring these days, find a new fire hydrant to do your business on. How about a positive human interests story I am so tired of your dog and pony show I could puke.

Vick's legal dream team

Aprill S. — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 22:35:13 GMT

Statement from Vick about everyone showing him love regardless of what he is going thru.
The comment that the media is playing is from an event in May 2007. This was before the indictment and many people were and still are showing him support. I live in the Atlanta. I am writing John Kerry about his decision to ask the commisioner to suspend Mike Vick based solely on indictment. This is unfair because how can an elected official supported by Mike Vick during his presidential campaign,is asking the commissioner to ignore the law and suspend Vick. This definetly speaks volumes for our failing system. He is innocent til proven guilty. We are all entitled to our personal opinion. But Damn!

Vick's legal dream team

S. Plott, Spokane, Wash — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 02:31:07 GMT

In ultimate fighting and boxing, the fighters have a choice on whether or not to fight. They don't fight to the death. And they don't kidnap "bait" men off the streets to train on. If Vick is innocent then he should've really paid attention to who he trusted and did business with. If he is guilty he deserves what ever is coming to him.

Vick's legal dream team

John Clarksville, Tn — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 13:53:18 GMT

The way to look at it, is picture your own family dog getting torn to peices by another dog and thinking its ok. Well thats what was going thru his mind, what if it was his kid would he bet on that too, lets bet on how many bites it takes for that dog to take the kids arm off. Not a pretty thought is it? I hope some of you get the picture nor or at least a visual on how inhumane these actions are. I hope it takes all his money to pay for his defense.If hes not guilty why is he appologizing to his mom? Sounds to me she isn't even on his side.The "NFL" should just cut tear his bluntly tear his contract and send him on his way.I hope he didn't forget where he came from cause hes going back!!! By the way my e-mail is my pets name that I had for 13 great years what Great Boy he was, he sits on my fire place now, he gets front row seat for the games.

Vick's legal dream team

Jane Doe, Atlanta, GA — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 15:12:19 GMT

What people need to realize is that dogfighting is not just about the dogs. It's about illegal gambling, drugs and a brutal, violent activity. Whether you want to believe it or not, if someone is capable of doing what they are accused of doing to those dogs then they are capable of doing it to a human being. Read up on crimes associated with dogflighting, including a murder in Texas. Michael Vick has a long history of disregarding other people and events (flipping the bird, covering up his fellow indictee stealing a Rolex and blowing off Congress) so I'm just confused why people continue to support him regardless of this indictment. This is not about race. Let's throw support behind the likes of Warrick Dunn and others who make a difference in their communities every day.

Vick's legal dream team

Tim, Schaumburg, IL — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 18:46:43 GMT

To the guy who asked if the Falcons didn't cut Vick because of salary cap issues, that's ridiculous: they can void his contract (no cap impact) for immoral conduct. And I am just amazed in the course of this story, that no one seems to be defending Vick. The guy may have a reputation for being an idiot, but his transgressions (flipping off fans, and pot carrying water bottle) are utterly trivial. He has done tremendous things for his community, and I hope (not sure if I believe) that he is innocent of these heinous crimes.

Vick's legal dream team

Dee, DC — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 19:57:16 GMT

Too many people think of dogs and cats as people and family members. They are animals and should be treated as such. You all complain about dogs fighting and turn around and eat a 12oz steak at night. How do you think the cow felt. Have you ever see how they are slaughtered, they are shot in the head with a bolt and left bleeding to death. Animals are here to serve man. As far as I'm concerned Vick is innocent until proven guilty.

Vick's legal dream team

Doug, Virginia — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 04:09:22 GMT

Mike, your coverage of NFL quarterback Michael Vick has been informative and measured, unlike a television sports show host who recently stated in one of his prologues that Vick "murdered dogs."

Murdering dogs resonates with most black Americans about as much as California nature-lovers' mantra to "hug a tree" resonates with loggers.

As a black American I have long deplored the ease with which many black social activists pull the race card. But in this case my racial sensitivity is trumped by history. Blacks likely can't get behind the public outcry for Vick's scalp for allegedly dogfighting because, for most of our history in this country, dogs have been treated better than blacks.

The host’s comment is indicative of just how much sports news-coverage of Vick's federal dogfighting charges and the public's response are way over the top.

Should dogfighting be criminalized? Absolutely. Should Vick be prosecuted if he engaged in the offense? Absolutely. But these venomous demands calling for Vick's job, his loss of endorsements and even his liberty are so out of proportion to the alleged offense. Heck, we are a nation that hunts animals for sport. I know, I know ... comparing illegal dogfighting with legal sports hunting is comparing apples and oranges. But then one often finds apples and oranges in the same bowl.

Animals aside, where was the high-decibel response last month against WWE professional wrestling organization, a sports entertainment long-suspected of steroid abuses among its athletes. Wrestler Chris Benoit murdered his wife and son and then committed suicide in what was perhaps a steroid-induced rage.

Did the public protest outside WWE’s headquarters? spew hate-filled invectives against CEO Vince McMahon? Truth is there was little response, even though there is a clear medical link between steroids and rage.

Make no mistake, Vick's indictments on some ugly charges undoubtedly say a lot about him. I wonder, however, if this country's bloodthirsty response to the indictments says more about us.

Vick's legal dream team

Gary Ricin — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 05:04:44 GMT

Michael Vick will be convicted, fined, receive community service hours and be back in a Falcons Uniform for the 2008-2009 season at the latest. (More likely, by the playoffs if the Falcons make it that far.) Ultimately Vick will traded and this dog fighting "scandal" will be forgotten.

Every other scenario, particularly the one in the article above, defies precedent and common sense.

Vick's legal dream team

Tamisha, Vicksburg, Mississippi — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 14:45:20 GMT

Micheal Vick should be fined...not serving 12/18 months in jail for dogfighting...if that's the case what about all the murders, kidnapping and other things that are going on in this world...why are these suspects being trialed and sentenced at later dates....but a NFL star is on trial and is likely going to be unable to play in the NFL after he has done his time.....so why so much publicity on the Vick case instead of the cases that will stop other predators from doing unlawful things such as kidnapping and murdering innocent victims???

Vick's legal dream team

Casey Olson, Roseau,Minnesota — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 07:14:31 GMT

I am the proud owner of pitbulls!! I think they are the sweetest dogs ever!! Any dog can be mean. Its all in how you raise them. There is no excuse for what Vick did! I think he should get the maximum sentence just cause he is tring to buy his way out of it!!!

Vick's legal dream team

Anonymous — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 05:32:12 GMT

People search for intelligence on concerns like this for changing motivations.

Vick's legal dream team

Steven Huggins — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 14:05:03 GMT

I think Mike Vick messed up big time he ruined a life that Millions of people wish for everyday over a stupid decision like dog fighting that threw his life away and destroyed his reputation I think Mike Vick got of easy with just 2 years but I guess when your famous you can basically get out of anything by throwing a couple of dollars around LOL. (My personal opinion)