Thursday, May 21, 2009

The Verdict On Vick

I'll start this off with a bold statement: What Michael Vick did was not wrong.

With that being said I should explain myself to the masses. Vick is a victim to an inconsistent judicial system, bad media, and himself.

First off, the judicial system that sentenced him to 2 years in prison was obviously on a power trip. They wanted to make an example of a superstar that in their minds was thinking he was above the law. Vick wasn't above the law and he didn't think so, but that's how it played out for him. The district attorney struck deals with the other defendants so that it looked like Vick was the only one that had anything to do with Bad Newz Kennelz. I know it, you know it and deep down inside everyone else knows it, Vick was the guy who supplied the money. No matter how many dogs he killed or trained he didn't have all the time in the world to fully comitt to running a dog fighting ring; apparently he was a stud quarterback in Atlanta, and that took up most of his time. I never once read a report that sounded like this: Vick Takes Time Off To Go Back To Virgina, Midway Through Season. A 2 year prison sentence was harsh and if I were the judge that allowed it I would be ashamed of the position I held.

Once it was known that Vick was involved in animal crimes, the media including ESPN and SI both dragged Vick's name though the dirt. Then through mud. Then through manure. It wasn't enough for them. They needed to make sure everyone knew how awful of a human being Vick was. I personally couldn't stand any of the stories. Sports Illustrated I'd expect it from you, but ESPN? ESPN, you failed me. ESPN compassionately reports on the hardships Donte Stallworth has faced since... GET THIS.... KILLING A PERSON! Yes that's right. Where is the media on that one. Who in their right minds is drunk at 7AM? Donte. Who kills a Cuban crossing the street? Donte. Who gets called 'vile human being' by reporters? Vick. I don't understand this one. Many media outlets say it was the man who Stallworth killed is at fault because he was jaywalking. Never mind the blood alcohol level of 0.12. Stallworth gets compassion and practice time with his squad in Cleveland. Vick? Well Vick gets 1 year and a half of prison served and home confinement with a $10 an hour construction job.

But in the end, Vick can only blame himself. In his mind dog fighting wasn't bad. Just like in the mind of McDonald's, slaughter houses aren't horrible, and in the mind of KCF, a 1'x2' cage isn't bad for 12 chickens. It's normal. Completely fine for cows to be rounded up and shot in the head with a 12 inch spike, picked up by the hind legs skinned all at once and processed for human and dog consumption. But some may argue that at least that's for eating, and that can't be bad because it feeds people and it's not for entertainment. Ok good point, but what about hunting, isn't that a game? For entertainment? So naturally the next argument would be, but that is for food consumption too. Ok then, how about this, Vick should have just eaten the dogs he killed. Problem solved.

Probation and an 8 game suspension would have served Vick justice he deserved. Why not. He didn't beat a stripper up(Larry Johnson), he didn't run over a Cuban, he didn't shoot anyone outside a night club(Adam 'Pacman' Jones), and he definitely didn't shoot himself in the leg('Cheddar' Plaxico Burress*) So why is everyone coming down so hard on a guy who payed his debt to society. Michael Vick: Not Guilty**.


*If you don't know why I call him 'Cheddar' watch 8 Mile and remember Cheddar Bob

** Ok maybe a little guilty


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