Sorry, Or Sorry He Was Caught?
As most people know, Michael Vick has been released from prison. What you may not know is the Humane Society of the United States is considering allowing him to get involved in an anti-dog fighting outreach program.
Supporters of this program believe that Vick has served his sentence, apologized for his actions, and that he is ready to share his prison experience and the lesson he learned, with urban community youths who may otherwise travel down pathways to crime and inappropriate street activity.
What’s interesting is that the HSUS was the very first organization to petition the National Football League to indefinitely suspend Vick from the NFL and as well, they were the leading voice behind influencing all of Vick’s sponsors to dissolve their contracts with him. Both efforts were successful.
While numerous ex-convicts (or shall we say “ex-con’Vicks’”) serve their sentences, and then receive a clean slate – some deserving, some…not so much, one cannot ignore the most observable fact of all – Michael Vick has never shown any ‘genuine’ remorse for his actions – he just knows what to say, how to articulate it, to whom he should appeal, and exactly what avenue to travel, that will best pave his way back to the NFL.
Vick says he now wants to commit himself to leading a mission with the HSUS to exterminate the ‘sport’ of dog fighting, and earn his way back into the good graces of society…to be “part of the solution rather than a further part of the problem.”
Michael Vick has spoken about growing up with dog fighting, something he didn’t consider wrong at the time, just a part of his youth. As an adult, even after being college educated and enjoying the privileges that come with being a football star, torturing and watching a dog be killed for sport still didn’t strike him as wrong. Or as inhumane.
I guess he must have missed the terrified dogs, the ones who were crying and trying to get away, the ones that ended up maimed or dead. Oh wait, the dogs were his, tortured and abused. I guess he didn’t miss it, he just didn’t care. After all, in his own words, dog fighting is just a sport.
Give me a bark, let me know what you think.
* Trevor is an adorable 1-year-old in Dracut, MA looking for a forever home.
I don’t think Vick should ever be allowed around another animal. I heard he was trying to get a TV deal to show him “giving back to the animals”. He was requiring at least $1 million to even think about signing a contract. This tells me he isn’t remorseful at all. He is just trying to get public support so he can play football again. I will never watch a network that would support such a show and furthermore if he does get signed on again in the NFL I will never support or watch the team. I don’t believe he will ever be sorry and I don’t think he deserves a second chance.
For the record, I am a very forgiving person. I just really don’t think he is sorry, or that he ever will be.
Growing up with it is no excuse. Any human who has a heart, soul and consucious knows anytime you abuse something it is wrong. And that he has not shown no real remorse for what he did. That too is wrong. How can anyone with a heart stand there and watch as one of God’s creatures is maimed for a sport. How can anyone with a soul stand there and feel nothing. How can anyone with a conscious stand by while one of God’s creatures is abused and physcially hurt. I don’t he served enough time and i don’t think he deserves anything. He should have been tortured and maimed just like the dogs he watch as they were. And who can say he will not go to the backwoods and do he same again. Since to him it is no big deal, it is ok to watch dogs maimed and killed. The man has no heart, soul or conscious. He does not deserve to live in the lap of luxury ever again. In my opinion, the man does not deserve to live at all. And now HSUS. In my opinion, the man committed an act against God when he took part in dog fighting. And I don’t think he is done with dog fighting, since he really sees nothing wrong with it. I think he’ll slip into the back woods of the states where it is a big sport and do it again. See I am the mama of a bully breed, an AM Staff and she does not have an ounce of agressiveness or anger in her body. And to think that a human being can look on such a gift from God and have no feeling of wanting to protect her or others like her is just beyong me. And I am a forgiving person, but I cannot forgive Vick or others that do as he did. I’m sorry, but I just can’t. Just the thought of a person doing what he did enrages me. These creatures was put here by God for us to love and take care of, not to fight them and destroy them or maimed them to the point where they cannot defend themselves. It just makes me too mad.
I’m going to have to agree on this one. No chance I would support any of these endeavors.
I think he is just sorry he got caught. He is a disgrace to the community and should have no contact with animals ever again. I think if he didn’t get caught he would still be doing it. And he should not be allowed back in the NFL either.
True, there’s no acceptable excuse to why someone is into dog fighting but I can see why the HSUS is willing to work with Vick. They want to get rid of dog-fighting once and for all and they can use Vick to talk to the younger crowds and get the attention of people who are involved in dog-fighting rings. I heard too that he was working on maybe getting a TV show deal that documents his time out of jail, the man has got to make a living too…even after this has ruined his reputation and his NFL career.
Vick is a creature without a soul. There isn’t enough punishment to make up for what he’s done. At the very least everything he owns should be confiscated and auctioned off, with the proceeds going to help animal rights groups. I disagree with the HSUS decision to use him as a spokesperson for animal rights. Whatever he says will be forced and insincere, his words would mean nothing. He shouldn’t be allowed to be in any public venue, including the NFL, ever again.
The dogs that have been rescued from his evil endeavors deserve a second chance at life but not Vick. The dogs did nothing wrong, they were the victims. Vick should be thrown in a pit and forced to fight to the death (preferably his) against another soulless creature such as himself.
He’s sorry alright. He’s sorry he got caught, sorry he spent jail time, sorry he had to pay over 3 million dollars in fines, and a damn sorry waste of human flesh.
If anyone sponsors this Vick “person” I will boycott them. Vick should do these programs for free, but no he is wanting to charge them. What part of rehab did he not get? Vick will fight dogs again. Its in his blood and he will not give up that high. The money, notoriety, and the rush he gets. No this Vick “person” doesn’t deserve to be in the eye of the public.
I’m sure Vick is sorry, sorry he got caught, and I’m honestly horrified at the HSUS’ decision to let him get involved with an anti-dog fighting campaign for two reasons;
1. It may help shine a more positive light on Vick, make him look like a better person and that he’s “sorry” (the only sorry he is, is sorry that he got caught, if he were truly sorry, he would’ve stopped BEFORE he got caught doing it and would pay to have someone open a Pit Bull rescue with his hundreds of thousands of dollars). He needs to be seen for what he is, a monster. As it is, there are STILL people who turn a blind eye to what he did or blatantly defend him.
2. He should not be allowed around any animal again after the various tortures (aside from dog fighting there was killing dogs that wouldn’t fight or lost fights via electrocution of the genitals, smashing them into the ground, and drowning) he forced upon these dogs.
We cannot factually KNOW if he is sorry or not. He may have seen the light with great regret in his heart. I would like him to work with young people who have the same outlook he had at their age, it would make some difference. I wouldn’t want him around animals though, and I feel he should still be in jail for his past actions and animal abuse should carry much greater punishment. Animals great and small and even those we eat deserve respect. We slaughter for food, control invasive animals, and put dogs down due to overpopulation, there is no reason we shouldn’t strive to do this with caring respect. People who hurt animals with spiteful malice or for sport might think twice if they could be jailed for a more than inconvenient amount of time.
I have no doubt whatsoever that this man is merely sorry he got caught. If he had even an ounce of true, genuine remorse in his soul or heart, there is no way on this earth that he would want to go such a public “rehabilitation” route. It’s all a PR exercise, and as such, a load of horse hockey.
He is paying lip service and trying to save whatever is left of his existence. He is sorry- sorry that he was caught, sorry for himself, not that countless dogs were tortured and killed in his name. He can only serve as a symbol for all those who still engage in this “sport”, true losers who let innocent animals fight for them because they themselves are lacking the balls to take care of their business. Should be the 8th deadly sin. I think the HSUS is taking a wrong turn.
HSUS is taking a wrong turn-they may lose alot of donations-including mine!!!!
You know, I have to say that I think Vick is a horrible person for what he did, and I also questioned the HSUS’ decision to work with him. However, I subscribe to the HSUS email newsletter and received an explanation from them that made a lot of sense to me. They came right out and said they weren’t sure either if he was sincere or merely paying lip service, but they are willing to give this endeavor a shot in hopes that he really can reach some at-risk youth to prevent them from entering into the world of dog fighting. So, while I don’t think that Vick’s decision to work with the HSUS will ever make up for his behavior and all the harm he did, if it can prevent even one person from turning out like him, I would have to say I support it. I’m glad the HSUS is going into this with a bit of skepticism, because I know I am!
He is just sorry he got caught. I hope he is never allowed to play football or be around animals again. When a sex offender is caught, he is never allowed around young children again…shouldn’t the same go for people like Michael Vick?
HSUS will no longer get my support if they go through with having Vick involved with this anti dog fighting program. He’s not sorry for what he did and you can tell. Just because he did his time doesn’t mean he won’t do it again or think about doing it again. A person is not always changed after doing a little time. I can’t believe they are even thinking about having Vick on their side at all. HSUS has very poor judgement right now.
michael vick is just sorry he was caught and his pr team is trying to clean up his image by working with the hsus. when i heard about hsus collaboration, i couldn’t believe my ears.
this man should never be allowed near any animals and not back in the nfl. there are so many other athletes that are worth looking up to. he’s definitely not.
vick is a very poor excuse for a human and he will never change.
HSUS will lose my support and anyone I can talk to if they choose to work with this soul-less individual. I can not believe they would even entertain the thought of associating with Vick. That goes for any football team that is short-dsighted enough to hire him. It is time we send a message to those who think we are not paying attention. He has not seen the error of his ways….only to the extent he is now working a $10.00 an hour job like so many others. Vick…try being a single mom and making less than that like so many do. He is just in a panic because he is not making the ridiculus amount of money he did, which he used to torture and abuse innocent animals. While he may argue HE did not torture them…it happened on his watch on his property and he stood by and did NOTHING. Vick has not changed, any more than a leopard can change it’s spots. Maybe allow him to speak to young people. He may be able to change some young minds if they see what happens when you make poor choices in life at the very least. He had it all and lost it all. Anything out of his mouth about being kind and respecting life is not going to ring true for me…ever. I believe there is a special place in hell for those who abuse innocent animals, and Vick has an engraved invitation for sure.
Vick is a soulless human who is interested only in his future fortune. I also will end my support to HSUS if they let him near any animal. HSUS has some credibility in helping animals including a resolution (constructed with Best Friends and others) that every dog who was a victim in dogfights or bred in a dog fighting kennel will be evaluated as individuals. They don’t step in as strongly as I hoped in many cases…including the euthanizing of over 100 pits (including puppies) in the dogfighting bust on this blog a month or two ago. I think Best Friends has done more for the pits than any other organization…what are their thoughts on allowing Vick to have this chance? Also, any other rescue that took Vick’s dogs in…maybe they should have a say…? These groups deal with his broken dogs every day…is this guy sorry about what he did or what it did to his career? Maybe ask the pits he tortured…I think we all know what they would say!
While I’ve long been a member and supporter of the HSUS, I believe that plugging Vick into community outreach will only teach these street smart, savvy kids that you can get away with murder if you have a good PR machine and high-priced lawyers behind you. It’s like using O.J Simpson in a campaign against domestic violence. A better approach would be to enlist other high profile NFL or NBA players from similar backgrounds as these kids, players who have also grown up around dogfighting that DIDN’T choose to go down this heinous path of cruelty and murder, to speak out against dog fighting. Otherwise the only lesson learned is that saying “I’m sorry” and being accepted by the HSUS will get you back in the NFL, and everyone will forget about it in a couple of years. Some acts are simply unforgivable. For god’s sake, the man tortured and murdered his own dogs on multiple occasions. I don’t know what the HSUS is thinking.
PLEASE He is just trying to look good to get back in he NFL so he can make money to pay off everything his owes. He’s a low life.
He’s not at all sorry for what he did. He still doesn’t see anything really wrong with it. He has never once apologized for the animals…read or listen to his comments very closely. I think the courts should make him do a massive PSA campaign – WITHOUT getting paid a dime – to let people know that dogfighting is wrong and that pit bulls are really not the vicious dogs they get the reputation of being.
He should NEVER be allowed to play pro sports again. EVER. Make him an example to the rest of the country and those who are cruel to dogs. Let them know that we will find you, we will catch you and you will pay for the rest of your life. He thought he was above the law…he wasn’t.
The only thing that will keep him out of sports or from making any real money is for all of us to keep complaining to the NFL and banning any companies we hear about who consider using him for endorsements.
I thought he might be able to at least do some good but after reading Melanie’s comment I do feel it is sending the wrong message (not just to youth but everyone). He is getting away with brutal murder. It would be interesting to see him step out to play a game and have an entire stadium Boo him (but only if he didn’t make a cent off of it).
The Guy is just trying to gain public acceptance but nobody is buying it….I WILL BOYCOTT HSUS TOO…
he is sorry he was caught. There is absolutely no excuse for growing up and seeing this. He is just making up this crap so people will believe him. I know for sure, that animal lovers will NEVER believe him. Like me. It absolutely makes me sick that he did this. THIS is not the way to make money Vick! Leave the dogs alone.
He may be ’sorry’ for what he did, he got caught. He never thought he would get caught – his boys ratted him out. He shouldn’t be allowed to be around anything, even humans! He should of never be allowed out and should of been put with the ‘General’ population while in jail. They would have taken care of him. He was coddled.
I do not believe Vick should be allowed another animal Period. Not even one animal.
all Furbabies need to be kept safe from this man. Yes I believe God can forgive HIM and has if HE has asked but the fact remains this man brutally watched dogs die and fight and he brutally abused them.
Why should he be allowed to even touch another animal or even get one foot near one? No furbaby should ever have to suffer the way the dogs he made suffer did again at his hands I wouldn’t risk it for anything in the world
Did we all watch the ‘Dogtown’ episode labled “Michael Vick’s Dogs”. It was awful. There was one dog that they determined was used as a bait dog and a female Pit who had her teeth surgically removed. What kind of a sick sick thing does this? Now, he wants to work with people to understand how ‘wrong’ dog fighting is? He needs to be put away for ever. Like Rhett said to Scarlett, “You’re not sorry for what you did but you’re so very sorry you were caught”!
Michael Vick may have grown up in an impoverished sitiuation, but he had the privilege of a scholarship-supported college education from a wonderful school. I bet he took an ethics class as part of his requirements there. He didn’t learn ethics, he learned how to manipulate a system we have here in America that has been the downfall of our entire economy. Michael Vick learned how to satisfy his greed. The sheer depravity of dog fighting and those who support and participate in it should have rung huge bells in his head if he had any conscience whatsoever. But it didn’t. He claims ignorance. Not good enough. Ban the guy from football and I sincerely hope the humane society opens its eyes and denies him any monetary compensation for ‘helping the animals’. That comes from the heart and I don’t think Vick has enough room in his heart for beings as wonderful as animals. He should be digging ditches.
I know that the Lord wants us all to forgive…but MV is on his own here. He will answer to a higher power and one that is not as easy to get by as the justice system!!! I would rather he stay as far away from animals as I plan to stay from him!! I am sure some NFL team will pick him up, probably the Dallas Cowboys, since they are the thug haven of the NFL. They should have spent that $40 M on helping rid the country of this horrible blight (dog fighting) than a jumbotron. Michael Vick is not sorry…just sorry he was caught…and I will not support any organization in which he is involved. There are other ways of helping animals than going through the Humane Society of America. KEEP VICK AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!
No, No, NOOOOOO. I understand the reasoning behind the HSUS on wanting to reach people about the horrors of dog fighting but since they DON’T KNOW if Vick is sincere they should absolutely not use him. If he were truly sorry he would do this without being asked and have a huge campaign going on right now. Michael Vick cares about Michael Vick, thats it.
I Vick is allowed to influence others about teh evils of Dogfighting he should:
1. Not be unsupervied with animals or children
2. Never profit from it
We can’t know if he is truely sorry, and we all have our suspicions about what he is actually sorry about. If he does impact a child in a positive way regarding the evils of dog fighting, then he is on his was to redemption. No incentives should be provided except that he do good instead of his usual evil.
He should not be allowed to be a role model and play foot ball until he repays for each life he took or caused to be taken, IN DOG YEARS.
That’s how I see it.
I am truly appauld to even let him out yet. He has destroyed a lot of good dogs that are given a bad rap in the first place. Bad enough there are some owners that have this breed that don’t know how to train or control them. They need good training as they are a strong breed. As for what he did and burried those poor dogs in his yard there is no repreave and shouldn’t even be left out yet. See how he would like being put in a pen with a fighting dog and see what would happen. I in my heart don’t feel he is sorry at all and should be denied a lot of privileges especially even being around any dogs at all. Football would be out of the question. If he is that way off the field just think what he is like on the field. No way. Let him explain to people all that he lost. That would be everything..
Not just no, but HELL NO! I’ve actually been hoping that he would be killed in prison. THAT would be justice.
HSUS-Vick….what a laugh. Did anyone read the article about the HSUS and where the money went for the Vick dogs? (see below) Michael Vick is only sorry that he’s only getting 10 bucks a hour, and I guess being a so called spokes person for the HSUS will bring in a few more bucks for his pocket, after all he needs to pay all those legal fees. The HSUS can kiss my furry butt before I would support them.
National Press Release
Center for Consumer Freedom: Humane Society of the United States is Morally Compromised, Just Like Michael Vick
$200 million animal rights group raised money with false promise to care for Vick’s dogs
WASHINGTON, May 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — As the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) prepares to kiss and make up with convicted dogfighter Michael Vick, the nonprofit Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF) is calling on the animal rights group to return the money it raised with the false promise that it would care for the dogs rescued from Vick’s former home.
Beginning on July 18 — the day after Vick’s criminal indictment — HSUS promised on its website that financial contributions would help it “care for the dogs seized in the Michael Vick case.” The New York Times later reported that HSUS was not, in fact, caring for the animals. HSUS president Wayne Pacelle told the Times that his group is recommending that government officials “put down” (kill) the dogs rather than adopt them out to suitable homes.
After CCF publicized this deception, HSUS quietly altered its online fundraising pitch. And despite HSUS’s stated desire to see the dogs killed, CNN reports that most of them are being successfully rehabilitated by genuine animal-rescue groups.
“Most Americans can’t stand dogfighting,” said CCF Director of Research David Martosko. “But they also can’t stand phony fundraising claims. If HSUS keeps the money it raised by promising it would care for Michael Vick’s dogs, the group is just as morally compromised as he is.”
The Humane Society of the United States is not affiliated with any local “humane societies.” The organization does not own or operate any hands-on dog or cat shelters in the U.S. Less than 4 percent of its budget in 2007 was passed through to legitimate pet shelters.
“HSUS knows that Americans are dog lovers, and it’s exploiting their emotions to build a war chest for anti-meat, anti-dairy, and anti-medical-research campaigns,” Martosko added. “HSUS should return every cent and apologize for misleading the public.”
Get lost, Vick.
I’m all for second chances, that is when they’re deserved. He didn’t think twice before taking chances away from those dogs. I don’t see why we should give him any more chances, I believe his time is up. He’s ruined it for himself.
For some things there is no forgiveness! And the HSUS should not condone or support Michael Vick! I must cancel my membership to HSUS if they give their support to him.
Lots of people grow up with things that are not pleasant. Not all turn into thugs and torturers. There is something called personal responsibility. Vick is not sorry, he is just trying to worm his way back into the NFL. Keep him away from all animals!
Vick? Sorry? Don’t make me laugh. Yeah, he’s sorry he lost a lot of fans and sorry he got caught. The only thing he’s trying to do is gain those fans back so he can get back to the NFL. I hope it doesn’t happen. I hope those fans are smart enough to know that this is just a publicity stunt.
putting that pig vick back near an animal is like putting a convicted peodophile in an elementary school-he should rot for the dogs he caused death too-if it were ppl he caused to die he’d be locked up for life…..spit in his face i say—-proud to be a pittbull owner–sharyn from australia
he’s not sorry, he’s sorry he got caught – and for him to ask for $1m to sign a contract with the HSUS (if so) why would the HSUS want to spend that money when they could use that to help so many animals in need – besides that – I wouldn’t believe him anyway because no matter what type of background you grow up in, you have morals, feelings and sympathy – he couldn’t look into those pups eyes and see the scared, hurt or dying souls? He’s lying – he just didn’t care – it was all about the money.
Personal note — I’ve never met a pitbull that was mean. I did meet one that was very big and only wanted to get as close to you as possible – just a big teddy bear. I do not have any pit bulls in our family, but do have two shar-peis and believe that it’s not the breed of dog — it’s the people that make them what they are.
I agree with all the above comments and more. I recently watched Dog Town where 20 of his dogs are being rehabilitated. Vick not only didn’t care about his dogs,, but his torture went even further then the fights. He had a prized breeding bitch that didn’t have any teeth!! It appears that all her teeth were surgically removed!! How come we haven’t heard of a further investigation as to who the so called vet is, that did that to this poor dog? A lot of those dogs were sick too from a strange bacteria that got passed from one fighting dog to another and left untreated would eventually die from it. Dog Town was able to uncover a lot more about these dogs then was published.
Vick is out to make money anyway he can. He will kiss any ones butt to get back into the life he had before.
Funny, I never heard him ask how his dogs are doing, or ask to see them either. That’s how bad and remorseful he is! The Creep!!
It is difficult to know if Vick is just saying he is sorry or not. I do not think he should EVER be allowed to play NFL or any other sport. However, if he wants to help to work under the auspices of the HSUS to help STOP dog fighting, then I think we cannot truly know his intentions, and should allow him to try this. Let me put this out there: can we truly know the reasons behind many people’s charitable efforts? Is it to truly humanitarian (or dogitarian) or is it to satisfy some inner ego?
For example, I volunteer at school. I do this because I truly believe in parents supporting their schools by the volunteer effort. But I also get back by knowing more of what is going on and having a better relationship with the staff, especially since I have a child with special needs. So can you consider my efforts truly “pure?”
Who knows? Maybe Vick can indeed make an impact as many post drug abusers, post criminals, and post-felons have. Do we know if any or all of these did it for a truly “pure” reason?
A man like Vick may indeed have had a change of heart about dogs, but I can guess he is not going to be all warm and fuzzy about it. Just like the supposed “bad dogs,” who we all think need another chance, but under a leash and a Trainer, mayber Vick can have a chance, with a leash and a Trainer. Someone has to teach those horrid, nasty people that dog-fighting is wrong, and who know’s maybe he is the man to do it.
I personally believe in forgiveness and growth.
There were circumstances surrounding this case that never sat well with me, namely the co-defendants being 15-20 years older. He did not grow up with those guys but he certainly took the fall. I got the impression these guys were hanger-ons and losers, if not worse. The police were investigating potential drug charges. I have my doubts that Vick was involved in everything that was happening at that property.
Like Vick, I live in a $$$ property but own several others for leasing and investment purposes. I also own properties that family members occupy. I recently had an incident happen at a property I own in GA where my college student nephews live and their partying friends love to hangout. Needless to say, I had to clean house and set my nephews straight. All I could think about is what would have happened if I were famous. While I live a thousand miles away, what if was accused of knowing what was happening. Everyone would think that whatever is said on TV must be true. I could imagine one of these young idiots saying they had spoken to me and I approved the drowning of a duck or a goose. If I were famous the DA, the media and a bunch of judgmental couch hugging dummies would be all over me.
This is not to say Vick as innocent or not aware but, I can see this happening if some DA/prosecutor wanted to make a name for him/herself and if some loser had to choose between testifying against a famous person or facing drug charges.
Additionally, I think anyone who is overly judgmental and apt to calling another human being soulless based on facts gathered through the media and an aggressive prosecuting team, is harboring their own ISSUES. Had it truly been their son or brother; they would hope that he was remorseful and would wish him the best after prison time served.
I hope he is sorry for allowing whatever his role was and is remorseful for the horrific abuse of those innocent puppies. I also hope he can regain his full rights after SERVING his time and can get back to showing off his God given talents in the NFL.
I joined this site because I love my dogs and wanted to share my joy with other dog lovers but I see this site is filled with individuals who judge others, believe in sensationalized media garbage and probably buy into racial stereotypes. If anything I am crept out by many of your post.
I think letting Vick around another animal period is wrong. I have heard that he is trying to get back into teh NFL to me guilty or innocent it don`t matter you are sending teh wrong teh message to yound kids who in the future want to play pro ball. I Taught kids from ages 3 on up thru middle school. By letting ANY pro ball player back into the field of pro ball no matter what they have done is telling young kids that it is ok to break the law. I alwasy thought Pro ball players were supposed to be people who young kids could look up to. If Vick is really truely sorry let him him help out the HSUS. As far as Pro Ball goes he should not be alloud in that sport or any other pro sport.
I truly, in my heart, don’t believe that Vick would think twice about conducting dog fights again if he thought he wouldn’t get caught. He doesn’t care one wit about what he did and all he’s doing is using the talking points that his lawyers have been feeding him. You can see it in his face and hear it in his voice. He’s about as remorseful as a serial killer.
I don’t think having him spread the word, via the humane society, about the horrors of dog fighting will have a single impact on anyone who is involved. Why? Because they know he doesn’t believe what he’s “preaching”.
I am so tired of people saying that it’s an activity that they grew up with and they didn’t know that it was frowned upon by society. I’m sick of it. There was a time when corporal punishment was used in the classrooms of America too, but we’ve moved beyond that now, haven’t we?
I don’t know how I feel about him possibly joining the NFL again. On one hand, if he does suit up and take the field, good luck. He’ll get harrassed so intensely by the crowd that I think it might be a wonderful year of payback from society. And the press will go into that locker room and ask dog questions, not football questions.
I don’t believe his sorrow. I don’t believe his apology. I don’t believe anything he says in regards to how he feels about animals. All I hope for is that he is never, ever, ever allowed to have any animal in his life. Ever!
He should never be allowed to own any animal and as a spokesperson I don’t thinks
That waste of flesh is only sorry that he was caught.
He doesnt deserve to even be allowed 100 yrds of
another animal ever again and I hope everyone
can see through his lies.
He’s a heartless monster that deserves to be
tortured just as much as he tortured those poor
innocent dogs. They dont get a second chance
because they only know to fight and kill.
Why should he get another chance?
No! He is not sorry. He is just saying that cuz he knows he messed up. I still wanna bite him for what he did. I will never accept his apology. It is worthless.
I am going out here and going to disagree with most of you… i was one of the harshest critics of Vick when all of this started and have been relatively active in the process. I do not support Vick and was extremely excited that he actually got jail time–looking at many case-histories (though not with that particular judge), there was a good chance he wouldn’t even get jail time. What he did was atrocious–i have personally spent the last 4 months working with a few pitties who were either used as bait for training fighting dogs or were fighting dogs themselves–i know the battle against dog fighting and am in it waist deep.
I dont think it’s uncommon for someone who is raised in a certain culture to just accept the ‘norms’ without questioning. The fact that he grew up with dog fighting around him, it doesn’t surprise me that he didn’t think it was wrong. Think about it… if no one told you that something you see all around you was wrong, you would have no reason to think it was (because chances are people you love and respect are either active in it or know about it and dont’ fight it). Just 60 years ago it was acceptable for people of one race to discriminate against another… is it wrong, YES…did the people living back then think it was wrong? no–it was the culture that they were living in… as people became more educated about that specific topic, people began to “see the light” and it became acknowledged as being wrong. It wasn’t until they were educated about it that they realized it was wrong.
We will never actually know if Vick is REALLY sorry or not… i didn’t like him BEFORE he got into all of this trouble so i am not one to think he’s really sorry. That being said, there are MILLIONS of people who still adore him, many of those being young children. If he can convince them that dog fighting is wrong he will be doing the educating that he never received. Unless the children of those cultures who see this as acceptable are educated, dog fighting will never end. Vick has the adoration of that age group and CAN make a difference, even if WE see it as forced. The fact of the matter is that a message from some white, male, CEO, in a suit is not going to be NEARLY as convincing as a message from a black athlete that the culture adores.
I personally think HSUS trying to work with Vick to send a message has potential to make a big difference… HOWEVER i do think this could be done in a really poor way and end up being awful for everyone involved. So in theory i think Vick could make a difference because he is still loved among a large segment of the population…but whether or not pairing w/ the HSUS will be done in a good way is totally up in the air.
Ok Vick should never even be allowed to look at another animal for what he did. It is not fair that so many dogs got caught in the mess.
He is sorry that he got caught.
The dogs that Michael Vick shot, beat, drown, hung or electrocuted to death did not get a second chance at life. I don’t see why he should get a second chance at playing football.
I’ll cancel season tickets, forgoe watching another NFL game and will start boycotting companies that support the NFL if Vick ever gets back in.
And, for the record, I am not only a dog lover, but an animal lover as well. I also work as an animal science technician at a university.
Tom
i am starting a new dog.It is not one dog it is every pit bull in the world. go check it out
actully it will be every dog in the world
I am going to have to agree with anonymous.
We have to remember that Michael Vick grew up in a society where dog fighting wasn’t wrong, it was the norm. Does that make it right? No. However, if you are never told something is wrong you will never view it as wrong. Education is how you change someone’s world view.
I have always known that dog fighting existed and that it was cruel and ugly but until the Michael Vick case I really had no notion of how prominent it was in this country. I had friends that didn’t even know that dog fighting existed, Michael Vicks case opened up a lot of eyes in this country.
Do I think Michael Vick is sorry, no. Maybe sorry that he got caught or that he can’t play football or that he is bankrupt, but I doubt he is truly sorry for fighting dogs but do I think that he has and will continue to have a positive impact on the “sport” of dog fighting, yes.
I don’t think it really matters if he is sorry or not. He has the credibility, meaning he has been involved in dog fighting, to convey the message that dog fighting an ugly, cruel, disgusting “sport” that will ruin your life. Vick has an opportunity to educate the same cultures that he grew up in, he has an opportunity to change peoples views on dog fighting. If we don’t let him try we are wasting a golden opportunity for education and growth.
I agree…ANYONE who sponsors this Animal Abuser, I will boycott. They will NOT get any more donations from me!!!!
He is trying to make money off of this terrible thing HE did!!!! He should never be allowed to play football in the NFL again, and NEVER be allowed to own another dog.
I see the “peaceful” dog loving lynch mob continues….just like the good olde days.
come check out the new dog i added to my family it is Dogs Unite add to pup pals if you love dogs
After reading these messages it has become clear that it does not matter if he was completely involved, somewhat involved- or not, raised the wrong way (which is NO EXCUSE TO ME), is remorseful, sorrowful, clueless.
Most the messages are also not even about the abused puppies or the proposed cultural divide.
BTW…It is equally disturbing to me that Palin is out hunting innocent moose or Cheney is out trying to shoot at innocent fowl and shooting another idiot in the face instead. How is hunting as a sport ok? Why aren’t they called murders? Is a dog’s life more valuable than a moose? If Palin clubbed a baby seal; would that be ok…or crossing the line. Is it better that she used a rifle instead of drowning the moose? Can someone ask a Bullwinkle?
Honestly, I don’t think most of you are objective. It sounds to me like you want him sentenced for life and HUNG from a tree. I “in my heart” believe all of these negative posts are done because he is a Black Man, subconsciously or otherwise.
I think many of these posts are horrible. How do you really KNOW his level of involvement…how well informed is your opinion REALLY? Is your evidence as conclusive as Palin hanging from a helicopter shooting Alaskan Wolves? Lest not judge or……
Many of you have posted such unforgiving messages with such strong negative beliefs. I would think you knew the true intimate details surrounding this case. He was convicted on the testimony of a 43 year old, suspected drug dealer who, was not tried on the drug charges, wink wink….and was a friend of his 40 year old loser cousin who lived at the property.
Meanwhile 700 miles away he was the 26 year old quarterback of an NFL team, similar to being a corporate CEO and face of a multi-billion dollar organization….the idea of him phoning in dog assassinations to these bums (living in one of several $400k homes he owned….when he lived in a $5 million home), does not ring true to me. I think I’m being reasonable in the analysis but if I’m wrong at least I made an attempt to use my own head.
The fact that many of you have not even for a second…questioned this says a whole lot!
You know I didn’t read the post above because I’m sure they’re all gonna say the same thing I did, in one way or another or be just as disgusted, another chance he deserves another chance? what chance did the dogs have when they were confined??? Absolutely NONE!!!!
How in the H*** not know what is going on in one of your houses that you are so privileged to “own”? So that didn’t earn him brownie points cause he tried to say that in the beginning. The cover up….also was the area it was in, know it very very well, PD, DA, and all…..and yes they did try to cover it up in the beginning and hoped it went away, scenerio small town small quiet talk, and I hope it puts there police department on the defend, of course, they’re only told to do what they’re suppose to do and yes money does talk. Until he finally went to jail. Yes it was going on and he knew it.
Now….he’s out…and now….He has a child. That child one day is going to look at animals an want one? Hello Zoo, dog pound, whichever this child comes across an animal…it’s gonna happen. Animals and children always bond…unless there is a person inside with a cold heart, like him, one that wants to be the big shot and be the person everyone envies…even at the price of an animals life. Isn’t is different when you have children? He says he was raised in that enviornment…(excuse after excuse) well guess what you had an opportunity to not participate but no you wanted to be big and famous…so this is where it got you.
Michael Vick you will never excape this. Yes you did make a name for yourself but one thank goodness that my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren will never respect. You are and never will be anything to society but someome that said yes to money in any way shape or form…explain that to your child some day.
I do not believe Vick is really sorry for what he did. I think he wants to polish his image and get back to the NFL making millions of dollars. Those dogs who died did not get a second chance. If they were humans who had died would people be willing to give him a second chance? I do not think so.
When i tell people my opinion of Michael Vick it is this; He should NEVER be allowed back into the sport he loves. He KILLED innocent dogs and puppies. Everyone tell me one of these… He deserves to be fogiven or He was just having fun or He did not know any better or Dogs are not as important. I say in responce that he should know better then hurt any living thing. And i will always stand by my opinion.
Vick is like a pedophile. A Megan’s Law registrant. He should never be allowed to own a goldfish again. He is interested in working his way back into pro-football. As to Shalom, most of mt friend’s and I work in criminal defense. We have done Death Penalty cases. We know the reputations of informants and snitches. Michael Vick did this. There may be a questionable witness but a pro-player like Vick was not sitting somewhere by himself during the time of these crimes – alibi? even one? Dog fighting was the norm…. did he ever wonder why his college friends didn’t have dog fights. Did he bother to ask. If Vick had stayed in the hood and never left a 5 block area I could buy this, but sorry. No. Vick needs to see where his anger comes from. Torturing animals is not “Normal” anywhere. Had plenty of clients from plenty oh “hoods’ who often owned pit bulls, but no dogfighting. This guy is pure BS and because he is Michael Vick let’s buy into it. I say no.
Shalom is an idiot that needs to partner up with Vick…two peas in a pod!
You can call me names and express your opinion but I see this a little differently and I’m not afraid to see other possibilities. I never have hurt any dog nor have I shot an animal hunting…I don’t even fish.
I do see the need for people to place different people and situations in a simplistic “bad” box, regardless of actual truths. We all need to be better to one another.
If you read my last post…I asked a question that NO ONE touched, regarding people who hunt for sport and why it is accepted by so many and not equally condemed. For the record, I’m totally turned off by UFC, boxing, dog fighting, cock fighting and fighting fish. I’m even more disgusted by the acceptance of hunters who do it in the name of sport.
What did you mean by alibi? If you review the testimony; he was accused of ordering most of the killings…not physically executing…so you’re losing me with the alibi question. One usely needs an alibi when they are at the scene of a crime the committed.
I agree with everyone else. He has never said he’s sorry, nor cared about these animals. It’s my understanding that at least one of these dogs will never be allowed to be with a furever family because of his doing. Why allow him around other animals? Why allow him to speak about other animals? I don’t think even if he were to say he’s sorry would be enough. I think he’s just trying to make himself “look good” now that he can no longer play football. He still has fans out there that will believe him-I will not.
As for Mr. Proud to HATE, someone once said there is a whole lot to one’s name.
I would like to think that my name speaks to my core values. With your selection of a name, I’m inclined to think your’s is a representation of who you are and what you are about.
Shalom
To me, this has nothing to do with the person in question being black, brown, yellow, red, purple or green. It has to do with what was done to those poor, innocent dogs and whatever bait animals were used. Someone who has common sense and a kind heart would never do something like this no matter how they were raised. I don’t know what is in the heart of M.V. I don’t know if he’s really sorry or not. All I know is when he was apologizing to everyone when he was caught doing the horrific things he did, he never once apologized to the dogs he fought, hurt, or killed. Not once. So what does that tell me – that all the pain and death he caused those dogs and bait animals still doesn’t bother him. Probably never will.
My personal opinion is that he’s teaming up with the HSUS to get back into pro sports and the big money.
Thank God that “his dogs” were rescued and some were able to be adopted into homes where they will be loved and taken care of. The welfare of the dogs is what really matters.
One more comment. Mary and Anonymous state that people like Vick grow up in an environment where everyone they know and look up to is into dog fighting, so it’s the only “normal” they know because it’s part of their culture. Hogwash!
I’m sure these monsters turned a t.v. on once in their life and witnessed some show or sitcom where dogs were part of the family. I’m sure many of his teammates brought their dogs to practices or had him over to their house and he gets to witness how most of America lives with animals. Hey knew that most Americans treat their dogs as a member of the family.
I don’t buy for one second that this type of behavior was all he knew. He made a very clear choice of what is right and what is wrong. His behavior shows a clear indication of someone who is void of emotion or feeling.
If he were to have done this to a human, I can absolutely bet that not one person would state “It’s all he knew”. Would you think that a pedophile has a right to the “it’s all I knew” argument? No one would think of it like that.
Torture is torture is torture (are you listening Cheney) is torture and no matter if it’s an animal or a human. Everyone knows right from wrong no matter the culture they were raised.
It is clear that “Shalom” is using this forum as a means for political trolling.
Nobody used this board as a race issue, only “Shalom.”
I hardly see that he has any crediblility to talk about the “dangers” or ills of dog fighting.He “served his time” and perhap should be learning a trade and dissapear from public life.
It would be an insult to every one is he utters a public word about what he did. Especially young people. Not only would it not be a deterent it would probably act as a conduit to make it more interesting to what ever soul-less people there are out there.
I agree Sara, that is a stupid cop-out. I doubt there are dog fights happening in every ‘hood on every corner….there are poor disenfranchised animal lovers too.
I want to make this state unless it went over some individuals heads….I question whether or not he took the fall for a dog fighting operation that he was not directly involved in. I think he must have known about it on some level but I was creeped out by his co-defendents being so much older and involved in alot of other things.
If he did what he went to jail for then GOOD; that is disgusting. I just had questions about this case…some things did not ring true to me. Perhaps he is that disgusting but I also find it disgusting to see so many people blindly accepting the charges to be 100% true.
Should he be forgiven; in my opinion, yes if he has repented to his God and understands the harm he has committed.
Do I question his (MV) motives……umm, bankruptcy vs. millions. HELLZ yes, I would question his motives; just like I question the testimony of the indviduals who he was associated with.
I question many of your responses also.
Puppyluv,
Like it or not race is often and issue and as an adult; I’m not afraid to discuss this.
Well of course he’s going to be back in the NFL. He’s still know for the football player that is
“pretty” good (not my opinion). And i guess he’s paid his fines already. So, he’s going to be back in the NFL and going to be not caring about what he did and maybe do it more. What do you guys think?
He shouldn’t be aloud to be near a dog or any animal. this is because just like stated in the story how could he miss those poor dogs being mamimed battered and being ripped to shreads! He said it was part of his childhood well i have to say something about that: IT’S NOT YOUR CHILDHOOD! IT’S YOU!!!!!
He’s just trying to look good! He should not belowed to even look at a animal. Let them put him in a cage with a HUNGER tiger and see what it feels like to chewed on.
I don’ think he is sorry for anything other than that this cost him money. As far as ‘college educated’, what was his degree in? A lot of these college athletes have fluff degrees if any degree at all since they were above doing real classwork. Not only did he allow his own dogs to be killed and tortured, but other dogs also died. The dogs his dogs beat in fights and the surrendered large breed dogs used as bait for dogs in training to learn to kill. And as far as he didn’t put his hands on a dog to kill it, people serve life without parole for ordering a killing or being in the area it happened in. In no way should he be cut any slack for his actions.
Well now, I don’t feel he has any particular remorse for the terrible acts he’s committed. And that’s a bleeding shame. All this posturing and apologizing is putting a bad taste in my mouth because he has apologized to everyone EXCEPT THE DOGS. And it is they who are owed the apology. They are living creatures who have been done a grievous harm and they deserve the formality of him realizing why what he’s done is wrong and extending some kind of acknowledgment to them.
Which is exactly why I think he should go ahead and educate against dogfights.
Does it sound a little strange? Perhaps. But think on this. Here is a man who has been stripped of his rank, his job, and most of his money. This was entirely the wrong way to handle his punishment, and you can see why in the fact that he still has not a clue why what he’s done is so wrong and detested. HE needs an education on the evils of dogfighting every bit as much as those inner-city kids do (and who would they listen to better than a football hero?). There is opportunity for the man to learn from this. There is an opportunity to get a very high-profile education campaign out there against the fights. Think of what he could do as an ally, Dogsters. This could be very win-win. Think bigger.
Or, we could let him remain destitute and not teach him anything. He could learn that people are jealous of a football star’s success and will use any silly excuse to steal from them, and feel wronged instead of understanding it was HE who did wrong. And now that he won’t have a lucrative football career who knows what he will do to make money… probably start another dog-abusing bloodsport ring.
This is going to follow him all his life. As well it should. But I feel we should be more like our forgiving, healing dogs, and give him a chance to have it lift him from the Stygian depths and drag him into the light, even if he has to be dragged kicking at first. If we truly want to see an end to blood sports, we can talk a good game about education, but we’d pass up this chance for a high-profile voice just so we can enact endless revenge on one man who happens to be an available target while countless other dogs suffer and countless other torturers keep on making them suffer? Do we think Vick is the only one? There are more where he came from. A seemingly endless stream. And that stream won’t stop unless they’re hearing this message, and they’ll hear it better from “one of their own.”
I say we need to think of the best interest of the cause here, and not of petty and ultimately pointless vengeance on one single abuser. It is tempting to hang the man out to dry, but think what could be accomplished if we could turn him into an ally. Even a reluctant ally is better than an enemy, my friends. Let’s not make an enemy of Vick merely to soothe our hurts. Who’s to say the dogs might not eventually show him the error of his ways? Certainly, it’s a task the humans involved have failed in, miserably. If anyone can do it, it will be the dogs.
I believe even the worst souls deserve a chance to redeem themselves, and more importantly I believe that the end of bloodsports is a goal worth sacrificing for, and we’d well serve it by sacrificing our desire to vent our collective spleen on Vick and keeping that elusive, yet very possible goal in sight instead: the goal that one day, bloodsports will be no more.
he is a shame to us dogs.
the flea in our fur.
he must be kenneled for life.
misty sighs.
he can never make up for what he did to our kind.
If Vick’s actions are the result of his upbringing and culture, what value was it to him that he became an NFL football player? He never improved his knowledge of what is acceptable or legal in the larger world sense, even though propelled into celebrity and exposed to plenty of opportunity to learn. He became rich in money but not in morals. There are those who engage in fighting dogs to earn money–he didn’t even have THAT excuse. I don’t care if he IS sorry. Save Vick’s slot for a young man, black, white or other, who we Americans can hold up to our children as special people they can look up to. Accept nothing less than honor and morality in our athletes! How can we talk of good sportsmanship in sports if someone like dog-torturing Vick is readmitted into football?
I am sorry, but I do not believe this man is sorry for any of these God’s creatures that he tortured and killed. He is sorry he got caught. Any pleasures he gets now, I hope that the pain and suffering he caused these poor helpless creatures comes flooding into his mind. I hope that when he closes his eyes to sleep, he sees the conditions of them all. He will do it again. Trust me. But he will be more careful next time. He should NEVER be allowed near another animal. EVER. Forgive him, have mercy for him? come on folks. Would you feel this way if he did this to your beloved pet? How about your child? Pet abuse turns to human abuse.
Vick is so cruel.These are God`s creatures.Add me to your pup pals to show Micheal Vick that we are not to be messed with.
Lets see…. if he is truly sorry then part of the money from the sale of his properties should go to Best Friends Animal Shelter and other rescue organizations that took the Vick dogs to continue to care for them.
Is he sorry….. most likely not. He is playing lip service so that he can go back and play for the NFL.
I am sure a $10.00 an hour construction job for this low life is what he is truly sorry about. Do I believe what comes out of Vicks mouth… nope not really. He is all about removing some of the tarnish from his name, but I am sure once the spot light is removed from him he would be back to the same old same old. Fighting or betting on dog fights.
I wish he was still in jail
Of course he’s sorry he was caught, sorry he lost his career, and sorry he lost his freedom for a while. He’s not the kind of person who should be highlighted in the great American sport of football. Athletes are role models for children. Vick is a poor example of a human being.
Woa everyone pls stop
Where are we to judge? All sin is the same. I’m not saying that what Vick did was right it isn’t it is wrong but where are we to judge?
No we didn’t fight dogs and torture them but how do you truly know that Vick isn’t sorry?
Through Jesus Christ we are given a brand new life no one knows why he is truly apologizing. He could’ve given his life to Christ and could truly be sorry.
How would you feel if someone judged you because your dog got hit by a car because you were negligent by opening the door and the dog getting out or because you decided your dog wouldn’t run off so let it outside? Yes ok I know it’s not the same thing but in God’s eyes it is.
Not one of us is able to Judge Vick. Only God is able to judge Vick and his heart.
You don’t truly know vick’s heart only God does and Vick could be truly sorry for what he has done.
He grew up with the dog fights how would he know they were wrong? It isn’t something that we automatically know it’s something we need to be taught by our family and teachers and friends.
If he was never taught he would never know.
By judging Vick we are putting ourselves up to be judged even harsher.
Instead we must pray for Vick.
I’m not a saint I’ve sinned so many times no not in what Vick did but in yelling or screaming or swearing. In bad thoughts at times even and I know all of you have too.
So before you judge Vick take a good look at yourself. It doesn’t take a genius to see that everyone has done something wrong or something they may have regretted doing in their life.
Pls see that Not one of us has the right to judge Vick and that not one of us Knows Vicks heart.
Only Jesus Christ the one who paid the price for us knows Vick’s heart. Only Jesus Christ can judge Vick for what has happened.
But I will tell you if Vick came to know Jesus Christ then He has been forgiven and his slate wiped clean and what he did to those poor dogs well that sin all sin is gone to be no more in God’s eyes.
I hope that helped tons of you to see
we have no place to judge anyone not even Vick.
Let the Saviour judge.
Oh yea, he’s sorry he got caught! But I don’t really think he cares about what he did to the dogs, but cares more about the time and money and career it has cost him. Ofcourse, I don’t know for sure, I can’t read his mind…….but thats my opinion at the moment.
I would like to think that Vick is truly sorry for what he did. I do believe in giving people a second chance, but it would take years of him working and giving to these animals for me to truly believe he has changed. I hope he has,but to be honest I don’t think he has. I would like for him to prove himself, but I still feel that he should never be allowed to play professional sports again and he should not be able to profit from any work with animals he may do.
Shalom, my mother always told me you are the company you keep. Vick had a choice to choose who he wanted to be associated with. He knew what was going on, he knew it was his property where it was happening.
All in all, he is responsible for what was happening whether he had a hand in it or not. He took the fall for dog fighting and the gambling that when along with it. He was responsible for what went on on his property.
As far as race, there are whites in the deep south who continue to dogfight and they have children who see it everyday, will those kids grow up to continue the sport?
Maybe, maybe not. To have Vick as a poster child who condoned dog fighting, sends a message to young people that you’re never that important not to do time for a crime. That’s any crime and that’s for any race.
He’s trying to save face by thinking he can be a spokesperson saying he’s being reformed from the sport of dog fighting. He knows the difference between right and wrong and if those older men lead him on, well its very sad that a person cannot think on their own when it comes to what is criminal. He’s supposed to be an educated man, well by allowing what he did just showed how uneducated he really is.
(We could go into football scholarships, but that’s a whole other vent.)
To answer your question on hunting, I personally don’t believe in it, I can go to the grocery store and buy what I need, people who hunt, well most that I know do use the meat for their tables or they donate it to the food pantries. To kill for the sport of it, I don’t agree with, to kill to feed your family then I’m for it.
Some areas need to be clear of deer, or the herd gets to large and they become a hazard to people driving, or to the farmers, they even are a problem for airports for the planes taking off and landing, also they will succumb to diseases. They also can transmit tick borne diseases, which is harmful to humans.
I have to say, I think if Vick were truly sorry, he wouldn’t be expecting to get PAID (and quite a pretty penny might I add) to do this anti-dog-fighting campaign. I’m sorry but if he really cared, he’d do it for free or at least make a donation (heaven knows he’s got enough money) to a place that rehabilitates fighting dogs, like Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, or something, at the bare minimum. So far the only “regret” I’ve seen is relating to him getting caught, he’s made no strides to helping stand against dog fighting or to help any animal welfare subject.
I don’t think that you can stand there and watch a dog wreathing in pain, screaming for mercy, and think that this is an acceptable thing to do. All these excuses of growing up with it, and considering it just a sport, do not sit well with me. As history has shown, some of our “greatest” serial killers, started just this way!
Do we actually think that a few years in jail, is going to change a lifetime of animal abuse?? I think not! I think that he should not be shown one bit of consideration, and the HSUS needs to rethink their decision to put him on their side!! They need to remain on the side of the animals that he could very possibly go right back to torturing, and toss him into the trash, where he belongs!
For all intensive purposes, people like Vick DO NOT change their “spots”. How could any human being with a SHRED of decency or a smidge of anything related to a HEART watch 2 dogs fight each other to the death and consider that “ENTERTAINMENT”? I call his bluff on the whole upbringing thing..its the same excuse murders, rapists, and child molesters use..it doesnt fly with me..you can be strong enough to rise above shortcomings and become BETTER, which Vick obviously CHOSE not to do.
A lifetime in a dark cellar, by himself, is sufficent punishment for his crimes…where he cannot hurt another animal.
There is really not anything that I can add to what everyone else has said above. While I think the proper treatment and punishment would be to strap him to a breeding stand and electrocute his genitalia, I am not the evil person he is so I could not do that. However, I would not mind him being “neutered” so that he cannot produce any offspring of his own and further contribute to this problem.” Our pittie and pitt mixes are so wonderful, the branding this poor breed has been given is beyond unfair. Should the HSUS consider anything with Michael Vick beyond continual berating of his actions, it will be a sad and horrid day for all animals not just Pitties.
What a waste of oxygen he is. Anyone who thinks he’s changed his ways is fooling themselves. People with a heart and conscience know what he did was wrong. You don’t have to grow up rich to understand what it means to torture another living being. I have absolutely no use for him and am vindictive enough to hope he falls flat on his face and dies broke and alone.
Anonymous, please save your preaching for Sunday morning. Not everyone believes in the Christian god or is interested in being preached to.
Shalom you are so wrong, my very first post on 5/21 does address sport hunting and race has nothing at all to do with it. Palin (because wolves are not invasive species) and Vick can be cell mates for all I care. Hey! That would be a good reality show for the tv zombies.
I don’t believe one word that comes out of Michael Vick’s mouth. He is saying and doing all this “nice” stuff now because he has to. I will not support him or any organization with which he is associated! This also includes HSUS. The very idea of him wanting a million dollars to “spread the good word” makes me sick! And as far as I’m concerned, whether he’s sorry or not, he should have to spend the rest of his life locked up in a dog crate and even that is too good for him!!
Shalom,
Shalom,
Race has not been used on this site and your remarks appear to be trying to incite a racial division. Actually your remarks are an insult to Black folks casue you are in some way saying that they are not capable of making moral choises becasue of their situations. That is patronizing and judmental, as many would be liberals are.
Just as your real esate conversation seems to be a way of proving your worth—If you feel Vick was just a Absentee Landlord-perhaps it is to assuage your fears of being sued for renting property to sociopaths.
Pardon my poor spelling–It is my backround and I can’t change it.
puppy love:)
puppylove
I don’t think he could ever truely be sorry for what he did. He says he is, but lets face it, he has a lot on the line to lose if he doesn’t appear to regret it. I don’t think he should ever be allowed near another animal, and I don’t think the humane society should even want him to be part of anything. Personally, I don’t think he served his time. And I don’t think he learned his lesson. Anyone that can watch animals bring pain to eachother is a cold hearted person.
I understand that people make mistakes. (IE drunk driving) however…
The facts that we know right now paint a picture that is as simple as it is barbaric.
Sure, this abomination can be shrugged off by folks who now hope to witness one of the more dramatic redemption stories of our time as a “mistake” flowing from a combination of cultural dynamics and an inability by Vick to separate from a network of friends into whom God neglected to add souls.
But the reality is that Vick knew, on every day of his life, that his actions were illegal.
The best evidence of his awareness of this fact? The use of black-painted buildings tucked behind a luxury home that he built in a rural Virginia county with a law-enforcement structure that, if left to its own devices, would still be craning its neck in a different direction.
Brazenly and stupidly, Vick marketed via the Internet some of the pit bulls he was breeding. The rest were developed into fighters.
Those for which there was no internal will to mutilate other dogs nor an external buyer faced a brutal demise via a grotesque collection of cold-blooded tactics: electrocution via the attachment of a car battery to genitalia, drowning, hanging, or the good, old-fashioned slamming of their bodies to the ground until dead.
This morbid dual-life continued not for days or weeks, but for years. Six in all. And there’s no reason to think Vick wouldn’t still be fighting dogs and gambling on dogfights and killing dogs deemed unfit to fight if he hadn’t been caught.
Sure, there were signs that something wasn’t right with Vick and his colleagues. In 2004, Vick was present when his long-time friend and dogfighting partner Quanis Phillips allegedly stole a Rolex watch at an airport X-ray belt. The incident barely registered on the media’s radar.
In late 2006, Vick offered a glimpse into his heart when he reacted to heckling fans after a home game by angrily shooting a middle finger to a crowd that included at least one kid wearing a Falcons jersey displaying Vick’s jersey number, seven.
Then, in January 2007, Vick was detained after pitching into a trash can at a Miami airport a bottle with a secret compartment that allegedly smelled like the marijuana that presumably had been stored in it. (And it’s now safe to opine that Vick was indeed carrying marijuana in that bottle, given that he tested positive for marijuana later that year while awaiting sentencing.)
But nothing prepared any of us for what was to come. We had a hunch from the outset that Vick was something more than an absentee landlord of the propery at which the dogfighting ring was headquartered, and some in the media think that Vick never would have served a day in jail if we hadn’t been so aggressive in demanding that the truth be determined. (We have always disagreed with that, and we disagree with it even more, now that Vick will soon be out of jail.)
But plenty of people believed that Vick truly didn’t know about the activities that were occurring on the property that he owned, and many in the media defended him blindly against the charges.
Curiously, many of those same folks have already resumed their defense of Vick, even though he made them all look like morons for believing in him.
This isn’t about whether Vick has paid his debt to society; it’s about whether he can be trusted to reverse years of horrible decisions.
vick has problems
We can forgive but we will NEVER forget! Animal abuse is right up there with child abuse. The abuser may realize later on down the road that their actions were wrong but that doesn’t mean they should be allowed near the innocent souls that were abused…..we forgive Michael Vick but think he should stick to football and helping out needy kids, leave the animals to those without blood on their hands…
Cisco Kid
I am only go to say this.. If he ever does play football again, I hope he gets hit on the field so hard that is breaks his neck and the worst happens.. Call me heartless, but those poor dogs..
I agree that he should NEVER have contact with ANY animal again! how could anyone not see the pain in those poor defenseless dogs? And he is just sorry he got caught-and the remaining dogs, they got lucky! so many people wanted to sentence them to death, but thanks to a few rescues, they proved to the world how ‘tough’ pit bull dogs really are. they came out fighting all right! They fought their way into the hearts of many new families and most Americans and knowledgeable dog people!
Hes just sorry he was caught.
I would NEVER trust him with another animal AGAIN.
I think he should be put back in prison.
I do not think he deserves another chance, at all. He doesn’t!
Animal abuse is just as bad as child abuse!!
He may forget, but the dogs won’t, and other people won’t! And one day, hes going to regret his terrible actions, and it will be too late.
The only thing VICK is sorry about is getting caught! Don’t think for one single minute this disguting excuse for a human being is sorry one bit. I stood outside the courthouse in Richmond and protested when he were there to “claim he was innocent and looked forward to clearing his good name”. I then sat in the courtroom a few weeks later when he pled GUILTY to being a disgusting dog killer. He had everything and threw it all away for pure evil. I hope Goodell remembers that Vick made a fool of him when he claimed to have not been involved and he was guilty of letting family members take advantage of him.
To be honest, I was shocked and saddended that the Humane Socieity was in talks with him at all.
I totally agree with you about that scumbag. I do not think he has ever shown remorse and I don’t think he will. For the HSUS to involve him is just wrong. We are talking about someone who had no qualms about fighting, killing and torturing living beings! Someone who just stood by and watched and participated! Allowing him anything is only condoning his actions. I am sick of the gangster mentality of todays youth and allow him a say in anything is just saying that these kids can do whatever they want and as long as they pretend to be sorry everything will be OK!
I have called and written to Roger Goodell and have sworn to boycott the NFL if he allows Vick to ever play again. I will now write the HSUS and tell them the same. There are plenty of true caring organizations that need help that the HSUS does not need my support and that I would much rather help.
Thank you for bringing this matter to attention on dogster. If we all band together think of what we could accomplish!!
Simply put …… NO I do not believe him.If anything he is sorry for himself.
The *scuttle-butt* here in Buffalo is that the Buffalo Bills MAY be interested in aquiring him if he returns to the NFL.
This lifelong,die hard, ex employee, fan of the Bills will not only boycott — never to even speak of them again — WILL be involved in any and all protests of that man playing in my city {or any other}.
I don’t think he’s sorry either. But, why not allow him to reach out to others who might go down this terribly wrong path? No, he shouldn’t be allowed near animals again, never to own any, IMO. And NO he should never be allowed to play in the NFL again, ever. But, if he could possibly do *some* good this way, why not? As long as he isn’t granted those other things, I think it’s part of a fitting punishment.
Puppyluv,
What did I say about Black people? I said nothing about anyone who is Black. I said I questioned his involvement because of some of the circumstances and the other parties involved in the case.
I did state that I think that some rush to judgment and are far less forgiven of those who are different, namely him being a Black male. I felt his image is very different from say, a Donovan McNabb. Different enough for some to assume he is a thug or worse. The point being made is that the assumption based on his appearance/image is wrong. This point is not being made to suggest he is not guilty or to defend him for whatever actions he has committed. That is not a statement about Black people; it is a statement about those judging the situation and how he is viewed.
I could be wrong but that is what I think. I also stated that if he committed these crimes then that is disgusting. I think any abuse against animals is wrong. As a person of faith, I said his repentance is with his God. I also stated that I believe that this partnership with HSUS is indeed an effort to regain his wealth and what is left of is name and marketability.
I agreed with Sara, saying that it is BS to suggest that dog fighting is a product of his upbringing. I thought that was a lame excuse at best.
So, what did you mean by forgive you for your spelling errors…what are you implying? You lost me there. What are you implying by it being associated with your upbringing? I think the more you respond the more you reveal about yourself Puppyluv. So, I’m a Liberal, huh? Ok
I also can appreciate what JP posted. It seems like things were spinning out of control in the Vick Camp and he posted details that I was not aware of….Once again, I was not attempting to defend Vick but all of these post were one-sided, uniform and many were ridiculous.
Just looking at some of these posts, namely Cinder’s Mom; wishing such a fate is terrible. From your lips to God’s ears, you should hope your wish does not hit home instead…how depressing.
I shall repeat my open letter from when this perverts actions were first revealed, as my feelings about him have not changed.
Dear Michael Vick,
You are a complete and total bass turd. I poop at you, although you aren’t worth the wear and tear on my sphincter.
Sincerely yours,
Gussie Finknottle
Here’s a good read from Winograds blog.
http://www.nathanwinograd.com/?p=1174
Shalom,
In my opinion you have played the race card.
I have a very good upbringing, my poor spelling is out of laziness, I was being sarcastic.
I think I am exposing myself for who I am everytime I post.
You are quite right about that.
I am pretty proud of who I am, and not to keen on trollers, who are here to push the buttons of animal lovers by spouting a political agenda.
What is a race card, anyway? I stupid buzz word, which attempts to be dismissive?
I simply state what I think is a part of some of these ridiculous post. I’m not the one wishing another human being is murdered, raped on a breeding post, neutered or tragically paralyzed. My response about the tone of the subsequent postings, assumption of guilt and views on race was indeed a reaction to what I have been reading.
I never said anything of your spelling or upbringing? YOU implied that you misspelled because of your upbringing? I said I did not understand what you were implying or why you chose to include this in your post….but anyone with a clue knows this is all an intentional digression by you.
Shalom
shalom
I do not know what an intentional digression is—please explain—
I guess you don’t have a clue
So you are willing to help Vick, but not me?
Why can’t you answer my question as I do not know what that means?
Puppyluv,
What do you mean by I’m willing to help Michael Vick? My postings can’t help Michael Vick; it was intended to encourage others in this blog to be more objective.
My response to you was based on you trivializing and diluting my initial point.
You have managed to misquote and misunderstand my previous postings, accused me of insulting “Black Folks” ( in a posting you intentionally filled with misspelled words and by your own assertion, credited to your upbringing….), accused me of playing the “race card”, accused me of political trolling and accused me of being a liberal.
I just think there many horrible postings that do not spark a healthy debate of the topic and I stated that I, from the beginning, had questions about this case. I also think that because of his race and image, some of these postings are disgusting and more about attacking him and less about the actual topic. That’s my opinion and when dozens of people post hate filled messages, wishing he gets raped, murdered, neutered and paralyzed in a game; it takes on the appearance of a lynch mob to me. If some of these posters had found out that their son was involved in a dog fighting operation, I doubt they would kill, rape, neuter or have their son paralyzed.
Is this where you tell me Puppyluv, that oh yes “I would have my son killed or I would never forgive my son and have him marooned on a deserted island with vicious pit bulls and no trees to climb”….really?
I posted a different point of view so that we might consider other possibilities not just the one we have been fed. To think that someone with Hall of Fame and Super Bowl hopes would bury 100 dead animals in the backyard of a property he owns and think it would never be uncovered is puzzling to me.
I have NO IDEA what is in Michael Vick’s head or heart. Only he and God could know that. What he pled guilty to is sad and disgraceful. I simply have questions about his case and his actual involvement in the operation.
Even with his conviction and time served he is a fairly young man in his 20’s with the potential to spend the next 60 years working on himself and his future. If he is not remorseful then he is a sociopath and is incapable of knowing/feeling the damage that was inflicted on those dogs and the people who had faith in him.
There have been some very intelligent responses, namely…JP and Sara’s but yours have seemed childish and programmed without much debate. As if you want to prove me wrong or make me a bad guy, when that is not required; I just have a contrasting view.
This “man” should be kept away from all animals as far as possible. He has twisted view of how to treat a dog, and I don’t think it’s going to change. He obviously knows only how to train dog for fight, that is what he’s been doing his hole life. So…no dogs for him as long as he’ll live.
I think the discussion should return to Vick and whether or not he has remorse for his acts. Let’s leave race, religion out of the discussion, it does not fair well for this topic. Mud slinging is not how we Dogster members discuss topics regarding animals.
Lets move back to the topic at hand… is Vick remorseful for his actions?
Anyone who would do that to a dog would also harm anything or anyone they consider “weak”. That includes ,yet is not limited to, children, women and the elderly. No one is safe with his like loose on the streets. Vick is the very definition of sociopath.
I think we should leave the race &,religion out of this discussion.Michael Vick is all about the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ he is greedy.It’s all about the money he could win at anyone or anything’s expence!!!!!!!!!! He should never be allowed to be near any animal ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Michael Vick is only sorry he got caught. This was no little “mistake” or “poor judgment on his part, or anyone elses. Vick had been fighting dogs in his fathers basement sice he was 16 years old. His first paycheck from the NFL went to buy the property, start his “kennel”, breed and raise dogs for fighting. He tortured and killed dogs and has shown no true remorse for is disgusting and inhumane actions. The NFL spotlight is no place for a person such as Vick. He had his chance, he blew it.
Shalom,
Going back to your earlier posts–you were trolling for an argument by mentioning political parties and race. All the other stuff that you are talking about appears to be away of couching that fact.
Simple and true—and going back to
Vick.
He might be a despicable sociopath—-but I think the “Humane Society” is even a sign of something worse . The irrational use of this person to warn off other potential criminals is (easy metaphor I know and has been used) like using a Ted Bundy to talk abou the terrible like of a killer.
And that is all I have to say–case closed!!
Thanks to “Shalom” for setting some people straight on the RIDICULOUS statements being posed here. Most of this reads like the transcript of an episode of Kids Say The Darnedest Things.
Wow~
It’s really a shame that people are so “absolute” in their decisions, and utterly laughable comments… yet have no REAL CLUE about the real facts of the situation and the persons involved. Can’t even make it a race issue for black people…per HSUS it’s mostly white separatists and “groups of the like” who finance and facilitate the most widely know dog and cockfighting rings in the NATION.
At least be honest when you pose this question because no one can say what another man feels.
THIS IS REALLY ABOUT WHAT THE WRITER OF THIS ARTICLE FEELS MICHAEL VICK FEELS. Sorry or sorry he was caught isn’t really relevant…HE SERVED HIS TIME and you’re STILL trying to make him tell you if he’s sorry? HAVE YOU PERSONALLY asked Michael Vick? It’s easy to play internet vigilante and say what you would do TO HIM…bet you wouldn’t crack your lips to breath in his presence.
All you zealous lemmings are alike; you hear a story embellished and hyped with the most ridiculous “bogus” facts and will run with it like your head is on fire.
Like it or not-dog fighting is a sport and it goes on all over America. I don’t condone it- I hate it but making Michael Vick the ultimate example, yet he’s not even a legitimate offender, is not going to stop it. I have had dogs all my life. I’ve been to and seen dog fights, some high-dollar promotions and some nothing more than a dogs’ natural instinct to protect it’s territory or owner. If it makes money people are going to bet on it and it makes BIG money.
Honestly, Vick’s charges have NOTHING to do with his career in sports and if he’s done what THE LAW REQUIRED why keep bothering him about it? VICK didn’t TRAIN dogs to fight, did not attend or bet on fights nor did he make footballs out of dogs-the facility was on his property in VIRGINIA while he was in ATLANTA- THESE ARE THE FACTS that lead to questions about his true involvement.
The court and the law decided and gave him what they saw fit.
Plenty of NFL’ers have done WORSE and still play. If Vick is such a bad person/owner how is it remotely possible that 8 of the 9 dogs THOUGHT to be vicious killers were ADOPTED INTO HOMES WITH CHILDREN? That was reported on the NATIONAL NEWS…but I bet none of you heard it over your tirades of “death to Vick”
The cops in North Carolina who shot the HARMLESS family dog because it was BARKING…THEY ARE STILL COPS and NOBODY petitioned for them to lose their jobs. They didn’t even get a REPRIMAND.
You people need to be objective and THINK and quit acting so holier than thou. Most of you have few to no friends and you treat your dog better than you do most people because your dog is the only being that will tolerate you. Some here will even be looking at kiddie porn or doing worse later today…from the caliber of some comments I don’t doubt it. While you’re pointing fingers…how much peanut butter do you keep on hand?
Gussie Finknottle – Yeah, that’s mighty MATURE of you. I’m sure Michael Vick will be crying over that one. You sure told him!
Please grow up. A third grader wouldn’t even take that seriously- they would laugh you off the playground.
IMO…Growing up or living in certain environments is not an excuse but it does truly desensitize you to certain things. I spent my childhood a few blocks from the projects in Newark NJ. Living withing that environment allowed me to understand better where Vick is coming from when he talks about “growing up” with it. There is a different vibe towards animals in general. I know when I see a (human)fight in the street or when I see people most would cross the street to avoid, it doesn’t even phase me. I can hear the difference between an actually gun shot and a loud bang I can tell you if it was a handgun or a shotgun, part of my experiences growing up caused that to happen. It’s different for everybody based on their life experiences. I get so angry when I watch Animals Cops, I haven’t watched it in years now. The officers are good people but they are desensitized to animal abuse, that’s likely why I can’t control my emotions regarding the horrors they see but they can. This is not a race issue either. While the projects I lived near were predominantly black, the white or hispanic individuals and communities in the area had the same attitude towards animals. Does that mean that EVERYONE in the projects felt the same way? Of course not.
I think since the arrest he has been given the opportunity to really change perspectives. He was no longer surrounded by “yes men” and people with the same mindset as himself. He saw first hand the anger and emotions people felt toward him and his actions. That could be a wake up call for him. We won’t know for sure but I think helping dogs involved with fighting and making an effort to stop the “sport” is, regardless of his true or false apology, another step towards the goals of all of us wanting to end dog fighting. I think we should always be open and willing to take and help or steps forward whenever and where ever we can get it. Otherwise we might isolate people who really want to make a change.
I do find it very “coincidental” that this new apology and effort comes on the heels of his filing for bankruptcy and pleading with the NFL to take him back and I hope that this does not mean the NFL will even consider allowing him to play again.
But I say, let’s see where this goes and stay positive about maybe having a new ally in the war. I wouldn’t put any eggs in his basket just yet , however, I am willing to keep an open mind.
This man knows right from wrong and the only thing he is sorry about is that he got caught. I don’t think he should be allowed back in the NFL for the simple reason of being a convicted criminal. Plain and simple – a high paid criminal.
Di-Bu Alpha,
Since you felt the “need” to state facts, maybe you should have read the federal indictment against him. YES he did train the dogs, YES he did bet on the dogs. He was charged with taking them across states lines for gaming purposes.
I was in the courtroom when Judge Hudson read the charges against him and I heard his whimper of plea, and that was GUILTY.
The money he made playing football was used to purchase the land on Moonlight Road in Surrey County and it funded Vick’s K-9 Kennels, or BadNews Kennels as it was also called.
Just because he served part of his sentance doesn’t mean that he deserves to be allowed to play football again. So in your world, when Madoff gets out of prison he should be able to invest money again?
Be careful where you point fingers. This blog is called for the Love of the Dog, not for the love of the convicted dog killer.
Personally I think Micheal Vick should face the same terrible and sad fate that his dogs were forced to face. He’s a convicted dog killer and that should never be forgotten.
That being said and as much as I hate him, he can do a lot of good in the community. He’s a prominent figure in football and (unfortunately) a role model for many children and young adults. Although his apology is motivated by the desire to play for the NFL again, the benefit he can confer on the community may be priceless. His example of “helping” dogs and outwardly denouncing dog fighting may an effective form of “education” for those who look up to him.
I do not think that Vick should be forgiven OR allowed back into the NFL OR be allowed to ever work w/ animals. He was another example of a person who was wealthy who thought he was above the law. HELLO VICK.. you aren’t.
Everytime I see a Dogtown episode with his dogs in it I feel this overwhelming amount of anger and sadness. I do work in dog rescue and would never allow another animal to be around that monster.
People have to remember, he saw all this as a kid growing up. You become numb from years of seeing what goes down in the streets. It’s a kind of sport some see as, inhumane. Where others see it as, a quick profit off their best dog. This goes on more than we hear about daily across the United States & beyond the boarders. He has done his time, yes. But, only his type of experience would help others to understand what exactly someone goes through, when they do what they do, with their dogs & the dog fights they witness. I rather he educate the public by giving a better awareness & teach the youngsters out there, it’s not so cool anymore.
That would gain my trust in him as a person once again, but never as an owner of another labeled breed of dog again. It’s bad enough I have to march yearly on behalf on my Pit rescues, just to try & keep certain laws from passing, while he sits around imprisioned in the luxury of his home. Dogs have no voices & without us to speak up for them, it’s doom for certain. No BSL!! Peace..
Vick never said sorry to the dogs. His apology was hollow and heartless. Someone needs to have him put down.
That is all.
‘Just growing up with dogfighting’ is not an excuse. I grew up with people (including my own father) dumping unwanted dogs, shooting unwanted dogs, etc. It’s a major understatement to say I did not think it was acceptable then, and I certainly don’t think it is now. I think and do the opposite, with no one ever having told me that shooting and dumping unwanted dogs was cruel. In other words, I had a conscience, I still do, and I will not change.
If HSUS is actually considering this, I’d like to know whose bright idea it was. Regardless, if they link up with him on ANY level, they will never get another penny from me. I will block their soliciting emails, and tell everyone I know to donate to their local humane shelter or a society that actually provides care for animals instead of them.
wow, is sounds like shalom has a different handle now—gee–that is a big part of the trolling technique. Good people of Dogster–it is a waste of time dealing with trolls as this is exactly what they want, to rile up people who are passionate about justice.
BTW, the following is a quote from a website where the moderator gave advice to a woman whose husband abused her physically:
“Abusive men often cry and beg for this forgiveness. That doesn’t mean they won’t do it again. Typically, domestic violence escalates in both frequency and severity. You could end up with permanent physical injuries or disabilities. Your husband might even kill you, the children or all of you.”
In my college psychology class, I sat and cried while the professor answered my question on whether abusers ever changed. His answer? Maybe one in a hundred (proven by statistics).
I divorced the man I was asking this in reference to. Oh, and he still has not changed, 22 years later. I forgave him, finally, for what he did to me (which actually only benefits me). I cannot forgive him for what he did to our sons. Is HSUS not aware of the connection of this type of behavior to other violence? Are the allegations that it’s just a money-making set up that dupes the public true? Sorta looks that way to me.
Sorry, all you no-lifes who think NFL matters to anyone besides you; Vick deserves to receive exactly the same treatment he condoned/ordered for those dogs, as do his excuse-for-human buddies, NOT a chance to repair his image. “Hangin’s too good for ‘im!”
He is not sorry for anything but getting caught. Abusers don’t change. And HSUS is going to loose mucho dinero from this stupid move.
Pay him? You have got to be joking. Shouldn’t he be paying for the privilege of having the opportunity to prove he is sorry?
Maybe if he donates 1mil for a program to fight dog fighting otherwise I don’t want to see his face anywhere but on the biting end of one of his abused pit bulls.
When a child is abused and the abuser is apprehended, they are publicly labeled and no longer allowed any contact with children. Their name becomes public knowledge and they are forever warned to never approach or have contact with children. Why then should Michael Vick have a chance with our furry children? Are they not equally worthwhile to our families and society overall? Then they deserve the same protection as our human children. Vick should never have the priveledge of having contact with animals nor should he be forgiven for his lack of conscience, sympathy and empathy.
GRRRRR!!! If me, Sam, or Frisbee got our paws or hands on that skunkbag he’d be dead meat! If you doesn’t have at the LEAST a little feeling of sorrow watching his own dog die then…………. I think he is just sorry he was caught and would do anything, including lieing that he was sorry, to get back in the NFL….. I truly think that Toni has a big point… our furry children are a little lower or just as important as human children… he shouldn’ tbe allowed to have any contact with dogs or any animal for that matter…. Enough said not done though… I’ll never forgive him or anyone who dog fights for that matter…. I don’t think anyone should…..
I don’t understand why people seem to think he’s being asked to “be near a dog ever again.” How is speaking out to at-risk youth about dogfighting letting him near a dog?
And yes, race is a legitimate discussion to be having about this case, but probably not one that belongs on Dogster. Here, the issue at hand is the dogs.
Dogsters, please think. Let’s say this was a pro footballer who had raped someone. As part of their punishment, or part of a plot to get back into society’s good graces, or WHATEVER motive, WHO CARES, let’s say this person was given an opportunity to speak to youths about why and how not to be a rapist. Would you honestly pass up the opportunity to get some publicity and a “hero” figure (yes, pro sports stars ARE to kids) out there speaking to at-risk youths just out of your personal disgust for the man and the terrible thing he’d done? REALLY? When it’s SO important to get that message out there?!
Think of the dogs, not your instinctive cravings for petty vengeance.
We NEED more people talking to kids about this. They need to know why it’s wrong. They also need to understand that even if the morality of it means nothing to them, if they do it, they will be caught and punished, and not even fame or money can save them.
Vick could bring press and pull to this cause that most certainly WOULD NOT be brought to it otherwise. Nobody’s listening. Nobody cares. But if we have Vick out there, maybe somebody will turn an eye this way, and perhaps it will become more of an issue. That is only to our benefit.
He used the dogs. If it makes you feel better to think of it this way, NOW IT IS THE DOGS’ TURN TO USE HIM.
I say, yes, he should speak to the kids, and if letter-writing is the thing to do, then I will be writing one to that effect as well, and the NBA and HSUS and the Grand Pooh-Bah of Rotten People and whoever else cares can have it generally known that I support him actually making amends even if he doesn’t actually give a @#%& in his heart of hearts. And I hope others will follow me.
I don’t care about Vick, to be honest. I suppose that’s bad, because I make it a habit to care about living beings. But I do care about dogs, and I do care that bloodsports go on, and I do care about stopping them, and I do think he could help.
I think we should forgive michael vick because he did something wrong,but apologizes of what he did wrong and I will take his forgivness.Everyone thinks michael vick is a bad person well he is NOT he is a good person but he did fight dogs but that does NOT make him a bad person.But I will forgive michael vick for all that he has done.I think michael did the wrong thing when he was fighting but his parents use to fight in front of him when he was little and he grew up with it.One day he realized it was NOT ok.But he is a good person.Lets forgive him.
Yeah Vick is sorry, sorry that he got caught. I do NOT think he deserves a second chance at all, He is a killer, And I don’t even know how anyone in their right mind could mistreat a sweet animal and I own a Pitbull and she is the best dog i’ve ever owned and she loves everyone. Anyone that supports Micheal Vick is a killer too!!!! so please help save the pitbulls and keep Vick in Jail!
I think he should be given another chance. shouldnt we all? We are dog owners..its so funny that DOG spells GOD backwards, and even if one does not believe in GOD but something else, it’s a conscious thing as Humans to forgive. why would anyone hold a grudge against this man who had served time for such a terrible thing. Are we like the media who run this story over and over? are we pawns or kings and queens in this game? You know its a game to them..most humans..how many people own pets and do obsolete things to them…should be counter those things as any different than he did. EVERYONE can learn from his idiot mistakes…especially him.
lets look at the bigger picture: this is a guy who was a great football player, he attended college, gained access into the NFL, but still entered the ring of violence with dog fighting. who is to blame..college, the NFL? what happened to him..did he not grow from high school to college to the nfl or was he just a pawn (as most of us play out even with this?) the fact is, no one taught VICK compassion for animals. he was a ANIMAL to his high school coach, his College Coach and his NFL organization..he was the ANIMAL they used to win game after game with a sort of similar violence….it’s no different than dog fighting…think about it…tis what he knew.
now..the question is..who is going to teach him the wrong doing of his deeds, because all he knows is ball and ball is a deed of violence we all watch each season not knowing we are promoting! i love it. i played it in HS and College, but I am a loving dog owner that would never condone the destruction of dogs…still l love the sport Vick participated in.
look at one’s self and then judge. the best we can do for him is not to show the ignorance that he showed and many others show every day….all across the country and world..dog fighting still exist and other vile fighting arena with animals…..how can we teach him if we cant support him to LEARN!
Let take the negative and turn it into positiveness…yes? RIGHT ON. DO NOT become a part of the problem….fix it with positive love!
He can say he didn’t know it was wroung, but he is full of dog poo. I was raised with drinking, but I know it is wroung and don’t do it. There are people who are raised by drug adicts and abusers, but when grown they know it is wroung. I find that everything I have heard or read all leads me to belive this is a man drove by money and power. The unbeliveable acts done to innocent dogs could not have been done with someone who has a heart. I would have to belive that without a heart you can not truly feel remorse or sorrow. These two things are something you would have to feel to be humane. So sorry, no I do not think he is sorry. I do not even think he was sorry he got caught. I mean he is already trying to make money off of this like it was no more than a publicity stunt. I do not feel that he should be allowed around precious dogs. I think that they are to good to be around the likes of that scum. They would lick his hand and he would know forgiveness, faithfullness, loyalty, and unconditional love. These are things this magot should not have the privilge of knowing. I think he would be better suited for volunteer work with crocs. That is my opinion. Sorry if I have offended anyone by my opinion or my spelling.
He should not be allowed around any animals at all. nor should he be allowed to get back in NFL, if they would accept him again, then they too should be boycott… He don’t have a heart and it’s a shame that he even can be considered as a human being………. I hope he would experience the same torture that was doen to those innocent dogs……..
Do I believe Michael Vick’s apology? He’s only 29, he grew up on the margins of society and ran around with marginal friends. Nothing really sets him apart from ordinariness and drab except his football ‘celebrity status.’
Now he’s got this woefully shameful millstone around his neck where he’s at the fork in the road. His challenge is the choice of becoming a good, maybe even a great human being, or return to his lifestyle of minutia and mediocrity. Why should anybody hate him? He’s already treading water with bricks in his pockets in the cesspool of unforgiveness and harmful deeds.
It’s irksome and tiresome to hear apologies and public pronouncements of charity and self-promotion(from anyone) What I’d like to see happen is for Vick to put his heart and soul PRIVATELY into a commitment for the rehoming and sanctuary of all shelter pets in this country. He could learn a lot from notables like Nathan Winograd and the No Kill Advocacy.There’s nothing more healing and redemptive than working for the protection and safety of those who have no voice and no power.
We’ve got a nation full of children and adults in need of a real hero. And many more, who don’t know what a sentient being is or what it is to value the sanctity of life or what it is to unconditionally love.
What a wonderful opportunity for this “fallen angel” to turn things around for himself and write his character grand!
It is true we cannot *actually* know if he is sorry. I personally don’t believe he is, because I firmly believe actions speak louder than words, and his actions don’t really show me that he’s sorry. Buttt…. I kind of think determining whether he is truely sorry is for a higher power to do, and not little old me. I also do believe in forgiviness. Though.. I’m not perfect and I usually don’t forget the second part of the equation of forgiviness: forget.
Thaat being said, I FIRMLY believe that he should never be allowed withing 100 feet.. no.. a couple MILES.. of ANY animal, ever again. I also think his prison sentance was a joke. For the severity of his crime, he got out waayyyyyy early. Hard time.. that’s a laugh.
I’m glad he is sorry,but I don’t think he should ever be allowed to own a dog again. The damage he has done is so horrendous, he shouldn’t be allowed to receive the love of a dog. He violated that trust in an egregious manner. I’m also not sure he truly understands what he has done.
This fallen angel is having a great time in mansion under “house arrest”. I would say that the chances of him becomming a great man are severly anorexic.
Hi,
Just my two cents..
We all are harsh on Michael Vick b/c of the cruelty he was involved with against mans best friend..but what about the cruelty to animals for slaughter in human consumption??
As a dog owner I feel sick about dog fighting…but I also think animals in abattoirs go through a similar painful fate…especially livestock which is shipped for many days just so it can be slaughtered (fresh) is equally as wrong.
Steve
I don’t know who’s Vick at this part of the globe but surely he’s yet to reveal more of his true colours to date. Sayings like “A leopard never changes its spots” don’t just come by like that, taking into consideration that Vick grew up with that. This rehabilitation for Vick may never happen in this mortal life. I am not for this, you can be sure to witness the financial benefits to roll in for only Vick’s bank account. Then you’d be horrified, and it’d be too late. Such is human kind. It’s not about not trusting; the entire thing is about who to trust ….and not.
“Judge Not…”
Right on, Steve!
No way should we forgive him after what hes done i dont even think he should be let out of prison let alone forgive him! Hes cruelty to animals nobody wants him to go near their dog after what hes done!
i describe him as a horrible, selfish, nasty and disspicable man!
i cant imagine letting my dobermans fight even though they’d proberly win being dobermans its just a big no,no!!
Remains to be seen. Either way, if he donates time and money to pet related charities, and gets word out that dog fighting is intolerable, I guess you can’t change someone’s mind.
SICK! SICK! MAN!
I personally think he’s sorry he got caught. I don’t want to see him do anything at this point as far as being in the media. I just don’t want to look at him.
As usual he’s probably thinking up ways to make money off of this mess he created. I’ve been a lover of APBT’s for over 26 years, that’s when I got my first. They’re loving and just want to please. I cannot imagine fighting my dogs. Or torturing them like he did. That poor female that he had every single tooth pulled. She’ll never be able to do things that dogs love to do. It’s really sad.
I just really do not want to see him now. He’s not proven anything at this point.
I despise Vick for what he has done to those dogs. As an animal lover, Pit Bull owner and animal rights activist I am sickened by his attitude toward life and animals. I first heard Vick’s name as it was shouted out in my living room by my boyfriend as he was cheering “Go Vick Go!” from our sofa…long before his animal cruelty was discovered. Needless to say, there have been some interesting discussions about this topic in our home…me an animal rights advocate and my now fiance, a Vick fan. Since the truth has been revealed my fiance no longer is cheering for Vick in the same way. I simply said to him: imagine ifhe had gotten ahold of our dogs???He feels that he was taught that behavior as a young boy growing up on the streets. He doesn;t defend his actions, but, believes that he has paid his dues…we do not agree. It is very hard because he was such a talented man with so much ahead of him-some would say blessed by God; however, for me the choice is clear…he ignored the cries of those sweet dogs and murdered them, then threw their lifeless bodies in a hole and buried them. Sicko! But, as frustrated as I feel about him-I see first hand the love that so many men/young boys have for him-so the question for me is…do we continue to punish him (thus lending to the idea that people can not change) or do we use the situation to our advantage and let him speak to you our youth and see if he can impact them? That is a tough one. I guess I have to go with the later-only because…we need all of the help we can get! And if he can impact one child…just one…then that is good-right? I am trying to think strategy…afterall to Vick I believe (in my heart) this is all just a game. I am hoping either way though that he never gets to step foot on a football field again. I guess I feel simply this way: lets use him for a change…
Vick totally deserves what he got even though i think he should still be in prison. He should be able to never own any animals again. He is not sorry and will never be forgiven. He had realized that it was animals cruelity and just went on with it, he is a horrible person and always will be remembered as that horrible person. Who could let those poor dogs die and suffer from dogfighting? Of course him, he realized he was going to get caught sooner or later. I will never think him as a good person ever no matter what he says or does, animal lovers would never think of being cruel to their animals and would never be into dogfighting etc. It’s 100% sick, inhumane, disgusting, and pathetic. Where are these peoples brains?
Thats bull!! i wouldnt accept michael’s apology even if he was on his knee bawling his eyes out while someone breaks his bones piece by piece! he deserves every punishment that comes to him! i think it would do the world a favor if he was remove from the face of this planet! we dont need him and others like him taking space on this planet! i would personally make him real sorry if he ever came on my street!i can promise one thing if he even got near my pets let alone touched them hes down before he realized what happened to him!>:(
The only issue I have with this discussion is some of you guys are making Vick the VICTIM. We have to remember that this man was educated, successful, and on top of it all WEALTHIER than the average joe. He was a role model to many. He should not get a free pass!!!!
I was raised around dogs, but dogs were not a top priority in our family. My grandmother actually dropped dogs off on the side of the highway in her younger years (she is now 85). I would NEVER do this, but does this give me a free pass now becuase i’ve been around this as a child?
This is where having a conscience comes in and knowing what is morally right and wrong.
He thought because of all his fame that he could do what he wanted and get away with it.. simple as that. He is a horrible example for children because they will see that because he had money, he could basically get away with anything. I do not want that message being spread to the future generations of children.
Vick is a total idiot. He is a an excuse as a human, a man, a creature, anything. He should not be abusing dogs, or any animal what so ever. He is only sorry he got caught, he isn’t sorry for what he did, he is a selfish person who should never be allowed to own any animal ever again. I know it may seem harsh, and I can kinda forgive easy, but him, he has crossed the line way to far with what he did.
I would like to think I am a forgiving person and that I think everybody deserves a second chance, but I saw the pictures and videos of those poor tortured dogs and I can never erase those images from my mind. I think that Vick is sorry he got caught, lost his career, his fan base and his money. I don’t think he can wrap his mind around what he did to those dogs was wrong. Some people are brought up thinking dogs are property, have no souls, I know too many, but stupidly is no reason to torture dogs. I can never forgive him for what he did. He has no respect for life.
What ever happened to earning your respect back. He should do some thing to say he’s sorry instead of asking for it right out of jail.
I think he’s sorry he was caught.Michael Vick is a sick person for doing what he did and for that I believe he should never be allowed by a dog.Those poor dog went through so much adn now you want the risk of letting more dogs go through that…I think not.
The argument that he was familiar with dog fighting because he grew up with it, should serve as NO excuse for what he did. There was a time when slavery was practiced too, but that didn’t mean it was the right thing to do!!!!!
Michael Vick has never appeared remorseful during any public speech about what he did. Instead, his speeches seemed rehearsed and were probably written for him. He is also a repeat offender and lied publically about drug related charges in the past. He appears to say and do whatever is necessary to appeal to whomever he is currently addressing. Vick should be able to move on with his life but I do not think he should be in the spotlight playing a professional sport or representing products. His character is greatly flawed; he committed disturbing and violent acts against defenseless animals. I peronsonally don’t believe he should be allowed within 10 feet of another animal. What he did to those dogs was sick and beyond cruel.
Dobermans dont win dog fights…they are too lanky..hence why stockier dogs like pit bulls, staffy terriers are bred.
I think that Michael Vick and all like him should never be able to be around anyone’s pets. I agree, he is only sorry for himself that he got caught. He also should have spent more time in Prison too!! We need stiffer laws for animal abuse!!
I do kind of feel bad for the guy…NOT!!! I think he should have never got out of prison. Think of the dogs lives he affected. I just really don’t like people like that!!!!!!!
This man should never be allowed to even come close to a dog! I strongly believe that he is ONLY sorry he got caught, and could care less about the animals. He didn’t before, how would prison make him care about a dog? All that would do is make him care less since they are the reason he was in there right? thats sad, I think he needs to be attacked one good time….
ANIMAL ABUSE IS A CRIME AND ANIMALS NEED THE SAME LOVING CARE JUST AS WE HUMANS DO!!!
i don’t think i can ever forgive someone for mistreating animals – they’re like babies who need tender care and guidance – not to be unleashed like monsters!!!
I “maybe” would consider this only AFTER he has been hung, electricuted, tortured, starved, teeth pulled, ears cropped, buried alive, etc. etc.!!! Then I would “consider” it……maybe. Maybe not.
Forgot to add, I believe the only reason he would be willing to do this is for money. One way or another, he will figure a way to make money from it. Now, maybe if the money went to rescue, and not one cent to him, but doubt that would not happen.
Consider it??? Not in this lifetime. I agree with Sisters 3 & Gig…Let him hang above a pit by the wrists and let those dogs tear him apart piece by piece like he did those poor little “trainer dogs/cats”! Let him know what it feels like to be terrorized like he did these poor defenseless creatures! What about those that didn’t die ….you remember the ones he held their heads under water so that they would drown? This is not a MAN~~~ This is a MORON! I can only hope that there be a special place in HELL for someone like these morons! They don’t deserve our pity! Nor our forgiveness! Don’t forget…in his case…MONEY is the NAME OF HIS GAME!!! Anything he can say to make himself look better, he is going to do it! Don’t be fooled for an instant!
I know what Michael did was absolutely wrong, but can anyone on this site say that they have not done something wrong and they were either sorry for the act or sorry they got caught? I think the sad part of this whole situation is that the human race is hateful. It is a shame that a person can not do wrong, pay for their crimes and be forgiven. We all fall short. In the end we are just humans with sheltons in our closets….. Hopefully Mike has learned a lesson, but what lesson have we learned as dog owners? Just to love our dog and not humans, then we are the true animals….:(
I live in Vicks hometown and so I think I probably am pretty well informed. Michael was in classes with my neice in High School where he already thought he was better than the other students because he was the football star. Contrary to what has been said here the part of town he lived in was poor but it is not slums like you see in New York or DC or other large cities. There are no basements in that part of town so he did not see his father fighting dogs in the basement here. I never did and still dont hear much about dog fighting going on there except occasionally when there is a bust which is not often. Dog fighting is a race neutral ILLEGAL activity probably about the same amount of white black and hispanic people engage in this hideous activity. Mike knew it was illegal and he was jeopardizing his future but he thought he was to big to be busted. Michael visited his property on Moonlight road often and personally killed at least 4 dogs, said so in court. The people he hung with were not that much older than he is. Some were cousins and long time friends. He is now going to bankruptcy court trying to get approval for a plan to pay back some of the money he owes. His big plan is to start playing NFL football again and play for at least ten years to pay off his debts never mind there are hardley any Quarterbacks in the NFL in their upper thirties and he cannot be sure he will be paid what he is estimating his income to be. I have heard so many people say he is this way because he was raised with it so does that mean that his brother who got caught having sex with a 15 year old girl and videotaping it saw this happening at home and was raised with it? I don’t think so. Brother was kicked out of Virginia Tech for his crime. I dont wish any physical harm to Vick but I do think he should have had to stay in jail until all the dogs had lived out their life and I do not think he should play football again. He still lives in a 500 thousand dollar home and has other properties he needs to sell to pay his debt. God help him if he ever needs a dog in a service animal situation. And one last thing to those who dont see much difference in hunting and dog fighting, I have never seen a seeing eye deer or a turkey searching the wreckage of a collapsed building for human survivors. Dogs serve a unique companion animal role in our society and when you see a bear sniffing luggage at the airport for illegal fruit I will talk to you about hunting. Until then accept that dogs are special because we have bred them to be that way and do not deserve to be treated cruelly.