Yes! Michael Vick Indicted

[Zippa D Doodah]

In the best tradition of NFL officiating, I have decided to further review my stance on this play . Upon further review, here's the deal...

1) It gnaws at me that there are people who have committed worse crimes than those Vick has been indicted for playing in the NFL every Sunday (arguably even one who plays for my beloved Panthers), yet I watch NFL games each week -and I do not plan to stop. I have disdain for certain players because of crimes they have been convicted of, but that is not enough to make me turn off the game... YET. Certainly there must be a tipping point for me, but I can't name it yet. The NBA has become that way for me.

2) Vick is a first time offender (at least under NFL conduct guidelines as I understand them). This means that as horrid as I find these indictments to be, it is "fair" that he continue to play. Don't get me wrong... I will detest hearing his name and seeing him on the field, but if the Falcons can find the stomach to actually field him, then that's their perogative. As an NFC South fan, this is all the more reason to hate the Falcons. Arthur Blank seems like a nice enough man; I'd hate to be him about now.

3) Unless a plea bargain of some sort is reached, the legal process will probably not play out until after the season is done. If found guilty, or if he cops a plea, it should then quickly be "Adios Ron Mexico". There will be nothing in the NFL rules of conduct for him to hide behind. I can only hope he will be levied a punishment appropriate for his crime, something certain players in the NFL today have managed to dodge.

 

[Fitswimmer]

Thank you for contacting us regarding Michael Vick.

There is no change in the status of the agreement between Nike and football player Michael Vick. Nike will continue to monitor the situation, but has nothing further to say at this time.

We appreciate that you took the time to contact us and your feedback will be passed along to the proper department.

Sincerely,

Nike

This is what I got back from Nike. I replied with the following:

This is a truly sad commentary on your company. My Nike shoes, clothes, watches and other items are going into storage. I will not use them, nor will I buy ANY new Nike merchandise until this position is changed and I will actively encourage others to shop elsewhere as well. I can't believe that the same company that sponsors Lance Armstrong and gives so generously to truly worthy causes would condone this behavior.

 

[chyam]

Does anyone know if there is an email address or somewhere where we can let the NFL know exactly how we all feel about this case and how we feel the whole thing should be handled? I know he has not been convicted yet but I don't think this scum bag deserves his paycheck or the publicity.

 

[chyam]

This is what I got back from Nike. I replied with the following:

Well you know what you gave me a great idea, I too will be writing Nike, I will not purchase anything from them, and if others do the same like people did to CBS when they cancelled Jericho perhaps maybe then they might consider doing something (at the very least take his endorsements off their products until the whole thing is over with and he is either guilty or not) and yes I know other players have done worse things but isn't it time people got angry enough with the NFL to make them do something?? I know there are worse crimes but to me crimes against animals and kids are the worst and from what I have read it was not 1 animal it was many and probably many that we do not even know about.

 

[ducklite]

This is what I got back from Nike. I replied with the following:

Buy New Balance. They are Made in America!

Anne

 

[DISUNC]

True, and I feel it is my responsibility as a fan of the NFL and a consumer of Nike products to let those folks know that they will be getting less of my $$ as long as they continue to condone this behavior by inaction.

Fire off those emails, people!!!! This is the last straw!!! It was bad enough when crimes were being committed against other people and players still got their checks and played the game, but what was done to innocent creatures whose only crime was wanting to please their owners is beyond the pale.

If the NFL lets Vick step ONE toe on any authorised NFL field this year...I will BOYCOTT the NFL FOREVER!

Vick was caught in this scandel...WHAT ELSE IS HE DOING? No way this is his only choice of deviant behavior!

 

[babieemelly]

Ugh, I'm so glad I'm not the only one who's completely digusted by Vick. I hope he gets what he deserves.

 

[Fitswimmer]

Buy New Balance. They are Made in America!

Anne

excellent idea. I've heard that they are really good shoes, too.

 

[Oreo Cookie]

True, and I feel it is my responsibility as a fan of the NFL and a consumer of Nike products to let those folks know that they will be getting less of my $$ as long as they continue to condone this behavior by inaction.

Fire off those emails, people!!!! This is the last straw!!! It was bad enough when crimes were being committed against other people and players still got their checks and played the game, but what was done to innocent creatures whose only crime was wanting to please their owners is beyond the pale.

Amen.

I'm sending my emails and letters out today.

Vick is scum and I hope they throw the book at him. I'm so tired of this above the law and the rules don't apply to them junk. They need to be accountable just like the rest of us.

 

[DISUNC]

When most of us are hired by employers, they do a FULL BACKGROUND check. Obviously the NFL & Nike dont do this.

 

[tropical depression]

nice AP column:

Way to go, Michael Vick.
It doesn't matter whether you're innocent or guilty of those federal dogfighting charges, you've just trashed your reputation. From now on, when people see you, they're going to think of electrocuted puppies.
The NFL affords you fame and riches galore. In return, you have certain responsibilities - to your teammates, to your organization, to the league and, most important to the fans, the people who make your charmed life possible.

Nothing too oppressive. Just that you behave like the law-abiding citizen you should be anyway. That you're not on a first-name basis with the local D.A.

Is that too much to ask?

Apparently so, because Vick's indictment is the latest episode in what's beginning to look like the NFL version of "Court TV."

This time, one of the league's brightest stars is front and center in a scandal that has the entire country talking. A few members of Congress even weighed in.

Just what the NFL wanted the week before training camps open.

"We are disappointed that Michael Vick has put himself in a position where a federal grand jury has returned an indictment against him," NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said after the indictments were announced.

It's a safe bet commissioner Roger Goodell used stronger words than that.

The new commissioner is adamant that off-the-field issues not sully the image of the nation's most popular league, a cash cow for everyone involved. He's toughened up the personal conduct code and let it be known he's holding players and teams accountable for bad behavior.

The allegations against Vick are just that, allegations, and he's entitled to his day in court. But regardless of the outcome, the Atlanta Falcons quarterback already has been proven guilty of stupidity and selfishness.

He gave Falcons fans the middle-finger salute last November and was at the center of a tawdry lawsuit over a sexually transmitted disease. He had a run-in with security at the Miami airport after officers said a water bottle he was carrying smelled of marijuana and had a secret compartment. No drugs were found in the bottle.

Both Falcons owner Arthur Blank and Goodell have told Vick to start making better choices. The Falcons, after all, are shelling out $130 million over 10 years for his arm and his feet, and he's one of the NFL's most recognizable players.

So what does Vick do? At worst, he is found to be an active partner in a dogfighting operation the details of which are hideous enough to turn your stomach. At best, he allowed himself to be sucked into a mess.

Either way, he should know better.

The majority of NFL players manage to act responsibly.

If it's a challenge, Michael Vick, go to your luxurious home, complete with big-screen TVs and every other technological marvel, lock the doors, put away all cell phones and PDAs, and chill. If it's old friends bringing you down, ditch 'em. Anyone who would willingly put your hefty paycheck at risk is no friend.

And even though the NFL considers you innocent until proven guilty, you still may be hearing from the commissioner.

Pacman Jones is sitting out the season after a series of transgressions, the most egregious being a strip club misadventure that preceded a triple shooting that left a man paralyzed. (As proof he's a charter member of the clueless club, Jones is hoping the season-long suspension doesn't apply to training camp.)

Banned for the first half of the season, Tank Johnson is also out a team after a lengthy list of misdeeds, including a trip to a bar that ended with his best friend and bodyguard dead. Jared Allen has been suspended for two games and ordered to cough up his check from a third after a second DUI arrest.

Goodell's message has been clear: Playing in the NFL is a privilege, not a right.

Think about that, Michael Vick, and let it sink in.

And then do whatever it takes to make fans forget about those dead dogs.

 

[eclectics]

This is what I got back from Nike. I replied with the following:

That's more than I got. My email wasn't acknowledged at all. Ironically, I DO need a new pair of running shoes and my last pair was Nike. I think I'll send a copy of my receipt from my new non-Nike shoes to their headquarters along with an explanation of why I chose to buy another brand.

 

[Spidey7]

I can't get over this story either. What a complete moron digenerate loser. I saw some more footage of this today with the operation going on behind his mansion or something and the dogs fighting. It is hard to shock me these days but this does. I hope he is not allowed back in the NFL.

The shocking thing I heard on Rome yesterday is apparently this is going on a lot more in the NBA and other NFL members as well???? What???

I suspect this scandal will have more legs with more athletes being indicted in the future, at least I hope so if there are more people doing this. Its hard to believe people are so cruel.

 

[tropical depression]

The shocking thing I heard on Rome yesterday is apparently this is going on a lot more in the NBA and other NFL members as well???? What???

I suspect this scandal will have more legs with more athletes being indicted in the future, at least I hope so if there are more people doing this. Its hard to believe people are so cruel.

there are a lot of undisclosed rumors that Vick wasn't the only NFL player at his events. this is Federal indictment, and phone records have been accessed. Vick and his buddies may be coughing up some names once this goes forward. a week ago, Vick stated he wasn't going to be indicted to the press. his world has been turned upside down at this point.

Vick may be the tip of the iceberg, but the tip of the iceberg sank the Titanic.

 

[Mad4Mickey]

May he sit in jail for a long time , of course I am sure he will somehow get out of this. I saw we tie meat to his butt and turn him lose with no way out in a fighting ring filled with the dogs he starved so they would be hungry for the other dogs ! This sickens me , I dont care who you are you have something wrong with you if you find dog fights entertainment . I mean for petes sake get Net Flicks ! I work at a emergency vet clinic the stuff we see from these dog fights effects us for days after .

BTW the way I wonder how he would feel if he saw the "rape Stand" from his kennel in the exersice yard of the jail ?

 

[disneyfan67]

That's more than I got. My email wasn't acknowledged at all. Ironically, I DO need a new pair of running shoes and my last pair was Nike. I think I'll send a copy of my receipt from my new non-Nike shoes to their headquarters along with an explanation of why I chose to buy another brand.

I have to highly recommend New Balance running and cross training shoes. I just bought a new pair for my upcoming WDW vacation and they're one of the few brands that come in wider sizes. They have a nice card attached to them explaining that they make their shoes in the USA and a majority of the materials used are made in this country as well. I gave up on Nike a long time ago. Thought I give you and Fits a heads up on how good of a shoe they are.

 

[disneyfan67]

I can't get over this story either. What a complete moron digenerate loser. I saw some more footage of this today with the operation going on behind his mansion or something and the dogs fighting. It is hard to shock me these days but this does. I hope he is not allowed back in the NFL.

The shocking thing I heard on Rome yesterday is apparently this is going on a lot more in the NBA and other NFL members as well???? What???

I suspect this scandal will have more legs with more athletes being indicted in the future, at least I hope so if there are more people doing this. Its hard to believe people are so cruel.

Dog fighting is big in certain circles and part of a thug mentality that can be found in this country The NFL and NBA have quite a few players who participate in it and it's part of the macho, thug culture. You can bet that both of those organztions are working overtime to make sure those stories don't come to light. This Vick case could be just the tip of the ice burg and open up a huge scandal that could rock the NFL and NBA.

Here is a article below.

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/content/sports/epaper/2007/06/03/a1b_dogfight_603.html

Here's part of the article highlighted.

There's also a pop-culture glamorization of dogfighting, several experts said, and pit bulls are the dog of choice. These dogs combine strength and stamina and they can be bred to be aggressive to other animals, attributes that make them the perfect tough-guy status symbol, Evans said.

A powerful-looking pit bull is on the cover of a CD by rapper DMX that's titled Grand Champ, a reference to a dog that has won five dogfights. Rapper/song writer Jay-Z shows dogs preparing for battle in the uncensored version of his music video, 99 Problems.

Vick isn't the first athlete to be connected to dogfighting. NBA player Qyntel Woods was accused of hosting dog fights at his Portland home in 2004 and he eventually pled guilty to first-degree animal abuse. Former NFL running back LeShon Johnson received a five-year deferred sentence in 2005 after officials seized 200 dogs during a raid of his dogfighting operation that led to 20 people being convicted. And former Dallas Cowboys lineman Nate Newton was arrested at a dogfight in Texas, although charges were later dropped.

Vick gained support from fellow NFL star Clinton Portis. The Washington Redskins and former University of Miami running back told an Atlanta TV station that he's familiar with dogfighting from his upbringing in rural Mississippi, and he doesn't see a problem if Vick is involved with dogfighting.

"I don't know if he was fighting dogs or not, but it's his property, it's his dog,'' Portis said. "If that's what he wants to do, do it. I think people should mind their business.''

Told that dogfighting is a felony, Portis said, "It can't be too bad of a crime.''

 

[eclectics]

I have to highly recommend New Balance running and cross training shoes. I just bought a new pair for my upcoming WDW vacation and they're one of the few brands that come in wider sizes. They have a nice card attached to them explaining that they make their shoes in the USA and a majority of the materials used are made in this country as well. I gave up on Nike a long time ago. Thought I give you and Fits a heads up on how good of a shoe they are.

Thanks Eddie. I'll check them out. I've been a Nike customer since the 70's but I have no qualms whatsoever to leaving them in the dust. Their attitude is deplorable.

 

[Snoopymom]

Not just Nike...you can't even go to a Wal Mart in this area to buy an ordinary football...they're all MV's...some role model. Bought one anyway for ds for Christmas...let my Samoyed Husky have it a few weeks ago when we first heard about this.

 

[Snoopymom]

Wow... that sounds like a moment just dripping with irony. I can imagine how awkward the crowd must have felt.

The show is a very GA pride historical patriotic 4th of July type of show complete with fireworks. Whenever you have anyone in from out of town, that's where you take them, which is what made me mad, so shameful, but at least that segment is only a moment. It also shows GA Tech, the Braves, etc. but usually everyone cheers and "barks" with the song, and there was nothing.