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Teddy's Blog

11815

The Vick thing isn't over. . .

Teddy on My Blog - Mon, August 20 2007

Now, as an "animal lover" community, it is time for us to step up. We need to urge the Falcons and the NFL to put a LIFETIME SUSPENSION on this guy. Here is the letter I am going to send to the NFL and to the Atlanta Falcons.
*********************************
National Football League
Roger Goodell, Commissioner
280 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017

Dear Mr. Goodell,

Now that the gruesome details of Michael Vick’s involvement with illegal dog fighting are being publicized through the various news outlets, Michael Vick has decided to plead guilty of the Federal charges of dog fighting. I find myself growing increasingly angry, no furious, that the NFL has not taken the step to end Vick’s career with the NFL. The dog fighting allegations made against Michael Vick are very serious. Not only is dog fighting illegal, it is inhumane, and the sign of a cruel and violent personality.

Michael Vick has brought ridicule and shame to the NFL. He has chosen a victim that cannot speak out itself or defend itself—a dog. Is winning so important to the NFL that you can overlook this incredible, heinous crime? Is winning so important that you can ignore the gruesome details of the charges against Michael Vick?

Let’s be very clear here. Michael Vick is not a “victim”. He is not a victim of his inner city background. He is not a victim of the unsavory friends he chose to have. He is not a victim of racism. He is not a victim of a “witch hunt”. The only victim in this case is each and every dog that Michael Vick chose to fight and/or kill.

As a dog owner and animal lover, I cannot fathom what kind of person would get enjoyment from torturing and killing animals just for “sport”. To me, a ;person like this has NO place performing in front of the public, being paid millions of dollars just because he can pass a football and run well Instead, a person like this should have a very special place in a prison cell.

Along with being an animal lover, I am a big NFL fan, and spend quite a few Sundays watching football games. If the NFL does not take a hard stance on this, I will have to reconsider watching it this fall. I hope other will follow suit.

Again, I urge you to issue a lifetime suspension from the NFL to Michael Vick. He not only has involved himself in dog fighting, he has participated in gambling and crossing state lines to bring dogs to fight. If baseball can do it to their beloved Pete Rose, why can’t the NFL stand up and do the right thing?

Sincerely,

Nancy Webster

Yogi on Aug 20 at 07:56 PM

11804

Thanks! That's exactly what I was looking for! I couldn't find it earlier.

Ernest T on Aug 20 at 08:21 PM

104566

Two things I heard today one maybe helpful the other is just interesting. Aside from the dog fighting charges, the charges of gambling and financing the betting is enough for a lifetime ban from football per NFL rules. Second, I doubt there will be much time with the deal 1 1/2 to 2 years is what I heard. The State of Virginia has charges ready that have maximum sentence of 50 years. I'm not certain of the law and if they can charge him on a state level after Federal charges were filed but I found that to be interesting. Unfortunately, I think we are all going to be disappointed with the sentence in this plea deal. The lifetime ban is what needs to be pursued. I do have faith in Mr. Goodell. He seems to be a straight shooter and not going to stand for anything that puts a bad light on the NFL. I think perhaps he was waiting until the plea or a trail was completed.

Teddy on Aug 20 at 10:07 PM

11815

I have heard 6 months to a year, depending on the leniency of the judge. (Hope he owns a pit bull!) I have also heard at least a year out of football, but I truly think the public needs to pressure the NFL about this. Not only was he involved in dog fighting, he violated the no gambling codes in the NFL. If Pete Rose can be suspended for life from baseball for gambling, why can't this guy be? It also "helps" that the NBA is facing a gambling scandal with their ref. It's a shame that just the dog fighting won't get him kicked out for life, but any thing that will is okay with me.

Beverly on Aug 21 at 06:16 AM

102993

I'm with you, Teddy. I don't care why they boot him out of the NFL. I just think with everything he's been involved with, they need to boot him!

Kirby on Aug 21 at 08:24 AM

98700

You know, I'd never really seen the guy before until last night. He looks like satan... You can tell just by looking at him, he has no remorse.

Madeleine on Aug 21 at 11:59 AM

109307

Great letter, Teddy! Surely the commissioner is not going to ever let him play again after Vick blatantly lied to his face. I hope this is not like the boxing officials who let Mike Tyson back time after time, even after being convicted of rape, and assaulting Evander Holyfield. Some people are not capable of remorse, and Vick is one of them.

Sam on Aug 21 at 04:02 PM

48921

Right on Teddy! Some people say, oh it's just a dog. Teachers in schools now are looking out for kids they hear are abusing animals. It is a possible predictor of future human abusers/murderers. (Jeffrey Dahmer) If that doesn't say something to the public, just what will? If Vick is allowed back into football, then he will ruin football for most of us. Football is called a SPORT, which is the root of Sportsmanship. Vick does not demonstrate Sportsmanship at all. Anyone who thinks this isn't a big thing should consider whether they would want a female in their family dating him. Didn't think so. Vick should join the fight league, then he could show just how tough he is and only get himself hurt or killed, instead of a dog who depends on humans for love and compassion.

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