The Michael Vick Situation Reeks of Hypocrisy
There will always be the haters, especially when it comes to Michael Vick, but his situation in particular is shrouded in hypocrisy. There has been hyperbole as well, in its most extreme from Tucker Carlson, who did far more than say that Vick’s punishments have been insufficient. Get my take on the whole thing in my column at PhillySportsDaily.com.
10 Responses to “The Michael Vick Situation Reeks of Hypocrisy”
Hey Stephen
Happy New Year. Great article. I agree that Tucker Carlson’s comment was just stupid. That was just dumb. As an animal lover, I wanted to kick Vick’s butt, but to call for his execution is just dumb. I understand what you are saying about the hypocrisy. There should be outrage about domestic violence and drunk driving. In Canada, Drunk driving is a very serious offense. People busted for drunk driving have a hard time getting into Canada. Here in the States, drunk driving is not seen as serious….look at the sentences handed down, even when someone is killed.
However, a dog, or any animal, is helpless. They can not call 911 for help. Someone has to stand up for them and that is why people are very upset.
I am glad that Vick has apparently learned from his mistakes. I hope he keeps it up. I am not ready to jump on the bandwagon though. I was never a fan of his anyway. Never thought he was a great QB in the first place, but I am glad he is on his way to changing his ways.
As far as awards, comeback player of the year, sure. I am all for a great redemptive story. I am a CHristian, and the Bible is full of redemptive stories. MVP? Tom Brady is the man who should get it. 10 games with no INTs. I mean, I know Vick is the flashier and more exciting player, but Brady is the best player in the NFL right now.
Looking at you know of Hardball. Vick didn’t pay the price; he hung, beat, electrocuted, etc dogs. He is a depraved scumbag who should have gotten 20 years. Wonder how Vick would like to be beaten to death, hung, drowned, etc.
I watched you on Hardball. I couldn’t agree with you less. I do think people with talent and who are money-makers for a lot of people have a far easier transition into the system. There was no doubt some team was going to pick up Vick. I think that is correct and a matter of choice between the parties. I also think it is very easy for someone like Vick to mount a PR campaign to seem contrite and remorseful. He has a machine behind him. I don’t think people change that fast. His crimes were heinous. I don’t think that kind of violent propensity changes so radically in 18 months. I’m willing to accept he is on the road to recovery however, you declare him a model citizen. I think you are glorifying Vick because you like to watch him play. I’m not so sure you would be so generous with someone who doesn’t excite you.
In any case, I found your manner on Hardball extremely off putting. Your emotional investment in Vick made me very uncomfortable. I’m wondering why you are so emotionally invested.
To GM
Animal rights activists make me sick they are not in the least worried about Human rights. Ben Rothelisberger is a known rapist and people have just forgotten about that. You PETA idiots are annoying and the only reason this happened to him and the punishment was so harsh is because he is a black male. If he had blond hair and green eyes like me he wouldve gotten a fine at most. Glad Stephen wrote this article. I think Vick is great but not MVP this year he ruined even being in the convo last week with that stinkbomb of a game. MVP def goes to Tom Brady
Hey GW, has Ben Rothlesburger (excuse the spelling) been punished sufficiantly? I think it’s hilarious that Big Ben assaults two women in two years and I haven’t heard a single word about it since he came back to the league. No I don’t like dog fighting, but it’s no less humane than what we do to cows and chickens in slaughter houses. Big Ben pays hush money and he’s a saint, Vick loses his fortune and 1 year of his life and he hasn’t paid enough? Dogs are more important than people? Or is it just that White people are more important than Black ones?
First of all, to the two commentators throwing out the race card, you can pick that piece of crap back up.
Ben Rothelisberger was never convicted of any of the crimes he was accused of Bethany. I thought people were innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, or is that not the case if they are white? Like I how threw the race card out there Bethany? Sucks when it’s played on you ain’t it?
Michael Vick tortured animals, was part of an interstate gambling organization and was CONVICTED! He can play in the NFL because the NFL lets him but it won’t change the fact he was a sadistic monster and 18 months in prison isn’t enough to wipe the stain of blood on his hands.
I love the way people GLORIFY animal abuse. Michael Vick is only remorseful he GOT CAUGHT, not for torturing animals. Any body language expert of real psychologist can tell you that by his demeanor in past interviews (Esp the 60 minutes one!)
Some of us detest Ben R as well. His victims have been bullied into not testifying. I live near the college he attended & he was a jerk then I remains a party animal. Most men I know find Ben AND MV disgusting but some of us love animals. Some dismiss pets like cockroaches as I see here on this blog post.
I have no idea why MV gets all this love & support from S.A. Smith. Sad & pitiful how animals are thrown away in this society. (As are kids in the Foster system but animal abuse should NEVER BE TAKEN LIGHTLY. Killers of humans start out with abusing animals when young. This is a fact & a high percentage of such anti social behavior IS connected.
I am not a member of PETA either. NFL has no morals clause.
I am not sure people really understand what went on with Michael Vick. Everytime I heasr the story its gets a little more exaggerated as to the actual crime committed. As a society we don’t harrass sex offenders like Vick is being pursecuted. Until we have the same outrage over all crimes as there appears to be with this one; everyone involved lacks credibility.
Can someone please tell me why the Eagles have been so harsh on Vick, coaches and coordinators and here’s Woody and Co. basically continuing to defend his horrible qb, coaches and coordinators? Vick is a better qb than sanchez by far. The Eagles have already fired personnel and continue talking about benching Vick. This is the way it should be in sports. If you aren’t doing your job, you’re sitting or your fired. Where is this Jets owner right now to allow all this baloney to keep happening without threatening to fire coaches and his qb like the Eagles?? This is why I refuse to buy Jets tickets anymore until the whole organization is cleaned out. #Perturbed Jets fan.
StephenA I am sick of the fines going one way all the time as a solution, why can’t the ofensive player can’t be fined for droppen his head? instead of fining the defensive player. I would like to hear you and skip speak to this. watch you guys daily. Bill P