Michael Vick: Obama Thankful Eagles Gave Quarterback A Chance

[UTRacerX9]

I'm a huge dog lover and was disgusted at what Mike Vick did. But honestly, the way he handled himself afterwards shows the true person he is. He never bitched, never complained, just did his time and paid his debt. He volunteers around Philly and seems to be doing all he can to turn a new page in his life. THAT, I have admiration for. Better than all the other whiney baby celebs out there who weasel out of their 5th DWI or 4th possession charge for that pound of blow in their Bentley. At least Vick owned up and paid his debt.

And he's playing his ass off to boot.

I can't fault him.


As for Obama, I seriously wish he'd just shut the fuck up. I'm tired of hearing his 'thoughts' on every damned subject.

Well said... except for the last sentence. Nah, even though the message the President meant to convey was a good one, I think he should have refrained from commenting. There's a lot more relevant shit out there to comment about than his personal feelings about a football player's second chance.

[Granny]

Animal cruelty would not ever bring a death penalty. Virginia couldn't bring charges because it would have been double jeapordy.

For my own curiosity I looked some old articles up.
Double jeopardy was not an issue.

Vick Likely Will Face More Charges in Va. - washingtonpost.com

Although the Fifth Amendment ensures that someone cannot be tried twice for the same offense, legal experts have said there is apparently no prohibition against additional state charges against Vick. The so-called "double jeopardy" clause doesn't apply, they said, because the broad federal conspiracy count involves travel across state lines and differs from potential state charges.

Virginia did bring charges but it looks like they let him off with a plea agreement but he was facing up to 10 years here.

Michael Vick Pleads Guilty to Dogfighting Charges in Virginia, Insuring Early Prison Release - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com

SUSSEX, Va. — Former NFL quarterback Michael Vick pleaded guilty Tuesday to a state dogfighting charge, a move that could make him eligible to leave prison early and potentially speed up a return to pro football.

Vick, 28, arrived wearing wrist and ankle shackles with his gray suit, but the restraints were removed by the time he entered his plea. The one-time Atlanta Falcons star also pleaded not guilty to a count of cruelty to animals, but that charge was dropped under his plea deal.

He received a three-year suspended sentence — far less than the maximum of 10 years he could have faced.

[stealthee]

"could have faced"

The fact remains he was still given a far harsher sentance than anyone who wasn't famous would have been given.

[AdamVR4]

"could have faced"

The fact remains he was still given a far harsher sentance than anyone who wasn't famous would have been given.

Not trying to be a dick, but what are you basing these statements on? Where's the source? I figure after you've said it ~3 times you might as well cough up a source.

[stealthee]

When the case was going on there were several legal analysts who brought up similar cases where people received much less harsh sentences.

[naptownvr4]

Robert Watkins of South Carolina..arrested for 9 counts of dog fighting and 9 counts of animal abuse..$500 fine and 6 months in prison
Jackie Simmons of garden City Georgia..arrested for 11 counts of dog fighting, 11 counts of animal abuse, $800 fine and 12 months in prison
Julio Reyes of nebraska.."His case was part of the largest dogfighting ring brought down in United States history, in which over 500 dogs were seized"..6 months in prison, $5000 fine, 3 years probation.
Vick had 3 counts of both...23 months in prison plus 3 years probation
The others involved in the ring (1 of which had the same charges and was already on probation) got 2 months in prison, 18 months in prison, 23 months, and then a $500 fine with 3 years probation.
You can find the top 2 in pet-abuse.org and the others all you probably have to do is google the Vick case and you will see I am right. There is your source.

The judge wanted to make a name for himself. I do not support what Vick did, however, he has paid his unnecessarily long punishment, and deserves to play since someone gave him a chance. He has learned he is not invincible and has calmed down a lot, just use his birthday party as an example. He is making much better life decisions and I hold nothing against him. In fact, I am not a Philly fan, but I am a Mike Vick fan because of the way he turned himself around.

[AdamVR4]

For the record, I've felt for a while now that he paid his due and hell, I was kind of rooting for him to win the MVP. I just wanted to bring more substance to this thread and less emotions

[sixsixfour]

I'm a huge dog lover and was disgusted at what Mike Vick did. But honestly, the way he handled himself afterwards shows the true person he is. He never bitched, never complained, just did his time and paid his debt. He volunteers around Philly and seems to be doing all he can to turn a new page in his life. THAT, I have admiration for. Better than all the other whiney baby celebs out there who weasel out of their 5th DWI or 4th possession charge for that pound of blow in their Bentley. At least Vick owned up and paid his debt.

I agree.

I will be the first person to say I am not a Vick fan. I even work closely with the Atlanta Anti-Dog Fighting Campaign. We have several fighting dogs come through my vet clinic. Some make it ... but even after being rescued, some don't

Vick severly embarassed Atlanta & killed our entire season that year, NOT TO MENTION the brutality of what he did/allowed to happen to those dogs . That being said, he did pay his debt. And there are NFL players that have allegedly murdered people and are still playing.

Him being allowed back into the NFL isn't too surprising. I know that Arthur Blank will always stand by his word to never let Vick play for the Falcons again, but it was predictable that other teams would scoop him up.

What I have a huge problem with is Vick wanting to adopt a dog. What could possibly be going through his head that would allow him to think that is in ANY way a good idea? Play football again if you have to, Vick, but you do NOT deserve the love and devotion of a dog.

[Granny]

If he had been briefly involved that would be one thing but he was heavily involved for 5 years!
That doesn't sound like someone with any remorse about what they were doing.

[naptownvr4]

for 5 years..ages 23-28. Not involved from 28-33..5 years. Hmmm..does 5=5? I say yes.