A Special Place in Hell for Vick

[Iris]

It is my prayer that God reserves a special place in Hell for monsters like Michael Vick. See partial Bloomberg story to follow:

Aug. 20 (Bloomberg) -- Michael Vick will plead guilty to conspiring to run a dog-fighting operation, which may land the Atlanta Falcons quarterback in prison and jeopardize his career.

The 27-year-old former No. 1 pick in the National Football League draft will enter his plea Aug. 27 in federal court in Richmond, Virginia, according to his lawyers. The conspiracy charge carries a punishment of as much as five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

``Mr. Vick has agreed to enter a plea of guilty to those charges and to accept full responsibility for his actions and the mistakes he has made,'' Billy Martin, one of Vick's attorneys, said in a statement. ``Michael wishes to apologize again to everyone who has been hurt by this matter.''

Martin said the quarterback spent the weekend consulting with family before making his decision, which followed guilty pleas by three codefendants.

Asked if prosecutors and Vick reached a plea agreement, Jim Rybicki, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Virginia, declined to comment.

The NFL said in a statement that it's aware of Vick's decision and ``we totally condemn the conduct outlined in the charges, which is inconsistent with what Michael Vick previously told both our office and the Falcons.''

The league will conclude its own investigation of the case ``as soon as possible'' before deciding on discipline for Vick, the statement said. Commissioner Roger Goodell last month said the quarterback shouldn't report to the Falcons' training camp. The NFL season begins Sept. 6.

The NFL's gambling policy promises ``serious penalties'' for all personnel ``associating with gamblers or with gambling activities in a manner tending to bring discredit to the NFL.''

[Ironhorse]

Over and above the issue of the gambling involved, there is the issue that Vick lied when he was caught. Not only that, he bought the land where this took place, funded the training, and most disgusting of all, he participated in the torture and murder of the dogs that didn't perform well. Hmmmmm, maybe he should have the same fate visited on him for not performing well in football? Now he wants to just "get on with his life and let the healing begin"???? And he apologizes to anyone he might have hurt????????? Like an apology just wipes the slate clean, it shouldn't be that easy. I'm sure the dogs he murdered would have liked to be able get on with their lives also. What he has done was so totally disgusting to me that I wrote the NFL Commissioner, the Falcons owner and Nike to express my thoughts. I do believe that this "man" should be sanctioned to the utmost by the NFL, with a lifetime ban from the sport. It's time for the NFL to start dealing with people that commit crimes in their ranks like they should be dealt with, and that's by booting them out. These are not the people I want to see held up as role models for my grandchildren. Why should Vick be allowed to continue with his career, earning millions, when he's nothing more than a criminal?

[Kahlua Kid]

Here Here Ironhorse and Iris.

I am with you. What is with our society that celebrities get special treatment and are immune to what others have to go through/do if caught in a crime.

Equal treatment should be for all!!!

[Yosemite_Wolf]

Michael Vick need to apologise to the dogs he killed, hurt, maimed. And I am sure that He and or his friends were involved in dog stealing. Makes me SICK!!

[bodie358]

My only consolation is that this inhumane piece of crap's career is over. I am also appalled that the maximum sentence for this crime is only 1 year. In my mind, anyone involved in this sort of thing is absolutely dangerous to society because of their total lack of compassion.

[Summer]

My amazement is that if you have this kind of money, why would you indulge in such a stupid horrific past time? You could do almost anything, rent a yacht and go out to sea, visit places you've never seen, buy any kind of toy or anything to amuse yourself. I think it must me an inbred hatred or damage of some kind to the psyche. I just don't get it. But to me, anyone who harms a child or an animal, you're total scum in my book - I really don't care what your problem is.

[jjcheyenne]

I just don't understand how any human being could sit by and purposley watch an innocent animal suffer like that!!! AND get enjoyment out of it!!! People like that are not human. Even an animal wouldn't harm another animal just to watch it suffer. I just don't understand.

[MtnEagle]

Ifeel the same should apply to people who purposely dump unwanted animals out in the wild or on someones doorstep.

I'm getting sick of finding them (usually dead).

:(

[jakobscalpel]

Exactly. Or when people raise animals for the sole purpose of killing them and eating them. Very very cruel.

[Kim]

But I'm more willing to believe that the others involved in this case were willing to lie to save their own asses than Vick was willing to harm the dogs.
I believe he participated in the financing; I believe he was stupid; I don't believe he was willing to give up a multi-million dollar career to actually participate in this horror. I believe that in this day and age, people who will physically harm dogs will jump at any opportunity to save their hides by giving up a celebrity. Celebrities get preferential treatment, that's true; they also get shafted by the media at any little rumour.
If Vick participated, wouldn't there be video or pictures? If you were doing this sh!^ with him, would you not be filming it somehow, for future income?
Just another point for debate. Please don't misinterpret me and think I believe he's an angel, or that he shouldn't be punished. I just have a strange hinky feeling that all isn't right here.
I'd love to see the deals his folks who testified against him got.

[Ironhorse]

Well, on yahoo this morning, the article said that he admitted to participating in the killing/torture of the dogs that did not perform well, by hanging and drowning. If he really didn't do it, why would he admit to it??? There must be something to it or I would think he'd fight those charges.

[Iris]

While it would please me if Vick was not a participant in these horrors, I do not believe this to be the case. As Ironhorse indicated, the latest information as of this morning states otherwise. See Chicago Tribune article to follow:

August 24, 2007
Vick admits to killing dogs
BY ALICIA P.Q. WITTMEYER and BY VERONICA GORLEY CHUFO |
11:40 AM CDT, August 24, 2007
RICHMOND - Michael Vick admitted to attending dogfightings, funding the Bad Newz Kennels dogfighting operation, and participating in the killing of dogs, in court documents filed with the U.S. District Court in Richmond this afternoon.

In the documents, signed by the Atlanta Falcons quarterback and Newport News native, Vick says he provided "most of the 'Bad Newz Kennels' operation and gambling monies" but that he did not participate in the side bets that often accompanied the dogfights. He also did not receive any of the proceeds from the purses won during the fights.

He also admitted that he participated in the killing of six to eight dogs that didn't perform well in test fights by various methods, including hanging and drowning them.
"Vick agrees and stipulates that these dogs all died as a result of the collective efforts of Peace, Phillips and Vick," the documents said.

He also admitted to being aware of times that his co-defendants killed a number of dogs that performed poorly in test fights.

Media reports on Thursday had suggested that he would deny killing any dogs and deny any involvement in the gambling operation.

Vick's plea agreement, which is similar to those of his three codefendants, alludes to the football player spending a year to a year and a half in jail. If Vick "cooperates fully and truthfully," the prosecutors will recommend that he is sentenced "at the low end of the applicable guideline range," the agreement said.

Under the agreement, Vick must provide all information about the case to prosecutors.

He will also have to pay for the disposition of all pitbulls seized during an April search of his property, as part of the plea. Vick is scheduled to enter his guilty plea to a conspiracy charge related to dogfighting in U.S. District Court in Richmond before District Judge Henry E. Hudson Monday. Hudson will have the final say over Vick's sentence.

He will be the last of four codefendants to enter a guilty plea. Two of the codefendants Quanis Phillips, 28 and Purnell Peace, 35, pleaded guilty last week to federal dogfighting charges and said Vick had actively participated in killing dogs. The first codefendant Tony Taylor, 34, pleaded guilty on July 30.

The agreements of all four co-defendants tell the same gruesome story of Taylor, Phillips and Vick coming together in 2001 to start the dogfighting operation that would become Bad Newz Kennels, with Vick purchasing the Surry County property at 1915 Moonlight Road to serve as the operation's home base.

They also describe Vick and the others attending dogfights in different states, and hosting dogfights in Surry County with participants coming from New Jersey, the Carolinas and Maryland.

Surry County Commonwealth's Attorney Gerald G. Poindexter has said he still intends to seek local charges against Vick.

[MtnEagle]

They should try hanging and drowning him for his performance...

:mad:

[Iris]

TV Writer High Bidder on Vick Notes
09/14/07 16:11:51

External Link http://www.hsus.org

A television writer and producer paid $10,200 for what an animal rights group said are notes from football star Michael Vick's speech apologizing for a dogfighting scandal.

Carol Leifer made the winning bid for the notes sold by the Humane Society of the United States. Leifer is a writer and co-executive producer of Rules of Engagement, a CBS comedy.

The eBay auction that began Sept. 4 ended on Friday.

"Michael Vick ironically never made the most important apology - the one to the animals themselves," Leifer said in an e-mail to the Humane Society of the United States.

Vick's attorneys have said Vick did not write the notes, but declined to say whether an attorney or adviser wrote them for him.

All proceeds will be used for the group's efforts against dogfighting, said Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society of the United States.

The group said one of its employees found the notes when he retrieved his microphone from the hotel podium where Vick delivered his apology Aug. 27.

[Ironhorse]

Disgusting. Why would anyone want them, yeah I know, this person wants them so they can make their "movie of the week". But still......................... It was a useless, meaningless apology anyway, he didn't mean it, he's just try to get sympathy and a lesser sentence.

[Iris]

Disgusting. Why would anyone want them, yeah I know, this person wants them so they can make their "movie of the week". But still......................... It was a useless, meaningless apology anyway, he didn't mean it, he's just try to get sympathy and a lesser sentence.

Ironhorse, I agree with and understand where you are coming from, but in this case I believe that the purchaser's intentions are positive. Please see addition story below:

Vick 'Note' Fetches $10,200

The Humane Society says one of its cameramen spotted the note after the NFL star's public statement.
BY ALICIA P.Q. WITTMEYER
September 15, 2007

SURRY - It took 11 days and more than 70 bids, but the handwritten note that supposedly lists talking points from NFL quarterback Michael Vick's apology speech last month finally sold on eBay Friday afternoon - for $10,200.

Vick's apology came just after he pleaded guilty for his role in a dogfighting scandal and agreed to take a plea deal.

The winning bid was put up Thursday, just after noon. The scrap of paper is selling for more than 500 times the $20 the Humane Society of the United States had asked for when it put the note up for sale.
Carol Leifer, a television writer and co-executive producer on the CBS sitcom "Rules of Engagement," placed the winning bid.

The group was "pleasantly surprised" by the final bid, said John Goodwin, manager of animal-fighting issues for the Humane Society. "It just goes to show how much passion there was about this case."

All proceeds from the sale will go to the society.

"We are already proud members of the Humane Society of the United States," Leifer said in a statement. "And when we saw that all the proceeds of this note were going to you guys, we jumped on it.

"This note is for our 18-month-old son, Bruno," she said. "For him to keep over the years and to show him that the mark of a man is not what you achieve as a sports star, but the kindness and compassion that lives in your heart."

According to the animal rights group, a Humane Society videographer spotted the paper when he was collecting a microphone after Vick's Aug. 27 public statement at the Omni Hotel in Richmond.

The notes, written on Omni Hotel stationery, were near the lectern where Vick had made his statement.

The paper lists six points, including "Apologize for what I've done," "Take full responsibility for my actions," and "We all make mistakes. I've made mistakes in judgment."

In its sales pitch, the Humane Society called the note a piece of memorabilia that "culminates the nation's most notorious celebrity cruelty case.

"It is a symbol of the downfall of a superstar's career but also of the historical event that brought light to the cruel and illegal business of dogfighting in America," the auction site read.

Vick's attorneys have said he did not write the notes, but declined to say whether they were written by an adviser or attorney. Vick's sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 10.

[Ironhorse]

It's good to see something good come out of the note (money for Humane Society), but the "disgusting" was mostly for the note content. The judge should make Vick match the amount of the bid and multiply it by 200. Then I "might" think he was sincere about his apology. Other than that, I'm glad the Humane Society has the money and hopefully it will go to help fight illegal dog fighting.

[Iris]

"Disgusting" does not even begin to describe, the content of the notes or Vick. As far as I am concerned he is the scum of the earth, who does not give a rat's behind about those dogs, and is only sorry that he got caught. I am certain that whatever sentence is handed down on December 10 will not begin to satisfy any decent person... :mad:

[Dodgergirl]

Michael Vick and three co-defendants were indicted by a grand jury Tuesday on state charges related to a dogfighting ring operated on Vick's Virginia property.

Vick, who already pleaded guilty in federal court to a dogfighting conspiracy charge and is awaiting sentencing on Dec. 10, was indicted for beating or killing or causing dogs to fight other dogs and engaging in or promoting dogfighting.

The grand jury passed on indicting the Atlanta Falcons quarterback and two co-defendants on eight counts of animal cruelty, which would have exposed them to as many as 40 years in prison if convicted.

Any animal cruelty charge in Virginia is punishable by up to five years in prison. And in a written plea for the federal case, Vick admitted helping kill six to eight dogs at the Surry County property. Similarly, the three co-defendants in the case have admitted their involvement and detailed what they claim was Vick's role.

For county law enforcement officials who started the investigation with a raid on Vick's property in late April, those signed statements provided ample evidence to support further prosecution.

full story...
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-vickindicted&prov=ap&type=lgns

[Iris]

Vick Tests Positive for Marijuana

By KRISTEN GELINEAU | Associated Press Writer
3:47 PM EDT, September 26, 2007
rolleyes:
RICHMOND, Va. - A federal judge placed tighter restrictions on Michael Vick on Wednesday after the Atlanta Falcons quarterback tested positive for marijuana.

Because of the result, U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson placed special conditions on Vick's release, including restricting him to his home between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. with electronic monitoring and ordering him to submit to random drug testing.

The urine sample was submitted Sept. 13, according to a document by a federal probation officer that was filed in U.S. District Court on Wednesday.
Vick, who has admitted bankrolling a dogfighting operation on property he owns in Surry County in his written federal plea, is scheduled for sentencing Dec. 10. He faces up to five years in prison.

Because Vick violated the conditions of his release, Hudson could take that into consideration during sentencing, said Linda Malone, a criminal procedure expert and Marshall-Wythe Foundation professor of law at the College of William and Mary.

"Every judge considers pretty seriously if they feel that the defendant has flaunted the conditions for release," Malone said.

"It's certainly not a smart thing to do."

On Tuesday, Vick also was indicted on state charges of beating or killing or causing dogs to fight other dogs and engaging in or promoting dogfighting. Each felony is punishable by up to five years in prison.

The 27-year-old former Virginia Tech star was placed under pretrial release supervision by U.S. Magistrate Dennis Dohnal in July. The restrictions included refraining from use or unlawful possession of narcotic drugs or other controlled substances.

The random drug testing ordered Wednesday could include urine testing, the wearing of a sweat patch, a remote alcohol testing system or any form of prohibited substance screening or testing.

Hudson's order also requires Vick to participate in inpatient or outpatient substance therapy and mental health counseling, if the pretrial services officer or supervising officer deem it appropriate. Vick must pay for the treatment.

Vick's attorney, Billy Martin, also represents Idaho Sen. Larry Craig, who pleaded guilty in an airport sex sting.

During a press conference about Craig on Wednesday, Martin was asked to comment on Vick. He declined, saying only, "I'm sure that in the future we'll have something to say regarding Mr. Vick, but not now."

In January, Vick was cleared by police of any wrongdoing after his water bottle was seized by security at Miami International Airport. Police said it smelled of marijuana and had a hidden compartment that contained a "small amount of dark particulate."

Lab tests found no evidence of drugs, and Vick explained that he used the secret compartment to carry jewelry.

The federal dogfighting case began in late April when authorities conducting a drug investigation of Vick's cousin raided the property and seized dozens of dogs, most of them pit bulls, and equipment commonly associated with dogfighting.

Six weeks later, when the local investigation seemed to be dragging and a local search warrant was allowed to expire, federal agents arrived with their own warrants and started digging up dog carcasses buried days before the first raid.

Vick has admitted helping kill six to eight dogs, among other things. His three co-defendants also have pleaded guilty. One of them, Quanis Phillips, failed a drug test and was ordered jailed after his plea.

Phillips and co-defendants Tony Taylor and Purnell Peace were placed on electronic monitoring at the time of their arraignments because they had prior criminal records.

Vick had no prior criminal record, so monitoring is the next step for him, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. Another failed drug test likely would land him in jail.

[Iris]

Testing Positive for Marijuana Adds to Vick's Legal Problems

Mercury News Wire Services
Article Launched: 09/27/2007 01:42:34 AM PDT

Michael Vick is now likely one misstep from jail.
The disgraced Atlanta Falcons quarterback tested positive for marijuana earlier this month, a violation of the conditions of his release as he awaits sentencing in federal court on a dogfighting charge that already jeopardizes his freedom and career.
Now he's incurred the ire of the judge who could sentence him to up to five years in prison in the dogfighting case. On the day of Vick's guilty plea, U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson warned that he wouldn't be amused by any additional trouble.
Hudson, who will sentence Vick on Dec. 10, on Wednesday ordered him confined to his Virginia home between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. with electronic monitoring. He also must submit to random drug testing.
If Vick fails another drug test, he probably will wind up like co-defendant Quanis Phillips - incarcerated since his Aug. 17 plea hearing. Phillips failed a drug test when he had the electronic monitoring and random drug testing requirements.
Vick's positive urine sample was submitted Sept. 13, according to a document by a federal probation officer that was filed in U.S. District Court on Wednesday.
Because Vick violated the conditions of his release, Hudson could take that into consideration during sentencing, said Linda Malone, a criminal procedure expert and Marshall-Wythe Foundation professor of law at the College of William and Mary.
"Every judge considers pretty seriously if they feel that the defendant has flaunted the conditions for release," she said.
"It's certainly not a smart thing to do." ...

[Iris]

Vick Must Repay $20 Million From Bonus

By PAUL NEWBERRY – 1 day ago

ATLANTA (AP) — Michael Vick has already paid a heavy price for his role in a gruesome dogfighting ring: a brilliant career on hold, the possibility of prison time, the loss of lucrative endorsement deals.

He might have to tack on another $20 million to the cost.

The disgraced quarterback lost the first round in his financial battle with the Atlanta Falcons when an arbitrator ruled Tuesday that Vick should repay most of the bonus money he got while secretly bankrolling the long-running operation.

The case is far from over. The NFL Players Association said it will appeal the ruling by Stephen B. Burbank, a University of Pennsylvania law professor and special master who oversaw last week's arbitration hearing in Philadelphia.

See link below for complete story:

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jixbLoItniFvGDW8MNSJY35Zpr9gD8S6BBJO0

[Ironhorse]

Maybe the "Worm is finally turning" on athletes who disgrace themselves by breaking the law. About time.

[Iris]

Warwick High removes QB's jersey from trophy case

Posted: Wednesday October 10, 2007 5:21PM; Updated: Wednesday October 10, 2007 5:21PM

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (AP) -- Michael Vick's old jersey has been removed from his high school's trophy case because of his conviction on a federal dogfighting charge.

The suspended NFL quarterback played for two seasons at Warwick High School from 1996-97 before going on to stardom Virginia Tech and being drafted first overall by the Atlanta Falcons in 2001. In August, he pleaded guilty to the federal charge, admitting that he helped kill six to eight dogs, and will be sentenced Dec. 10.

See link below for complete story:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/nfl/10/10/bc.fbn.vickjersey.ap/index.html

[Iris]

Michael Vick turns himself in early. Happy Thanksgiving Jerk!
See link below for story:

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/falcons/2007-11-20-vick-assets_N.htm?csp=34

[Iris]

As far a I am concerned, Vick got off with a mere "slap on the wrist", as this part of a despicable dogfighting ring would not have even existed without his funding. May he have a most unpleasant time in prison...
I will try to focus upon the many decent and awesome athletes like LT and forget about trash like Vick who had it all, and threw it away with both hands. Jerk!


B]Vick Sentenced to 23 Months in Jail[/B]

By Gary Michael Mihoces, USA TODAY
RICHMOND, Va. — Saying Michael Vick had not fully accepted responsibility for his role in a dogfighting ring, specifically regarding the killing of dogs that did not perform well, a federal judge Monday sentenced the suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback to 23 months in prison.

Seel Following Link for Story:

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2007-12-10-vick-sentence_N.htm?csp=34

[Ironhorse]

I was totally disgusted by the sentence, which works out to about 3 months per dog he tortured and killed. And time in a federal prison is not near as tough as it is in a state prison. You're right Iris, a slap on the wrist and he sniveled about how sorry he is, right up to the sentence being handed down. This is one I figure will get his just dues when he meets his maker, because he sure isn't getting what he deserves here on earth. I'm tired of hearing about what a "good person" he really is, his actions sure didn't show it.

[jakobscalpel]

Slap on the wrist? You're kidding right? He loses out on two years of freedom that he will never get back. What price would you put on two years of your life? Then there is the more tangible loss of millions of dollars from returned signing bonuses, loss of endorsement deals, and future salary. And for what? Killing dogs. Do you support the Fresno SPCA? They kill 78% of the dogs they receive, far more than Vick ever could kill in his wildest dog filled dreams. I'm glad Vick was convicted and I'm glad he is going to prison and I hope his time is very unpleasant. But can we please keep this in perspective?

[Iris]

Slap on the wrist? You're kidding right? He loses out on two years of freedom that he will never get back. What price would you put on two years of your life? Then there is the more tangible loss of millions of dollars from returned signing bonuses, loss of endorsement deals, and future salary. And for what? Killing dogs. Do you support the Fresno SPCA? They kill 78% of the dogs they receive, far more than Vick ever could kill in his wildest dog filled dreams. I'm glad Vick was convicted and I'm glad he is going to prison and I hope his time is very unpleasant. But can we please keep this in perspective?

No, I am not kidding. Who made the choices that led to Vick's current predicament? No one but Vick. My perspective is that we all are responsible for the choices we make and the results that ensue. I support a number of animal rights/protection organizations. Sadly many people are irresponsible in that they choose not to neuter their animals. An animal shelter is not responsible for the resulting overpopulation and cannot afford to maintain these animals indefinitely while attempting to find homes for them. You are certainly entitled to your opinion, however, I do not see that these issues are even remotely related.

[monkey]

At least the Fresno SPCA kills animals humanely, while Vicks did not. If people would spay/neuter their pets there would be so much less killing. I also don't agree with "dog breeders" who are unlicensed.

[Ironhorse]

Slap on the wrist? You're kidding right? He loses out on two years of freedom that he will never get back. What price would you put on two years of your life? Then there is the more tangible loss of millions of dollars from returned signing bonuses, loss of endorsement deals, and future salary. And for what? Killing dogs. Do you support the Fresno SPCA? They kill 78% of the dogs they receive, far more than Vick ever could kill in his wildest dog filled dreams. I'm glad Vick was convicted and I'm glad he is going to prison and I hope his time is very unpleasant. But can we please keep this in perspective?

What the Fresno SPCA does and what Michael Vick did are two totally different things. Not only did Vick "train" the dogs as fighters and then fight them against other dogs (or at the very least he financed and encouraged it), but he personally helped to torture and kill the losers, by drowning and other means. What's humane about that????? I don't like what the SPCA does, in Fresno or other places, but with the overload of dogs, cats and other animals from irresponsible owners they don't have much choice. As Iris said, they can't take care of them forever. The methods used to euthanize the animals may not be the best, but they're a danged sight more humane that what Vick and his cronies did. I don't see how the two can be compared. And twenty-three months in prison, a federal prison, is nothing. I put a higher value on those animals that two lousy years of Vick's life. At least he has a life to look forward to after he gets out, and with the worshippers of the so-called "sports heroes" I'm willing to bet it'll be a better life than the killed dogs had. To a lot of people, their pets ARE family, and deserve to be treated as such.

[jakobscalpel]

The methods used to euthanize the animals may not be the best, but they're a danged sight more humane that what Vick and his cronies did. I don't see how the two can be compared. I'm willing to bet it'll be a better life than the killed dogs had. To a lot of people, their pets ARE family, and deserve to be treated as such.

The two are only comparable in that the end result is the same; the dogs end up dead. Humane or not, valid purpose or not, the SPCA destroys far more dog life than Vick ever could. Since you are not angry with the SPCA and are furious with Vick, then it is the treatment of the dogs while alive that is the only real issue for you. And to that I can only say, he has been fairly punished. Torture of animals is awful, but these are dogs and not humans.

And twenty-three months in prison, a federal prison, is nothing.

Try it and I doubt you will agree. And if you do, my goodness!

I'm willing to bet it'll be a better life than the killed dogs had. To a lot of people, their pets ARE family, and deserve to be treated as such.

And to a lot of people, including myself, they are not. They are not human and do not deserve the same level of respect as humans. If you disagree, I ask again, why not the same level of respect for all animal life and not just those that fetch, adore, and taste bad?

[Ironhorse]

The two are only comparable in that the end result is the same; the dogs end up dead. Humane or not, valid purpose or not, the SPCA destroys far more dog life than Vick ever could. Since you are not angry with the SPCA and are furious with Vick, then it is the treatment of the dogs while alive that is the only real issue for you. And to that I can only say, he has been fairly punished. Torture of animals is awful, but these are dogs and not humans.



Try it and I doubt you will agree. And if you do, my goodness!



And to a lot of people, including myself, they are not. They are not human and do not deserve the same level of respect as humans. If you disagree, I ask again, why not the same level of respect for all animal life and not just those that fetch, adore, and taste bad?

Every animal is deserving of respect, the same level as humans. If an animal transgresses, like a human, it deserves to lose that respect. Most times when an animal kills or maims, it is following its natural instinct, or the human involved has done something they shouldn't have (antagonized the animal, invaded its territory, etc). While an animal may not have all the same reasoning powers of a human (and who's to say they're all as "dumb" as some people think?) that's all the more reason why an animal should be cared for. Many animals have a capacity for love and loyalty that many humans lack. Dogs for the most part have been bred to rely on humans for their care, and many would die (and have died) for their owners.

I don't know all the answers to stop euthanasia at the SPCA's, other than taking on the owners of the animals who irresponsibly allow their pets to breed and multiply and wander loose, or those who buy that cute puppy for their kid for Christmas and then as the puppy loses its cuteness, decide they don't want it any more. And no one seems to want to do anything with the idjits causing the problems. BUT when a person is caught criminally hurting an animal, for no reason other than greed, or they enjoy doing it or any other of the reasons that far too many humans seem to enjoy hurting animals for, then they should be criminally prosecuted and punished, not receiving a slap on the hand. If these hadn't been fighting dogs, but had been say show dogs instead, Vick probably would have received a heavier sentence, because the dogs would have had more value to someone. I worked/managed Animal Control for 5 years, I know the difficulties of dealing with feral cats, stray dogs, fighting roosters, people not caring for their pets and more things than I care to remember. I know what it's like to put an animal down because it's injured to badly to make well.

I also know what county/state and federal prisons are like. For the most part, criminals in federal prisons aren't in for the violent crimes that you see in state prisons. A lot of white collar criminals are in the federal prisons. Yes, some, a few of the federal prisons see the violence that the state prisons do, but not all. And I'm willing to bet that Vick will end up at one of the "better" ones. Let him serve his time in a state prison, with the gang members, child molesters and murderers. Maybe then he'll be truly sorry for what he's done. JMO

[jakobscalpel]

Those words again. Slap on the hand. I can totally respect your feelings towards animals without sharing them Ironhorse but I still can't imagine how this can be considered a light sentence.

2 years.
Multiple millions lost. Millions!

Regardless of how much he has left when he gets out or whether he feels remorse for his crimes, you can't say this a light penalty because it isn't. Besides, if you really feel that he deserves more time, you'll probably get your wish. People as awful as Vick will end up back in jail for something else.

[Ironhorse]

Those words again. Slap on the hand. I can totally respect your feelings towards animals without sharing them Ironhorse but I still can't imagine how this can be considered a light sentence.

2 years.
Multiple millions lost. Millions!

Regardless of how much he has left when he gets out or whether he feels remorse for his crimes, you can't say this a light penalty because it isn't. Besides, if you really feel that he deserves more time, you'll probably get your wish. People as awful as Vick will end up back in jail for something else.

I guess my feelings are that he already has a lot of money so losing his potential future earnings is no big thing (and that wasn't assured last I heard, the Falcons still hadn't cancelled his contract). And two years at his age is a drop in the bucket. In federal prison he'll have access to more things than they typically have in state prisons, more visitors, better canteen, etc. I just feel that the two years is a drop in the bucket. But, you're right, maybe I'll get my wish and he'll go back in for some other stupid stunt, like O.J.. Oh no, wait a minute, he keeps getting out on "technicalities", but maybe his latest escapade will finally be his swan song. Prior to being in animal control, I was in law enforcement for 20+ years, I'm not exactly enamored with our court systems and their revolving door policy, but that's another story for another thread, LOL. But then I'm a death penalty advocate, so what do you expect? If you maliciously kill, well, nuff said.

[Iris]

Just when I think that I cannot become more cynical... Wrong!

See link below for story:

http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2008/01/05/vicks-prison-sentence-may-be-shortened/

[Iris]

Friday, Jul 18, 2008 - 04:31 PM

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (AP) - Imprisoned quarterback Michael Vick wants more time for paperwork in his bankruptcy proceeding.

The suspended NFL star, appearing by teleconference in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Newport News on Thursday, said he needs more time to file lists of creditors.

See following link for complete story:

http://www.wjbf.com/midatlantic/jbf/sports.apx.-content-articles-JBF-2008-07-18-0016.html

[Ironhorse]

Friday, Jul 18, 2008 - 04:31 PM

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (AP) - Imprisoned quarterback Michael Vick wants more time for paperwork in his bankruptcy proceeding.

The suspended NFL star, appearing by teleconference in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Newport News on Thursday, said he needs more time to file lists of creditors.

See following link for complete story:

http://www.wjbf.com/midatlantic/jbf/sports.apx.-content-articles-JBF-2008-07-18-0016.html

Well, I guess the only consolation is that I don't believe he'll get out of paying his court fees and fines, that all happened before any bankruptcy. Pretty arrogant asking for more time though, but what would you expect, he's used to special favors.

[monkey]

From tmz.com:

Vick from Prison: My *** Is Getting Broker
Posted Aug 20th 2008 4:48PM by TMZ Staff

At one time, not many people could say they made more money than Michael Vick. But now, if you work two hours a day at minimum wage, congrats! You've got the imprisoned QB beat.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Vick has a monthly income of $277.69 -- not including his measly prison paycheck -- while his monthly bills to maintain one of his Virginia homes are listed at $12,225. We're told by someone who can do math good that Vick ain't exactly breakin' even.

Vick filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last month -- and it doesn't look like the extra 12 cents an hour he's making in the pokey is helping.

[Iris]

:fiddle: Couldn't happen to a more deserving monster! :jail:

[monkey]

Also from TMZ:
Michael Vick -- Hit for Another Huge Loss
Posted Sep 24th 2008 3:00PM by TMZ Staff

Imprisoned NFL star Michael Vick is finally generating some cash -- just not for himself.

Vick pulled the ol' "Paris Hilton" by leaving a bunch of his stuff in a storage locker that hadn't been paid for. The contents of the locker, stocked with all sorts of Vick's personal goodies, eventually went on the auction block. Since only five people showed up to the sale, a dude named Edward Howard says he was able to obtain the treasure trove of obscurities for a whopping ten bucks.

Now, Howard says he's already made a few hundred bucks selling off some of Vick's bedroom furniture and clothes on a street corner just a few days ago.

What Howard won't sell are pictures of Vick with his first-born son Mitez, a signed football Mike gave the kid, and other baby memorabilia. Howard says he'd like to meet Vick some day to hand over the stuff personally.

Vick will be in Leavenworth, KS for at least another year, case anyone's looking.