Post by TheShadow on Aug 30, 2007 16:18:00 GMT -5
www.newspapertree.com
by Drew Bonney
Local opinion on the Vick controversy has surfaced in the last couple weeks. One guy, whose name I will not refer, said abortion is in the same realm as killing dogs. Abortion is a right in our country. Women make these decisions according to how it will effect their lives. Dogs, known as ‘man's best friend,’ were killed due to the fact they were weak in the dogfighting ring.
The images are unforgettable.
I’m not referring to the razzle-dazzle that Michael Vick preformed on the gridiron, but the images of dogs fighting and the former all-pro donning that expensive suit walking out of the courtroom with his new linemen (his lawyers).
It has been a wacky and wild summer with sports in the United States. Between shooting steroids and gambling on NBA games, we’ve seen more off-field controversy than the debatable instant-replay topic in the NFL and the '86 New York Mets.
Dogfighting has existed, practically, since the beginning of time all around the world. Animal cruelty has never been in the public eye the way it is now.
The Atlanta Falcons star quarterback is the new face of PETA, and not for the right reasons.
We have all seen controversy in the sports world during the last two decades, from gambling to drugs and other antics. This one will definitely hit as the biggest. I mean, it’s not like the Betty Ford Clinic has put Dwight Gooden or Darryl Strawberry on its “Don’t Do Drugs” campaigns. Cruelty to animals will not be tolerated in the United States and most likely the world in the near future. Abusing your own body? Sure, do what ever you want with drugs, alcohol and sex.
It’s amazing that it took a star quarterback, who fans from Atlanta embraced and children dreamed of being one day, to put the practice of fighting dogs in the spotlight.
Now that Vick has been accused of dogfighting, the execution of dogs and gambling on the outcome of the fights, anyone caught will now be seen on the front page of newspapers around the country, as opposed to the second or third page.
El Paso and Las Cruces newspapers have been using extra ink for stories referring to dogfighting. Fifty-two pit bulls were seized throughout the El Paso/Las Cruces region this past month and are now up for adoption in a Dona Ana County Animal Shelter. Authorities said two brothers, whom I will not name due to the fact they have not been convicted, apparently used these dogs for fighting. Some of the dogs showed scars, while others were found dehydrated.
I saw problems with these dogs being put up for adoption. Who will adopt these pets? Will children be safe around these bred-to-fight animals? Will others adopt the dogs and put them into the dog-fighting pit?
The problems I saw have been answered according to reports. The dogs were not violent and looked like they wanted some sort of attention. Some of the dogs were said to have looked mentally drained and would have loved for any child to pet and give the former fighters big hugs.
Local opinion on the Vick controversy has surfaced in the last couple weeks. One guy, whose name I will not refer, said abortion is in the same realm as killing dogs. Abortion is a right in our country. Women make these decisions according to how it will effect their lives. Dogs, known as ‘man's best friend,’ were killed due to the fact they were weak in the dogfighting ring.
It’s a sad situation because dogfighting will probably never end in our lifetime. Groups who practice this cruelty will find ways of to escape the long arm of the law. Vick would still be endorsing his group, also known as the Bad Newz Kennels, if the authorities never arrested his cousin on drug felony charges. They went to search the address his cousin gave and happened to find evidence of dogfighting. The authorities were searching for drugs.
The city of Atlanta has been devastated by the charges. The fans embraced Vick. Two friends of mine saw the Falcons play the Jets during last year’s pre-season and they said it was amazing how much the fans loved this guy.
He staked his claim on a share of the national spotlight during the 2002 season. First, he had an explosive run against the Minnesota Vikings, when he electrified football fans with a long run to the end zone, avoiding tackle after tackle, before an overtime win. Then he led the Falcons to a victory over Brett Favre and the heavily favored Green Bay Packers on a snowy and chilly night in Lambeau Field. Next, Vick led his Falcons to the NFC Championship game during the 2004 season. He graced the cover of the cultural phenomenon Madden series for the 2004 edition. He also set the NFL record for rushing yards by a QB going over 1,000 yards. Vick was on top of the football world.
Now, the guy known as ‘Superman’ will be known as that guy who endorsed the cruelty of animals. All of his accolades will be forgotten, and his image will be tarnished.
Number seven filed his plea agreement in federal court, Aug. 27, 2007, admitting to conspiracy in a dogfighting ring and helping kill pit bulls. He will not admit ever betting on the fights, only endorsing the Bad Newz Kennels that bred and fought the dogs.
Vick lied to the Falcons owner, Arthur Blank, and NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell, when the controversy first made headlines. But, the people he hurt most were his fans. There are a few, what you would call, Michael Vick apologists. But, come on! When his father, Michael Boddie, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that his son was staging fights in 2001, no one should be defending this guy. Boddie stated, “This is Mike’s thing, and he knows it.”
But, Vick did get in front of the media world and expressed his apologies. He apologized to Blank, Goodell, but his remorse was aimed largely at his loyal fans, most of which were youngsters. Vick said what he did was very immature and that he needs to do some growing up. Vick also stated that he found Jesus. One El Pasoan said no one should look down at Vick if Jesus is the only one to turn to. Vick’s ‘boys’ did turn their back on him when they agreed to their plea. But people seem to find Jesus when they get their ‘hands caught in the cookie jar.’
Vick will find out his sentencing Monday, Dec. 10, when the Falcons face the New Orleans Saints.
Be sure to look for Vick on the Oakland Raiders depth chart in the year 2010. The spirit of Al Davis will rouse the Raiders’ front office and they will sign him to a contract, league minimum of course. I also see a new movie in the near future, "The Longest Yard Part II."
Vick’s apology sounded sincere and he looked humble in front of the flashing bulbs. But he did get caught.
I think one of the only ways dogfighting activities will be reduced is if communities band together and bring this underground issue into the forefront.
by Drew Bonney
Local opinion on the Vick controversy has surfaced in the last couple weeks. One guy, whose name I will not refer, said abortion is in the same realm as killing dogs. Abortion is a right in our country. Women make these decisions according to how it will effect their lives. Dogs, known as ‘man's best friend,’ were killed due to the fact they were weak in the dogfighting ring.
The images are unforgettable.
I’m not referring to the razzle-dazzle that Michael Vick preformed on the gridiron, but the images of dogs fighting and the former all-pro donning that expensive suit walking out of the courtroom with his new linemen (his lawyers).
It has been a wacky and wild summer with sports in the United States. Between shooting steroids and gambling on NBA games, we’ve seen more off-field controversy than the debatable instant-replay topic in the NFL and the '86 New York Mets.
Dogfighting has existed, practically, since the beginning of time all around the world. Animal cruelty has never been in the public eye the way it is now.
The Atlanta Falcons star quarterback is the new face of PETA, and not for the right reasons.
We have all seen controversy in the sports world during the last two decades, from gambling to drugs and other antics. This one will definitely hit as the biggest. I mean, it’s not like the Betty Ford Clinic has put Dwight Gooden or Darryl Strawberry on its “Don’t Do Drugs” campaigns. Cruelty to animals will not be tolerated in the United States and most likely the world in the near future. Abusing your own body? Sure, do what ever you want with drugs, alcohol and sex.
It’s amazing that it took a star quarterback, who fans from Atlanta embraced and children dreamed of being one day, to put the practice of fighting dogs in the spotlight.
Now that Vick has been accused of dogfighting, the execution of dogs and gambling on the outcome of the fights, anyone caught will now be seen on the front page of newspapers around the country, as opposed to the second or third page.
El Paso and Las Cruces newspapers have been using extra ink for stories referring to dogfighting. Fifty-two pit bulls were seized throughout the El Paso/Las Cruces region this past month and are now up for adoption in a Dona Ana County Animal Shelter. Authorities said two brothers, whom I will not name due to the fact they have not been convicted, apparently used these dogs for fighting. Some of the dogs showed scars, while others were found dehydrated.
I saw problems with these dogs being put up for adoption. Who will adopt these pets? Will children be safe around these bred-to-fight animals? Will others adopt the dogs and put them into the dog-fighting pit?
The problems I saw have been answered according to reports. The dogs were not violent and looked like they wanted some sort of attention. Some of the dogs were said to have looked mentally drained and would have loved for any child to pet and give the former fighters big hugs.
Local opinion on the Vick controversy has surfaced in the last couple weeks. One guy, whose name I will not refer, said abortion is in the same realm as killing dogs. Abortion is a right in our country. Women make these decisions according to how it will effect their lives. Dogs, known as ‘man's best friend,’ were killed due to the fact they were weak in the dogfighting ring.
It’s a sad situation because dogfighting will probably never end in our lifetime. Groups who practice this cruelty will find ways of to escape the long arm of the law. Vick would still be endorsing his group, also known as the Bad Newz Kennels, if the authorities never arrested his cousin on drug felony charges. They went to search the address his cousin gave and happened to find evidence of dogfighting. The authorities were searching for drugs.
The city of Atlanta has been devastated by the charges. The fans embraced Vick. Two friends of mine saw the Falcons play the Jets during last year’s pre-season and they said it was amazing how much the fans loved this guy.
He staked his claim on a share of the national spotlight during the 2002 season. First, he had an explosive run against the Minnesota Vikings, when he electrified football fans with a long run to the end zone, avoiding tackle after tackle, before an overtime win. Then he led the Falcons to a victory over Brett Favre and the heavily favored Green Bay Packers on a snowy and chilly night in Lambeau Field. Next, Vick led his Falcons to the NFC Championship game during the 2004 season. He graced the cover of the cultural phenomenon Madden series for the 2004 edition. He also set the NFL record for rushing yards by a QB going over 1,000 yards. Vick was on top of the football world.
Now, the guy known as ‘Superman’ will be known as that guy who endorsed the cruelty of animals. All of his accolades will be forgotten, and his image will be tarnished.
Number seven filed his plea agreement in federal court, Aug. 27, 2007, admitting to conspiracy in a dogfighting ring and helping kill pit bulls. He will not admit ever betting on the fights, only endorsing the Bad Newz Kennels that bred and fought the dogs.
Vick lied to the Falcons owner, Arthur Blank, and NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell, when the controversy first made headlines. But, the people he hurt most were his fans. There are a few, what you would call, Michael Vick apologists. But, come on! When his father, Michael Boddie, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that his son was staging fights in 2001, no one should be defending this guy. Boddie stated, “This is Mike’s thing, and he knows it.”
But, Vick did get in front of the media world and expressed his apologies. He apologized to Blank, Goodell, but his remorse was aimed largely at his loyal fans, most of which were youngsters. Vick said what he did was very immature and that he needs to do some growing up. Vick also stated that he found Jesus. One El Pasoan said no one should look down at Vick if Jesus is the only one to turn to. Vick’s ‘boys’ did turn their back on him when they agreed to their plea. But people seem to find Jesus when they get their ‘hands caught in the cookie jar.’
Vick will find out his sentencing Monday, Dec. 10, when the Falcons face the New Orleans Saints.
Be sure to look for Vick on the Oakland Raiders depth chart in the year 2010. The spirit of Al Davis will rouse the Raiders’ front office and they will sign him to a contract, league minimum of course. I also see a new movie in the near future, "The Longest Yard Part II."
Vick’s apology sounded sincere and he looked humble in front of the flashing bulbs. But he did get caught.
I think one of the only ways dogfighting activities will be reduced is if communities band together and bring this underground issue into the forefront.