Originally I wanted my blog to be centered on a more pleasant uplifting subject, but despite all the excessive media coverage, I am vehemently intrigued by the Michael Vick controversy. I have been following this case as both a football fan and as a dog lover. I could give a shit less about cats, as they are incredibly stupid.
Personally, I applaud Michael Vick, recently suspended quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons, for the way in which he has handled the indictment brought up against him to date. Originally, he denied involvement of any sort, though he acknowledged that some dog fights might have taken place at his residence in Virginia. As more and more allegations surfaced and proceedings began, primarily his co-defendants turning in guilty pleas in order to testify against Vick himself, Vick seemed to begin to acknowledge the truth and abandon the charade. Last month, pit against an overwhelming amount of evidence and mounting prosecution, Vick entered and guilty plea and awaits sentencing December 20th. In his first and only public press conference, I thought he handled himself as professionally and earnestly as possible, despite the predictable, stereotypical mention of finding Jesus. He faulted nobody else, spoke with a regrettable tone and presented himself with a remorseful demeanor.
Aside from acceptance of the charges brought to him and the manner in which he has conducted himself, I find his actions hideously deplorable. No, he is not the only person to have been found guilty of such an inhumane crime, but he is the most well known public figure to commit this act. Modern day athletes are celebrities, whether they would will it or not. Being a celebrity enters you into the public eye and all the scrutiny that is associated with it. Since he has been found guilty, I believe that judgement can be passed, but by a man in a black robe with some judiciary prowess. I can only judge the actions, which lead me to believe that Michael Vick should be punished to the full extent of the law.
I have so much more to say, but very little time. I will continue this entry at a later date and time.
3 comments:
I too am a dog lover so this is absolutely horrible for me to hear. It seems like such a waste of a dog to let one fight another. Two dogs dogs are much better used to lick up the ice cream off your toes when one is feeling a bit... peckish. Those wonderfull little little furballs with their comforting tongus and tight little butts. I know you know I'm talking about, you and I are dog lovers... and man, we love dogs,
and hate ghetto rich people.
Interesting post; I'm curious about whether Vick's behavior (seeming genuinely remorseful, not blaming others) might be a product of his team's PR machine, given his earlier denials and the fact that he was perfectly happy doing what he was doing until he got caught. Do you think if he were a person without access to professional damage control, he'd come out the same way?
Here are a few more things to check, writing-wise:
"vehemently intrigued" (check defo of "vehement" — doesn't quite work with "intrigued")
"entered a guilty plea" (not "and guilty plea")
"spoke with a regrettable tone" means his tone was regrettable; you mean "a tone of regret"
"charges brought to him" should be "against him"
Onward! Looking forward to more!
I must admit that ending statement in your first paragraph caught my attention, but the merits of owning cats as opposed to dogs should be confined to something we discuss in person over a beer, although may I say that I think your statement of cats being stupid is absolutely wrong (but I bet you've never owned a cat, have you?).
I agree with your professor; I don't buy any part of the front that Vick is putting on. A real man would own up to the dog-fighting when the first accusation flew, instead of letting them pile up and then caving in to the pressure. That said, PR folks get paid top dollar to help celebrities such as MV repair their tainted images - and he no doubt has a skilled one working behind him.
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