Michael Vick Scandal

by Serita Gaskin (BPRW)

Star Quarterback Michael Vick (27) was indicted Tuesday July 18, 2007 on dog fighting charges. According to indictment records, Vick and three others were accused of running a dog fighting operation named “Bad Newz Kennels” out of a Surry County, VA property owned by Vick. Vick along with his co-defendants all pleaded not guilty to charges but were in shock on July 30, 2007 when co-defendant Tony Taylor (34) changed his plea to guilty. Taylor indicated Vick was the main financer of “Bad Newz Kennels.” According to records, Taylor outlined eight fights in which Vick either sponsored or attended. Taylor also reported pit bulls were gathered from Virginia, New York, and North Carolina. He has agreed to testify at trial and to Grand Jury.

Could this incident be the end of Vick’s career? Many believe so. Vick has already been suspended from training camp, making his last official practice mid-April of 2007. If found guilty, he could face up to 7 years in jail and countless fines. Currently signed to the Atlanta Falcons under a 10-year $130 Million contract, Vick made history last season becoming the first quarterback ever to rush more than 1,000 yards and was inducted as the 3rd greatest Atlanta Falcons player to date.

When comparing this incident to other unlawful acts performed by Athletes and entertainers, many of Vick’s fans believe this punishment is too severe.

In 2001, NBA player Deshawn Stevenson was sentenced to community service after being charged with statutory rape of a 14-year-old girl, never missing any games or practices. In 2004, NBA star player Kobe Bryant was accused of rape but was still allowed to play in all games. In 2001 Singer R. Kelly was accused of child pornography. As of 2007 the case is still pending and Kelly faces 14 counts of child pornography for the taping of sexual involvement with minors, and collections of magazines and videos involving child pornography. Yet Kelly is still allowed to tour and perform at various events in which children may be present.

As a society, are we putting more value on our pets than our women? This seems to be the case. Yes, Vick was without a doubt wrong for the acts he committed, however when comparing dog fighting to the sexual exploitation of young women there is NO comparison. How can a country based on pride and morals allow animal brutality punishment to be more extensive then that of a human being.

Some may argue that “the dogs lost their lives, they had no idea what they were doing,” and “it’s not fair to the animals.” These are very substantial points but in essence these women may have not lost their lives but they did loss their dignity, self-respect and were taken advantage of. These women are the foundation of our society. By suspending Vick and not allowing him to leave the Atlanta area, in essence the government is saying the fighting/death of a dog is more important than rape, child pornography and sex with minors.