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Is this one of the most distressing pieces of journalism ever? (1 Viewer)

RedZone

Footballguy
I read this article and was left with an immediate impression of disgust for the person of Mike Freeman. I have commented upon the Michael Vick situation in this forum and now that he has accepted a plea bargain (acknowledging guilt to avoid potentially harsher charges/sentencing), it is clear that his actions were at least as heinous as reported in the federal indictment.

Freeman article

Dogs are animals, yes, but the behavior of an individual towards animals, other than game animals, is often indicative of their behavior towards other vulnerable populations. Cruelty towards animals is closely linked to other violent crimes and is a red flag in the field of forensic psychology. Vick did not just chain a dog outdoors or neglect to feed it/them, he systematically abuse, tortured and programmed these dogs for violence. Those who did not pass his muster were killed in a cruel fashion.

Freeman, of CBSSportsline.com, chose to make light of the situation and his repugnant attempts at humor suggest that the offenses are frivolous and laughable, opening with, "So, it's over. Alleged puppy abuser and PETA Hall of Famer Michael "The Dog Whisperer" Vick is headed to the hoosegow, making it safe again for canines across the globe. Pit bulls everywhere are taking a bite out of someone's ### in celebration. "

Freeman then goes on to claim that he received the following quote from an unidentified NFL GM, "If he goes to prison, time will pass," said the general manager, who spoke before news of a potential Vick plea agreement and asked not to be identified, claiming the NFL has asked current team officials not to publicly comment on the Vick case. "Months or years will pass, if he does go to jail. If he went to jail, and then left prison down the road, he'd still be relatively young, and there'd be a line of 15 to 20 teams waiting to sign him. Trust me on that. Teams are going to say, 'F--- PETA. F--- the bad pub. This guy is one of the most talented players of the last 10 years. I'll take my chances.'

"Teams may say one thing publicly. But if he gets out of jail, we'll all be looking at Vick hard. We're all whores in football. You know the saying. We'd sign an ax murderer if he has ability. He'll be back. He won't be back in Atlanta probably but he'll be back in professional football. You can count on it."

Unless Freeman is extremely close to an NFL GM and has earned his complete trust, I am highly suprised at the comment. I have interviewed many a person and have not received such a colorful and inflammatory comment in response to a media question, even from people I have long-known as friends or colleagues. Sitting on the back porch while drinking some Bud Lights, maybe, but never in response to a media question, regardless of the condition of anonymity.

Freeman's column turns upon the ownership, staff and management of the NFL franchises, despising them as "'hos". Freeman contends that Vick will vacation in a federal Club Fed prison, buffing himself on taxpayer dollars and performing on the Prime Time news circuit while high-priced PR agents pull the puppet strings of American opinion. After all, contends Freeman, the NFL regularly employs thugs of all variety and degree (not phrased so eloquently).

I am of a mind to write to CBSSportsline.com to let them know of my opinion of this piece but thought I would vent here first, as the Shark Pool is a dedicated fan-base that has followed the Vick situation closely and generally shown themselves to be people of character.

I recognize that examples of overt leniency have existed under previous commissioners, just as they have under many elite level NCAA athletic directors, but Commissioner Goodell has thus far shown himself to be consistent in demonstrating that he will not tolerate behavior that damages the reputation of the league, its teams and players. I used to think anything goes, just put the best players on the field. Unfortunately, that is a short-sighted view owing to the power of these athletes to modify the developing value system of children, adolescents and young adults.

I understand this is the "first offense" for Michael Vick, but given the long-standing involvement (2001- 2007 if I recall correctly from the indictment) and the nature of the offenses, along with the affiliation with gambling, I believe that Michael Vick should be banned from the NFL Hall of Fame and that whatever suspension the NFL is able to pass should not run concurrent with his imprisonment, but be delayed until he is freed. Otherwise, he effectively has no suspension.

I would appreciate feedback from the group after reading the Freeman article. Perhaps I am just getting fed up with th sensationalism of the press who have nothing to add to a story but need to fill the 900 word article assignment prior to a deadline.

Here is the link again

Thanks in advance.

 
:shock:

What's so offensive about him saying if/when Vick comes back he'll get another chance?

His humor is lousy and in poor taste but lousy comedy shouldn't be crime. If it is we'll have to lock up most of the posters from the FFA.

 
How about we post the whole article and let people judge things for themselves.

There is no gender connotation to this word; it is not meant to be derogatory toward women. It is used by the general manager in this simple context: teams will do anything -- anything -- for talent. To win. Advertisement Some foolhardy, daredevil coach or general manager, an organization willing to stand toe-to-toe with the hypocrites and phonies from PETA, will roll tape of previous moves and gyrations of the athletic Vick and say: "Get his agent on the phone. Stat. Oh, and order some extra security for his tryout." Not even Roger Goodell's just crusade against the perps in his league will stop a Vick comeback. As fast as you can say NFL teams would sell their souls for a good pass rusher, Vick will be back. He'll go to prison, work out with the fellas in the yard -- maybe play some ball with Burt Reynolds and the Mean Machine -- do some pushups in his 4 by 6 cell, channel some Tupac, toss in a few pull-ups and then emerge fit and ready to go. Oh, there will be an NFL suspension, or maybe a stint or two with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, but Vick is strong enough to outlast our attention-deficit disorder society and valuable enough of a commodity to attract NFL teams post-orange jumpsuit. Several NFL sources said they doubt the commissioner will issue a lifetime ban against Vick. It will probably be a suspension of one year, the sources said. To be truthful, it wouldn't be fair to permanently ban Vick. If Vick goes to prison, serves his time, pays his debt, he should be allowed to come back to football. Remember, this is a league that has employed murder suspects, players that have killed people while driving drunk, chronic women beaters, gun runners, drug dealers, former gang members, and all kinds of creeps and cretins, swine and smut-like -- all in the name of talent. This is how it will go. When Vick leaves the comfortable hospitality of the federal prison system, he will hire the best PR firm on the planet. They will give him force-field protection from his critics, sway those on the fence and virtually fellate his supporters. He'll sit down with some sympathetic, non-probing marshmallow soft interviewer and Vick will gush and cry and say he has paid his debt to society. It'll be a moment that would make Oprah look like Mike Wallace. A team like, say, the Oakland Raiders will sign Vick and say he paid his debt to society (you'll hear that phrase a lot when he gets out of prison). He'll do a one-time press conference then melt away behind the protection of teammates and bodyguards. Then whatever team Vick plays for he'll lead them to the postseason and his comeback will be complete. The only thing that will be missing is Vick's search for the real killer. Remember something: Vick is only 27-years-old. Just 27. It is true that much of Vick's game was built on a foundation of young, strong legs and as he gets older, those legs become more brittle. No question. Yet Vick is such a superb athlete that there is still plenty of run in those feet. So Vick will be back. Because the 'hos in the NFL can't help themselves.
 
How about we post the whole article and let people judge things for themselves.

There is no gender connotation to this word; it is not meant to be derogatory toward women. It is used by the general manager in this simple context: teams will do anything -- anything -- for talent. To win. Advertisement Some foolhardy, daredevil coach or general manager, an organization willing to stand toe-to-toe with the hypocrites and phonies from PETA, will roll tape of previous moves and gyrations of the athletic Vick and say: "Get his agent on the phone. Stat. Oh, and order some extra security for his tryout." Not even Roger Goodell's just crusade against the perps in his league will stop a Vick comeback. As fast as you can say NFL teams would sell their souls for a good pass rusher, Vick will be back. He'll go to prison, work out with the fellas in the yard -- maybe play some ball with Burt Reynolds and the Mean Machine -- do some pushups in his 4 by 6 cell, channel some Tupac, toss in a few pull-ups and then emerge fit and ready to go. Oh, there will be an NFL suspension, or maybe a stint or two with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, but Vick is strong enough to outlast our attention-deficit disorder society and valuable enough of a commodity to attract NFL teams post-orange jumpsuit. Several NFL sources said they doubt the commissioner will issue a lifetime ban against Vick. It will probably be a suspension of one year, the sources said. To be truthful, it wouldn't be fair to permanently ban Vick. If Vick goes to prison, serves his time, pays his debt, he should be allowed to come back to football. Remember, this is a league that has employed murder suspects, players that have killed people while driving drunk, chronic women beaters, gun runners, drug dealers, former gang members, and all kinds of creeps and cretins, swine and smut-like -- all in the name of talent. This is how it will go. When Vick leaves the comfortable hospitality of the federal prison system, he will hire the best PR firm on the planet. They will give him force-field protection from his critics, sway those on the fence and virtually fellate his supporters. He'll sit down with some sympathetic, non-probing marshmallow soft interviewer and Vick will gush and cry and say he has paid his debt to society. It'll be a moment that would make Oprah look like Mike Wallace. A team like, say, the Oakland Raiders will sign Vick and say he paid his debt to society (you'll hear that phrase a lot when he gets out of prison). He'll do a one-time press conference then melt away behind the protection of teammates and bodyguards. Then whatever team Vick plays for he'll lead them to the postseason and his comeback will be complete. The only thing that will be missing is Vick's search for the real killer. Remember something: Vick is only 27-years-old. Just 27. It is true that much of Vick's game was built on a foundation of young, strong legs and as he gets older, those legs become more brittle. No question. Yet Vick is such a superb athlete that there is still plenty of run in those feet. So Vick will be back. Because the 'hos in the NFL can't help themselves.
You're missing the first half of the article.
 
Freeman then goes on to claim that he received the following quote from an unidentified NFL GM ...
It just occured to me ... that "unidentified NFL GM" could be Ron Wolf, even though he's out of football.
 
I read this article and was left with an immediate impression of disgust for the person of Mike Freeman. I have commented upon the Michael Vick situation in this forum and now that he has accepted a plea bargain (acknowledging guilt to avoid potentially harsher charges/sentencing), it is clear that his actions were at least as heinous as reported in the federal indictment.

Freeman article

Dogs are animals, yes, but the behavior of an individual towards animals, other than game animals, is often indicative of their behavior towards other vulnerable populations. Cruelty towards animals is closely linked to other violent crimes and is a red flag in the field of forensic psychology. Vick did not just chain a dog outdoors or neglect to feed it/them, he systematically abuse, tortured and programmed these dogs for violence. Those who did not pass his muster were killed in a cruel fashion.

Freeman, of CBSSportsline.com, chose to make light of the situation and his repugnant attempts at humor suggest that the offenses are frivolous and laughable, opening with, "So, it's over. Alleged puppy abuser and PETA Hall of Famer Michael "The Dog Whisperer" Vick is headed to the hoosegow, making it safe again for canines across the globe. Pit bulls everywhere are taking a bite out of someone's ### in celebration. "

Freeman then goes on to claim that he received the following quote from an unidentified NFL GM, "If he goes to prison, time will pass," said the general manager, who spoke before news of a potential Vick plea agreement and asked not to be identified, claiming the NFL has asked current team officials not to publicly comment on the Vick case. "Months or years will pass, if he does go to jail. If he went to jail, and then left prison down the road, he'd still be relatively young, and there'd be a line of 15 to 20 teams waiting to sign him. Trust me on that. Teams are going to say, 'F--- PETA. F--- the bad pub. This guy is one of the most talented players of the last 10 years. I'll take my chances.'

"Teams may say one thing publicly. But if he gets out of jail, we'll all be looking at Vick hard. We're all whores in football. You know the saying. We'd sign an ax murderer if he has ability. He'll be back. He won't be back in Atlanta probably but he'll be back in professional football. You can count on it."

Unless Freeman is extremely close to an NFL GM and has earned his complete trust, I am highly suprised at the comment. I have interviewed many a person and have not received such a colorful and inflammatory comment in response to a media question, even from people I have long-known as friends or colleagues. Sitting on the back porch while drinking some Bud Lights, maybe, but never in response to a media question, regardless of the condition of anonymity.

Freeman's column turns upon the ownership, staff and management of the NFL franchises, despising them as "'hos". Freeman contends that Vick will vacation in a federal Club Fed prison, buffing himself on taxpayer dollars and performing on the Prime Time news circuit while high-priced PR agents pull the puppet strings of American opinion. After all, contends Freeman, the NFL regularly employs thugs of all variety and degree (not phrased so eloquently).

I am of a mind to write to CBSSportsline.com to let them know of my opinion of this piece but thought I would vent here first, as the Shark Pool is a dedicated fan-base that has followed the Vick situation closely and generally shown themselves to be people of character.

I recognize that examples of overt leniency have existed under previous commissioners, just as they have under many elite level NCAA athletic directors, but Commissioner Goodell has thus far shown himself to be consistent in demonstrating that he will not tolerate behavior that damages the reputation of the league, its teams and players. I used to think anything goes, just put the best players on the field. Unfortunately, that is a short-sighted view owing to the power of these athletes to modify the developing value system of children, adolescents and young adults.

I understand this is the "first offense" for Michael Vick, but given the long-standing involvement (2001- 2007 if I recall correctly from the indictment) and the nature of the offenses, along with the affiliation with gambling, I believe that Michael Vick should be banned from the NFL Hall of Fame and that whatever suspension the NFL is able to pass should not run concurrent with his imprisonment, but be delayed until he is freed. Otherwise, he effectively has no suspension.

I would appreciate feedback from the group after reading the Freeman article. Perhaps I am just getting fed up with th sensationalism of the press who have nothing to add to a story but need to fill the 900 word article assignment prior to a deadline.

Here is the link again

Thanks in advance.
Wow, that was truly a hateful column. All NFL GMs are (actually the term used in the column, not mine) 'hos, according to this guy. The sport is populated with criminals, evidently (If we are to believe Freeman). I guess he missed out on Walter Payton's and Warrick Dunn's activities over the years (to name just 2 of the more visible, admirable NFL players out there past and present). Rhetorically, it seems to me he is trying to transfer blame away from Vick onto the league, PETA, doglovers in general, PR firms and corporations (Nike, etc) for this situation. I'm not buying it at all. Arthur Blank is known in the Atlanta area for his support of the Humane Society, and is a dog owner himself. I believe that he did not know about the dogfighting hobby of Vick - after all, it is by all accounts a pretty secretive, shadowy world (being an illegal enterprise it has to be). Now, we can ask why the Falcons didn't get wind of it sooner - but that's an entirely different discussion.

I don't think Freeman is a football fan. He has a major axe to grind here, IMO.

 
Wow, I'm not having a good day with this whole posting articles thing.The first half:

So, it's over. Alleged puppy abuser and PETA Hall of Famer Michael "The Dog Whisperer" Vick is headed to the hoosegow, making it safe again for canines across the globe. Pit bulls everywhere are taking a bite out of someone's ### in celebration. Advertisement In all seriousness, the Vick plea makes this one of the sadder and darker moments in NFL history. One of the league's marquee players is headed to prison for a terrible crime. He deserved to go to prison if what he is accused of is accurate, and apparently it is because I don't know about you, but I'm not pleading guilty to a crime I did not commit. So though Vick got what he deserved, the NFL and Atlanta Falcons also take a major hit as one of their own are again making the wrong kind of headlines. Vick was the face of Atlanta and in some ways the face of the NFL. Vick's reputation is forever tainted but if you think Vick will never wear an NFL uniform again please read carefully the following words from an NFL general manager. They will end up being prophetic. "If he goes to prison, time will pass," said the general manager, who spoke before news of a potential Vick plea agreement and asked not to be identified, claiming the NFL has asked current team officials not to publicly comment on the Vick case. "Months or years will pass, if he does go to jail. If he went to jail, and then left prison down the road, he'd still be relatively young, and there'd be a line of 15 to 20 teams waiting to sign him. Trust me on that. Teams are going to say, 'F--- PETA. F--- the bad pub. This guy is one of the most talented players of the last 10 years. I'll take my chances.' "Teams may say one thing publicly. But if he gets out of jail, we'll all be looking at Vick hard. We're all whores in football. You know the saying. We'd sign an ax murderer if he has ability. He'll be back. He won't be back in Atlanta probably but he'll be back in professional football. You can count on it." The general manager also stated he believes that Vick will return as a running back. And this is the biggest point emerging from this mess: We have not heard the last of Michael Vick. Not by a long shot. Because Americans love a comeback even more than we love our dogs. His career in Atlanta is indeed over. Vick will not be a Falcon again. Not just because of the animal cruelty case but because the Michael Vick Experiment was coming to an end anyway. The owner, coaches and teammates were all starting to tire of Vick's various episodes. His welcome on that team was slowly but certainly eroding and anyone who doubts that is a fool. Before Vick was running dog fighting enterprises, he was already a polarizing figure in Atlanta. No, he won't be a Falcon, but he will be an NFL player again for the exact reason the general manager stated: the sport is run by 'hos. Yes, that's a football word: 'ho.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
How about we post the whole article and let people judge things for themselves.

There is no gender connotation to this word; it is not meant to be derogatory toward women. It is used by the general manager in this simple context: teams will do anything -- anything -- for talent. To win.

Advertisement

Some foolhardy, daredevil coach or general manager, an organization willing to stand toe-to-toe with the hypocrites and phonies from PETA, will roll tape of previous moves and gyrations of the athletic Vick and say: "Get his agent on the phone. Stat. Oh, and order some extra security for his tryout."

Not even Roger Goodell's just crusade against the perps in his league will stop a Vick comeback. As fast as you can say NFL teams would sell their souls for a good pass rusher, Vick will be back.

He'll go to prison, work out with the fellas in the yard -- maybe play some ball with Burt Reynolds and the Mean Machine -- do some pushups in his 4 by 6 cell, channel some Tupac, toss in a few pull-ups and then emerge fit and ready to go.

Oh, there will be an NFL suspension, or maybe a stint or two with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, but Vick is strong enough to outlast our attention-deficit disorder society and valuable enough of a commodity to attract NFL teams post-orange jumpsuit.

Several NFL sources said they doubt the commissioner will issue a lifetime ban against Vick. It will probably be a suspension of one year, the sources said. To be truthful, it wouldn't be fair to permanently ban Vick. If Vick goes to prison, serves his time, pays his debt, he should be allowed to come back to football.

Remember, this is a league that has employed murder suspects, players that have killed people while driving drunk, chronic women beaters, gun runners, drug dealers, former gang members, and all kinds of creeps and cretins, swine and smut-like -- all in the name of talent.

This is how it will go. When Vick leaves the comfortable hospitality of the federal prison system, he will hire the best PR firm on the planet. They will give him force-field protection from his critics, sway those on the fence and virtually fellate his supporters.

He'll sit down with some sympathetic, non-probing marshmallow soft interviewer and Vick will gush and cry and say he has paid his debt to society. It'll be a moment that would make Oprah look like Mike Wallace.

A team like, say, the Oakland Raiders will sign Vick and say he paid his debt to society (you'll hear that phrase a lot when he gets out of prison). He'll do a one-time press conference then melt away behind the protection of teammates and bodyguards.

Then whatever team Vick plays for he'll lead them to the postseason and his comeback will be complete. The only thing that will be missing is Vick's search for the real killer.

Remember something: Vick is only 27-years-old. Just 27.

It is true that much of Vick's game was built on a foundation of young, strong legs and as he gets older, those legs become more brittle. No question. Yet Vick is such a superb athlete that there is still plenty of run in those feet.

So Vick will be back. Because the 'hos in the NFL can't help themselves.
That's just the 2nd page (where the OP link led). The rest is:
So, it's over. Alleged puppy abuser and PETA Hall of Famer Michael "The Dog Whisperer" Vick is headed to the hoosegow, making it safe again for canines across the globe. Pit bulls everywhere are taking a bite out of someone's ### in celebration.

Advertisement

In all seriousness, the Vick plea makes this one of the sadder and darker moments in NFL history. One of the league's marquee players is headed to prison for a terrible crime. He deserved to go to prison if what he is accused of is accurate, and apparently it is because I don't know about you, but I'm not pleading guilty to a crime I did not commit.

So though Vick got what he deserved, the NFL and Atlanta Falcons also take a major hit as one of their own are again making the wrong kind of headlines. Vick was the face of Atlanta and in some ways the face of the NFL.

Vick's reputation is forever tainted but if you think Vick will never wear an NFL uniform again please read carefully the following words from an NFL general manager. They will end up being prophetic.

"If he goes to prison, time will pass," said the general manager, who spoke before news of a potential Vick plea agreement and asked not to be identified, claiming the NFL has asked current team officials not to publicly comment on the Vick case. "Months or years will pass, if he does go to jail. If he went to jail, and then left prison down the road, he'd still be relatively young, and there'd be a line of 15 to 20 teams waiting to sign him. Trust me on that. Teams are going to say, 'F--- PETA. F--- the bad pub. This guy is one of the most talented players of the last 10 years. I'll take my chances.'

"Teams may say one thing publicly. But if he gets out of jail, we'll all be looking at Vick hard. We're all whores in football. You know the saying. We'd sign an ax murderer if he has ability. He'll be back. He won't be back in Atlanta probably but he'll be back in professional football. You can count on it."

The general manager also stated he believes that Vick will return as a running back.

And this is the biggest point emerging from this mess: We have not heard the last of Michael Vick. Not by a long shot.

Because Americans love a comeback even more than we love our dogs.

His career in Atlanta is indeed over. Vick will not be a Falcon again. Not just because of the animal cruelty case but because the Michael Vick Experiment was coming to an end anyway. The owner, coaches and teammates were all starting to tire of Vick's various episodes. His welcome on that team was slowly but certainly eroding and anyone who doubts that is a fool.

Before Vick was running dog fighting enterprises, he was already a polarizing figure in Atlanta.

No, he won't be a Falcon, but he will be an NFL player again for the exact reason the general manager stated: the sport is run by 'hos.

Yes, that's a football word: 'ho.
LinkSeems to me the bolded part recognizes the seriousness of the offense and makes it clear the first paragraph was an attmpt at sarcasm. The rest is probably accurate--think Al Davis or somebody else won't give him a second chance?

 
I read this article and was left with an immediate impression of disgust for the person of Mike Freeman. I have commented upon the Michael Vick situation in this forum and now that he has accepted a plea bargain (acknowledging guilt to avoid potentially harsher charges/sentencing), it is clear that his actions were at least as heinous as reported in the federal indictment.

Freeman article

Dogs are animals, yes, but the behavior of an individual towards animals, other than game animals, is often indicative of their behavior towards other vulnerable populations. Cruelty towards animals is closely linked to other violent crimes and is a red flag in the field of forensic psychology. Vick did not just chain a dog outdoors or neglect to feed it/them, he systematically abuse, tortured and programmed these dogs for violence. Those who did not pass his muster were killed in a cruel fashion.

Freeman, of CBSSportsline.com, chose to make light of the situation and his repugnant attempts at humor suggest that the offenses are frivolous and laughable, opening with, "So, it's over. Alleged puppy abuser and PETA Hall of Famer Michael "The Dog Whisperer" Vick is headed to the hoosegow, making it safe again for canines across the globe. Pit bulls everywhere are taking a bite out of someone's ### in celebration. "

Freeman then goes on to claim that he received the following quote from an unidentified NFL GM, "If he goes to prison, time will pass," said the general manager, who spoke before news of a potential Vick plea agreement and asked not to be identified, claiming the NFL has asked current team officials not to publicly comment on the Vick case. "Months or years will pass, if he does go to jail. If he went to jail, and then left prison down the road, he'd still be relatively young, and there'd be a line of 15 to 20 teams waiting to sign him. Trust me on that. Teams are going to say, 'F--- PETA. F--- the bad pub. This guy is one of the most talented players of the last 10 years. I'll take my chances.'

"Teams may say one thing publicly. But if he gets out of jail, we'll all be looking at Vick hard. We're all whores in football. You know the saying. We'd sign an ax murderer if he has ability. He'll be back. He won't be back in Atlanta probably but he'll be back in professional football. You can count on it."

Unless Freeman is extremely close to an NFL GM and has earned his complete trust, I am highly suprised at the comment. I have interviewed many a person and have not received such a colorful and inflammatory comment in response to a media question, even from people I have long-known as friends or colleagues. Sitting on the back porch while drinking some Bud Lights, maybe, but never in response to a media question, regardless of the condition of anonymity.

Freeman's column turns upon the ownership, staff and management of the NFL franchises, despising them as "'hos". Freeman contends that Vick will vacation in a federal Club Fed prison, buffing himself on taxpayer dollars and performing on the Prime Time news circuit while high-priced PR agents pull the puppet strings of American opinion. After all, contends Freeman, the NFL regularly employs thugs of all variety and degree (not phrased so eloquently).

I am of a mind to write to CBSSportsline.com to let them know of my opinion of this piece but thought I would vent here first, as the Shark Pool is a dedicated fan-base that has followed the Vick situation closely and generally shown themselves to be people of character.

I recognize that examples of overt leniency have existed under previous commissioners, just as they have under many elite level NCAA athletic directors, but Commissioner Goodell has thus far shown himself to be consistent in demonstrating that he will not tolerate behavior that damages the reputation of the league, its teams and players. I used to think anything goes, just put the best players on the field. Unfortunately, that is a short-sighted view owing to the power of these athletes to modify the developing value system of children, adolescents and young adults.

I understand this is the "first offense" for Michael Vick, but given the long-standing involvement (2001- 2007 if I recall correctly from the indictment) and the nature of the offenses, along with the affiliation with gambling, I believe that Michael Vick should be banned from the NFL Hall of Fame and that whatever suspension the NFL is able to pass should not run concurrent with his imprisonment, but be delayed until he is freed. Otherwise, he effectively has no suspension.

I would appreciate feedback from the group after reading the Freeman article. Perhaps I am just getting fed up with th sensationalism of the press who have nothing to add to a story but need to fill the 900 word article assignment prior to a deadline.

Here is the link again

Thanks in advance.
NO WAY a GM gave that quote in this environment - anonymous or otherwise. Maybe to one of their close GM buddies behind locked doors, but to a member of the media?? Give me a break. I actually e-mailed Freeman(link under his heading) and told him to start on the next Harry Potter rip off because he's obviously a better fiction writer.
 
I didn't post the article since it is copyrighted and was uncertain of JB and DD's policy on doing so. Look at what Freeman claims the unidentified NFL GM states and consider the impact of such an attitude on the decision-making process of other athletes and the people that wish to emulate them. Consider the levity he attempts to insert into the situation.

Is this funny? Did Vick do something cute and now he is caught with his hand in the cookie jar? Was he an underpaid, underemployed person who needed to validate his position in society through aggression and dominance?

Failing to place the severity of this lifestyle and the individual acts in perspective runs the risk of setting a dangerous precedent for many people who follow celebrities and model their actions after the public personna.

Having a career in the NFL is analogous to winning the lottery but the lottery is not granted by chance, it is earned by performing to the expectations of the league, team and fan base. I don't want to see the next expansion teams be the Anaheim Hell's Angels, the East LA MS-13, the Montana Freemen, the Selma Aryan Nation and the transnational Bloods.

If the field of competition is so sacred that hundreds of thousands, if not millions are spent each year on drug testing, cadres of officials referee every play, etc, then why is it too much to ask that those blessed enough to play/work in the NFL are not held to a higher standard? Or at least the lowest standard of not participating in felonious criminal activity?

Watch somebody beat another person severely, watch someone beat another to death. Consider the nature of the person involved. If you need to see why it is such a big deal, call your local teaching hospital or county medical examiner and ask if you can view the next several forensic autopsies. Go to a dog-fight and ask to kill the next dog that fails training if it is such a trivial laughing matter.

I withheld the strongest of my opinions and even gave Vick some slack believing this was a cultural practice in the socio-economic strata he was raised in (an assumption, I have no idea). Now, that he has plead, it is time to assign guilt to Vick and take away his privilege to attain the fame and fortune that should only go to the deserving. He has lost his right to vote, is no longer a suitable candidate for many jobs, due to his conviction. Unless he is pardoned, there is no place for him in the NFL, now or in the future.

 
I didn't post the article since it is copyrighted and was uncertain of JB and DD's policy on doing so. Look at what Freeman claims the unidentified NFL GM states and consider the impact of such an attitude on the decision-making process of other athletes and the people that wish to emulate them. Consider the levity he attempts to insert into the situation.Is this funny? Did Vick do something cute and now he is caught with his hand in the cookie jar? Was he an underpaid, underemployed person who needed to validate his position in society through aggression and dominance?Failing to place the severity of this lifestyle and the individual acts in perspective runs the risk of setting a dangerous precedent for many people who follow celebrities and model their actions after the public personna. Having a career in the NFL is analogous to winning the lottery but the lottery is not granted by chance, it is earned by performing to the expectations of the league, team and fan base. I don't want to see the next expansion teams be the Anaheim Hell's Angels, the East LA MS-13, the Montana Freemen, the Selma Aryan Nation and the transnational Bloods.
Are you serious? There have been plenty of bad (worse) dudes in the NFL before Vick and there's going to be a lot more.
 
I didn't post the article since it is copyrighted and was uncertain of JB and DD's policy on doing so. Look at what Freeman claims the unidentified NFL GM states and consider the impact of such an attitude on the decision-making process of other athletes and the people that wish to emulate them. Consider the levity he attempts to insert into the situation.

Is this funny? Did Vick do something cute and now he is caught with his hand in the cookie jar? Was he an underpaid, underemployed person who needed to validate his position in society through aggression and dominance?

Failing to place the severity of this lifestyle and the individual acts in perspective runs the risk of setting a dangerous precedent for many people who follow celebrities and model their actions after the public personna.

Having a career in the NFL is analogous to winning the lottery but the lottery is not granted by chance, it is earned by performing to the expectations of the league, team and fan base. I don't want to see the next expansion teams be the Anaheim Hell's Angels, the East LA MS-13, the Montana Freemen, the Selma Aryan Nation and the transnational Bloods.

If the field of competition is so sacred that hundreds of thousands, if not millions are spent each year on drug testing, cadres of officials referee every play, etc, then why is it too much to ask that those blessed enough to play/work in the NFL are not held to a higher standard? Or at least the lowest standard of not participating in felonious criminal activity?

Watch somebody beat another person severely, watch someone beat another to death. Consider the nature of the person involved. If you need to see why it is such a big deal, call your local teaching hospital or county medical examiner and ask if you can view the next several forensic autopsies. Go to a dog-fight and ask to kill the next dog that fails training if it is such a trivial laughing matter.

I withheld the strongest of my opinions and even gave Vick some slack believing this was a cultural practice in the socio-economic strata he was raised in (an assumption, I have no idea). Now, that he has plead, it is time to assign guilt to Vick and take away his privilege to attain the fame and fortune that should only go to the deserving. He has lost his right to vote, is no longer a suitable candidate for many jobs, due to his conviction. Unless he is pardoned, there is no place for him in the NFL, now or in the future.
As you mentioned, there are players in the NFL that do a fair amount of charity work. As the article points out, there are many thugs in the NFL as well. Are you demanding that Randy McMichael be banned from the league? Should Droughns be kicked off the Giants? How about Pittman-should Tampa Bay tell him to pack his bags?What Vick did is nothing to be admired. It is, however, incredibly disgusting to see people calling for his head because he killed some dogs while these same people IGNORE players that beat up on their wives/girlfriends/etc. What is wrong with our society that we don't get outraged over spousal abuse? Where are the threads anytime a player does that? Where are the fans and groups of people screaming for these players to be cut from their teams?

 
He could have phrased it better, but he's right. The NFL has plenty of thugs for players, Vick will get out of jail, someone will sign him, he'll be the feel good hit of the season, and people here will draft him for their FF squad. Sometimes the truth is distasteful.

 
I think the most distressing aspect of this article is the writing itself.

It is hard to believe the words "###", "fellas", and "ho's" belong in a piece of serious journalism. We're not talking about some kid's football blog. This guy is a national columnist for CBS Sports? I love to know what his credentials are. It is really sad to see the standards slip so far in the profession. :goodposting:

 
Once he pays the debt required by our legal system his is and should be free to pursue whatever profession (other than president that is reserved for white collar criminals) he chooses. PETA and anyone else should extend the same latitude and compassion they offer their pets to a fellow human being.

 
Once he pays the debt required by our legal system his is and should be free to pursue whatever profession (other than president that is reserved for white collar criminals) he chooses. PETA and anyone else should extend the same latitude and compassion they offer their pets to a fellow human being.
Which unfortunately is a complete joke nowadays... Damn courts screw everything up
 
What Vick did is nothing to be admired. It is, however, incredibly disgusting to see people calling for his head because he killed some dogs while these same people IGNORE players that beat up on their wives/girlfriends/etc. What is wrong with our society that we don't get outraged over spousal abuse?
Seriously? Because spouses can, 99 times out of a 100, leave of their own volition once the battery starts. The dogs can't.And again ... because society didn't come down on a spouse-abuser in the past, it can't now come down on Michael Vick? Can't things ever change, or does society have to keep making the same mistakes over and over? Making a stand here makes it easier to come down harder on spouse-abusers in the future. The wall of athlete invulnerability to criminal penalties has been breached.
 
Doug B said:
And again ... because society didn't come down on a spouse-abuser in the past, it can't now come down on Michael Vick? Can't things ever change, or does society have to keep making the same mistakes over and over? Making a stand here makes it easier to come down harder on spouse-abusers in the future. The wall of athlete invulnerability to criminal penalties has been breached.
I agree that the NFL under Goodell's leadership does appear to be different than the NFL under Tagliabue's (and other prior commishes) leadership - we'll see how far Goodell is willing to go sanction wise. This is a litmus test for his willpower re: cleaning up the league.
 
I agree that we should wait to see what the courts and Goodell due before passing too much judgment and then applaud Goodell if he comes down hard. Our society, and namely the sports world, needs a conscience and only the pocketbook of society is likely to provide it. On a side note, in light that it was only 8 dogs that Vick killed, look at the damning light it put upon a heinous industry and the number of dogs that might now be spared from such future endeavors. Perhaps we should be appreciative of Vick for having brought such median damnation to the world of dogfighting.

On a side note, I really would like to see how much money this costs him in the long run, and in comparison to other f-ups like Tyson, PacMan, etc.

 
faulkfan said:
Once he pays the debt required by our legal system his is and should be free to pursue whatever profession (other than president that is reserved for white collar criminals) he chooses. PETA and anyone else should extend the same latitude and compassion they offer their pets to a fellow human being.
Convicted felons are denied work opportunities all of the time.
 
Gr00vus said:
He could have phrased it better, but he's right. The NFL has plenty of thugs for players, Vick will get out of jail, someone will sign him, he'll be the feel good hit of the season, and people here will draft him for their FF squad. Sometimes the truth is distasteful.
Umm...you're outstandingly wrong here. No way in hell he ever plays another down in the NFL again.
 
Gr00vus said:
He could have phrased it better, but he's right. The NFL has plenty of thugs for players, Vick will get out of jail, someone will sign him, he'll be the feel good hit of the season, and people here will draft him for their FF squad. Sometimes the truth is distasteful.
Umm...you're outstandingly wrong here. No way in hell he ever plays another down in the NFL again.
:goodposting: Give me the list of players who've been banned for life from playing in the NFL. Go ahead, I'll wait.
 
AnonymousBob said:
RedZone said:
I didn't post the article since it is copyrighted and was uncertain of JB and DD's policy on doing so. Look at what Freeman claims the unidentified NFL GM states and consider the impact of such an attitude on the decision-making process of other athletes and the people that wish to emulate them. Consider the levity he attempts to insert into the situation.

Is this funny? Did Vick do something cute and now he is caught with his hand in the cookie jar? Was he an underpaid, underemployed person who needed to validate his position in society through aggression and dominance?

Failing to place the severity of this lifestyle and the individual acts in perspective runs the risk of setting a dangerous precedent for many people who follow celebrities and model their actions after the public personna.

Having a career in the NFL is analogous to winning the lottery but the lottery is not granted by chance, it is earned by performing to the expectations of the league, team and fan base. I don't want to see the next expansion teams be the Anaheim Hell's Angels, the East LA MS-13, the Montana Freemen, the Selma Aryan Nation and the transnational Bloods.

If the field of competition is so sacred that hundreds of thousands, if not millions are spent each year on drug testing, cadres of officials referee every play, etc, then why is it too much to ask that those blessed enough to play/work in the NFL are not held to a higher standard? Or at least the lowest standard of not participating in felonious criminal activity?

Watch somebody beat another person severely, watch someone beat another to death. Consider the nature of the person involved. If you need to see why it is such a big deal, call your local teaching hospital or county medical examiner and ask if you can view the next several forensic autopsies. Go to a dog-fight and ask to kill the next dog that fails training if it is such a trivial laughing matter.

I withheld the strongest of my opinions and even gave Vick some slack believing this was a cultural practice in the socio-economic strata he was raised in (an assumption, I have no idea). Now, that he has plead, it is time to assign guilt to Vick and take away his privilege to attain the fame and fortune that should only go to the deserving. He has lost his right to vote, is no longer a suitable candidate for many jobs, due to his conviction. Unless he is pardoned, there is no place for him in the NFL, now or in the future.
As you mentioned, there are players in the NFL that do a fair amount of charity work. As the article points out, there are many thugs in the NFL as well. Are you demanding that Randy McMichael be banned from the league? Should Droughns be kicked off the Giants? How about Pittman-should Tampa Bay tell him to pack his bags?What Vick did is nothing to be admired. It is, however, incredibly disgusting to see people calling for his head because he killed some dogs while these same people IGNORE players that beat up on their wives/girlfriends/etc. What is wrong with our society that we don't get outraged over spousal abuse? Where are the threads anytime a player does that? Where are the fans and groups of people screaming for these players to be cut from their teams?
while I agree about the spousal abuse thing, dude, c'mon on, he hung,electrocuted, drowned, tortured helpless,defenseless half-dead dogs..its not like he ran into a kennel and grabbed a healthy dog, he tortured and killed ones that lost dog fights, that we're dying , bleeding to death, they were completely defenseless..what hes done is despicable.the reason why there is such an backlash at him is because of the 24 million dog owners in America, and the fact that even the majority of the most notorious, hardened criminals, and the general public alike, don't like to hear about others abusing children or animals.

and, we wouldnt be hating on Vick, had he not lied about his involvement in this case, only to turn around and plead guilty...

he's a coward,a punk,a thug, and a scumbag. he will never play in the nfl again, no team will EVER sign a guy who pleads guilty to this type of act. just my $0.2 , but he's dead as a doornail as I see it..

no one knew that people were out there, killing,executing,drowning dogs, so maybe thats another reason why everyone is more upset over this, than spousal abuse..

but worse than spousal abuse, is the fact that a scumbag like Leonard Little can get back into the NFL after killing a woman while he was drunk driving one night..that's more despicable than a lot of other things that have happened in the NFL..

lets see Mike Vick earn some money without football. he didn't get any good grades in college, he's just a $%*#!@ idiot who can throw the ball 90 yards. Now lets see him become a working stiff like the rest of us, that is, if someone,anyone , will give him a job after this debacle..

and, how Nate Newton gets caught with what, 200+ lbs of pot and does little jail time, is a disgrace..

you can make little of the situation all u want by saying its 'dogs' not humans, bla bla bla....the fact is, only a dimented,wharped,pyscho mind goes out and kills helpless animals, not once or twice, but over and over and over again. Vick isn't sorry for what he did, man, he's sorry that he got caught, because you dam well know,he'd still be doing it today..

24 million dog owners,like me, are fuming over this whole thing. Its the reason that PETA and the Humane Society will never let him live this down.

to be honest, I don't really care about spousal abuse as much as this, an abused woman or husband can just get up and leave at any time to get away from the abuse, but seldom do they leave. thats not my problem, they chose NOT to leave..they're human,they can make decisions for themselves..

the dogs had no choice, they were chained or kept within fenced-in yards.they had no chance at escape. no chance to defend themselves.

 
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Well I guess that killing dogs and fighting them are worse than killing a defenceless human being!

Where was the outrage and media coverage when Little killed Susan Gutweiler, 47, of Oakville, on Oct. 19, 1998. She did not have a chance to avoid what happened.

You can spin it any way you want neither are good, but for people that think Vick will not be back in the NFL due to dogfighting are way off base. He will do his time he will try to make good with the media and he will return to the NFL as long as he shows that he is sorry and can stay out of trouble.

 
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Gr00vus said:
He could have phrased it better, but he's right. The NFL has plenty of thugs for players, Vick will get out of jail, someone will sign him, he'll be the feel good hit of the season, and people here will draft him for their FF squad. Sometimes the truth is distasteful.
Umm...you're outstandingly wrong here. No way in hell he ever plays another down in the NFL again.
:thumbdown: Give me the list of players who've been banned for life from playing in the NFL. Go ahead, I'll wait.
How many players have pled guilty to a felony while under threat of having federal gambling charges brought against them while Goodell was the commissioner. Go ahead, we'll wait.Edit: Oh yeah, after they lied right to Goodell's face and told him there was no truth to the charges.
 
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Gr00vus said:
He could have phrased it better, but he's right. The NFL has plenty of thugs for players, Vick will get out of jail, someone will sign him, he'll be the feel good hit of the season, and people here will draft him for their FF squad. Sometimes the truth is distasteful.
Umm...you're outstandingly wrong here. No way in hell he ever plays another down in the NFL again.
:confused: Give me the list of players who've been banned for life from playing in the NFL. Go ahead, I'll wait.
How many players have pled guilty to a felony while under threat of having federal gambling charges brought against them while Goodell was the commissioner. Go ahead, we'll wait.Edit: Oh yeah, after they lied right to Goodell's face and told him there was no truth to the charges.
Well this will be the first time that's happened won't it? Which is to say I'll put my zero up against yours considering some of the low lives the NFL hasn't banned (and continues to not ban) in the past.I'm not saying it's "right" but I'm pretty sure he'll be back. Time will tell.
 
el-gato-grande said:
I think the most distressing aspect of this article is the writing itself. It is hard to believe the words "###", "fellas", and "ho's" belong in a piece of serious journalism. We're not talking about some kid's football blog. This guy is a national columnist for CBS Sports? I love to know what his credentials are. It is really sad to see the standards slip so far in the profession. :confused:
The guy is a hack, he wrote an absolutely ridiculous and ignorant smear article about MMA a while back. He's also the guy who got fired from the Indianapolis Star for lying about having a degree from the University of Delaware. Good to see CBS hires only the best
 
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Lighten up, it's the first amendment. He didn't force you to read his story.
Not to mention he's not acting as a journalist. He's an opinion writer. His opinions suck. His humor sucks. But, it's not a question his journalistic integrity.
 
Gr00vus said:
He could have phrased it better, but he's right. The NFL has plenty of thugs for players, Vick will get out of jail, someone will sign him, he'll be the feel good hit of the season, and people here will draft him for their FF squad. Sometimes the truth is distasteful.
Umm...you're outstandingly wrong here. No way in hell he ever plays another down in the NFL again.
:shrug: Give me the list of players who've been banned for life from playing in the NFL. Go ahead, I'll wait.
How many players have pled guilty to a felony while under threat of having federal gambling charges brought against them while Goodell was the commissioner. Go ahead, we'll wait.Edit: Oh yeah, after they lied right to Goodell's face and told him there was no truth to the charges.
Sadly, the lying part is the worst of it for some people. If Al Davis is still around when Vick is able to come back, he'll be a Raider.

 

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