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.
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.