About This Grudge Folks Hold Against Michael Vick…
Michael Vick did a terrible thing. TERRIBLE. In 2007, he pleaded guilty to sponsoring a dogfighting ring, participating in many himself and being a part of the killing of dogs (pit bulls) by drowning or hanging. And he made money off this stuff. AWFUL stuff, really.
He was convicted, went to jail and paid fines. He has expressed remorse through public apologies, served time and lost his livelihood, and did community service. For all intents and purposes, he has paid his debt (legally). Dude don suffer, which is more than can be said for many terrible people who’ve done terrible things.
So…why won’t people let the dude live now?
Michael Vick has been signed to a deal with the New York Jets and there’s a Change.org petition going around right now demanding that he be banned from the practice field at SUNY Cortland. Talmbout “We MUST send the message that we won’t be party to the torture of animals by conveniently forgetting what he has done. If we welcome Vick onto our campus, we are complicit in his crimes.”
Get THEE entire hell outta here and please tuck in your petty!
It’s gon be 2050 and some white folk are STILL gon be mad at him. “Remember when he fought and killed them dogs?” There are genocides (of humans) going on in the world AS WE SPEAK that folks aren’t bothered about but y’all wanna still be mad about these dogs.
Let’s not even talk about the fact that there are athletes in the NFL who have been accused of raping multiple women and they’re still HUT HUTTING in peace. But THIS is the battle that folks wanna fight, though? Oh ok. (-___-)
There are a couple of obvious issues here: the criminalization of Black men and society’s inability to think they’re able to be rehabilitated. And two: the de-valuing of women and every one else who isn’t a white man, really. The fact that he can commit a crime against dogs and still can’t find forgiveness. But those other summagoats that raped women? IT’S COOL! YOU SAID SORRY! Or “It was their fault anyway!”
We’re not even gonna talk about how George Zimmerman is walking around after killing a Black boy AND THEN MAKING MAD MONIES FROM CELEBRITY APPEARANCES!!!! I AM SO FUCKING LIVID AND I HATE EVERYTHING!!! Maybe we shoulda have charged that bitch with killing dogs too. My feelings are so hurt.
UGH! So no, I don’t have time for this perpetual protest party on the Vick case. People need to cry them a river, build a bridge and get the hell over this. I got a couple of tweets from folks talmbout “WE CANNOT LET IT GO! Cruel is cruel.” And “This isn’t about race. It’s about what he DID.” Sit your dollar ass down before I make change!
How many athletes with super shoddy pasts are being constantly protested like this? How many celebrities are being reminded of their pasts like this? It’d be different if this was commonplace but I notice that when Black folks (men, especially) commit a crime (or are just accused of it), white people love playing “Never forget.”
Shit, remember the Twitter beef that happened because Jenny Johnson kept taunting Chris Brown? Or that fact that OJ Simpson was found innocent for his wife’s murder but they never let him forget either and the dude ended up in jail ANYWAY for stealing his own stuff. The absurdity of that is almost laughable. But does Charlie Sheen’s name come with auto-tweets about being a wife-beater multiple times over? NAH.
Not cool!
Folks revel in the criminalization of Black men and it’s so easy for us to throw them in jail and cuntpunt the key into Lake Michigan. That is a refusal to acknowledge their humanity and that makes US inhumane too. Folks are so concerned by the cruel treatment of dogs when we’re treating fellow PEOPLE like animals unworthy of justice.
People are outchea FOREVER butthurt. If that was the name of a store, some people would have whole closets with the tag “ForeverButthurt” on it. At this point, what folks want him to do is time travel to the past and delete delete delete what he did. And since science is being a haterbish and won’t give up the passcode for that, he isn’t able to.
Michael Vick is no martyr. He did something horrific but he did his time for the crime. But folks don’t want him to be employed or live in peace. Talk about disenfranchisement. It’s not fair. So I need folks to STFU and go occupy some seats.
P.S. Yes. This is about race. If you disagree, you are wrong.
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150 Comments
Luvvie, I agree with everything you said. Totally. People need to let go and let God. But, you’re wrong about one thing, Trayvon Martin’s murderer (I do not type his name ever) did NOT sell a painting of him. That was a fake story. And the pic was photoshopped.
Got it. But he is making money for “celebrity appearances.”
Or the fact that people are paying for Zimmerman’s autograph.
And STILL putting money in his Paypal account that him and his soon to be ex-wife tried to hide from the court.
Shaking hands at gun shows…A MUTHATRUCKIN’ GUN SHOW! I didn’t even comment on that on FB because I honestly thought it was a prank but nope. People stay butthurt all over the wrong things, and I totally agree with everything you wrote about people not giving a damb about humane treatment of their fellow people. I’m an animal lover (with the exception of snakes…ewww), but the man over did his time.
Or the “celebrity” boxing match that almost happened? I’m not even going to comment on the fact that DMX was going to participate in that dumbassery.
And irregardless (yeah I said it), picture sale or not, the fact is Zimmerman shot Trayvon down like a stray pit bull and somehow, even lying down next to his candy, Trayvon was GUILTY… of shit he said online in the past…and smoking weed. Guilty! In the hearts of too many Americans. Responsible for his own murder! Forever! I will not cry over this again.
For the millionth time, that just broke my soul.
girl.
I too now have eye sweat & am all up in my feelings. That’s something that’s gon have me Forever Butthurt & I ain’t e’em shame to claim it!
YEP!!!!
I love you for this! Hugs!
I have nothing more to add. I like how you laid out everything effectively.
I love animals as much if not more than the next person and I STILL agree with you 150% percent. Its ridiculous. Will I ever be a Vick fan, no, BUT I will still let him live in peace and make his money because HE PAID his debt to society already.
White folks and their damn dogs. UGH!
Saying crap like “White folks and their damn dogs. UGH!” is as bad as if one of us “white folk” said “black people and their damned dog fights” or some other bullshit.
“Folks revel in the criminalization of Black men and it’s so easy for us to throw them in jail and cuntpunt the key into Lake Michigan. That is a refusal to acknowledge their humanity and that makes US inhumane too.”
Ameeem sister! Ameem!
Luvvie <3
GREAT post! Tired of the double standard!
“Tuck in your petty”. Gotta use that one!
They need a change.org petition to place the DuPont heir under a jail somewhere for admitting to raping his 3 year old daughter and not serving time because the judge didn’t think he’d “fare well” in prison!
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Exactly!!
there is one: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/780/336/722/justice-in-dupont-heir-rape-trial/
Thank you for sharing…I’m still in shock over the lack of value children particularly little girls have these days.
WHY DOES THIS PETITION HAVE ONLY 33 SIGNATURES?!?!?!?
thanks for sharing the link. I just signed.
Or any of affluent a cases being reported.
damned auto-correct “afluenza” cases.
I want someone to check that judge’s bank account. This was clearly a case bribery because only a person in a psychotic state or someone who got a few million would get up in open court and say some out of this world shit like that. Just wait; we gonna see her ass making it rain throwing money out the window of her new chateau in France. What a pity it is that there isn’t a hell for her to go to.
This damn near made me shout! If you aren’t speaking ALL OF THE TRUTH right now!!!
Absolutely!!
Can I get an AMEN!
I admit I was torn by the whole “celebrity boxing match” hype.
1) YOU are not a celebrity, you are infamous…for KILLING a young boy.
2) I wanted him to get his ass beat so I was rooting for the Game
3) I also wanted to ignore the whole thing, not give it power, hoping others would do the same, so he could have all the stadium seats.
*sigh* this is the world we live in doe.
I really don’t care for Michael Vick. He committed a horrendous crime, went to jail, back to football. Fine….I don’t care. But if he’s drowning in a river, I’m walking by but there happens to be a puppy sitting there that needs a scratch behind the ears….yeah, Mike is on his own.
Yeah and when you meet your maker and are asked why didn’t you at least try to help him..I’m sure that puppy is not going to save you.
I wish there was a “LOVE” button for this comment!!!
I’m sure Pup has met her mother and father before. Oh, you mean the genocidal sky fairy? I don’t think s/he has much to fear from a fictional character.
Vick won’t be there to save them either. If there really is a god, Vick will be in hell with the other rapists, murderers, abusers, and general no-good assholes.
Every. Damn. Thing. You. Said.
Here’s a thought….how about we put some of that energy into finding some of these missing kids that are being sold into trafficking and prosecuting the perpetrators. hmm?
Can’t we do both? mmh?
Yes to all of this. Yep. Yep. And Yep.
I have some folks cluttering up my newsfeed ranting about Michael Vick and I am always amazed by how much they still want this man to suffer. He paid his dues – can he live? All these rapists, woman beaters, deadbeat dads and all around azzholes in the NFL and they want to drive this guy from the face of the Earth. Of course it’s about race, but we’re not supposed to acknowledge that in post-racial America. ha.
When I die, I swear I’m gonna come back as a white man’s dog.
Oh my stars, you are a fool. I’m DONE. . . .
iCackled like a hyena. . . .
OOh I don’t know about that right there because I have a feeling if these dog could talk they would have some horrific (nasty) tales to tell. Just saying :/
I’m not going to comment on the racial part of this, because it’s obvious. I’m want to comment on the human side.
As stated, Michael Vick was convicted and paid the price. He did the time plus some. Is this an issue about him treating animals bad? ‘Cause if that was truly the case, it would be more people walking around in fabric shoes, carrying fabric handbags, with ropes holding up their pants as they head to the vegan restaurant.
How many of these petition signing people voted against the Affordable Care Act? Or food stamps? Or any other atrocities against human beings?
Maybe a better solution would be if the Jets moved their practice field/training camp and all the dollars used for renting SUNY Cortland? I’m sure there would be a big ole change of heart.
Well said sistren.
*Slow Claps* very well said
Girl, YES.
Furthermore, I wonder how many of these people singing this petition and leading the march against Vick are hunters? Justifying the unnecessary slaughtering of animals for sport? What is the difference? Drowning, hanging, shooting…what is the damn difference? You are hunting down an innocent animal to kill it for your fun and amusement using a weapon they cannot fight against.
A friend of mine’s husband goes on these “special” hunting trips, including the hunting of black bears and I just want to scream. I’m a big animal activist, especially dogs, having volunteered at a rescue shelter. What he did disgusted me. But he does not deserve to be vilified for life. This part of his life does not define his entire life. If we were all defined by our worst actions, never receiving second chances, or forgiveness…can you imagine?
All. Of. This. All of it.
preach sista!
What about R. Kelly and his sexual abuse of a minor? People still love him and his “amazing” music? Why don’t people remember that?
Oh I think a lot of people remember it. I know I do. I can’t listen to him period and refuse to buy his music. I don’t care how “amazing” it is.
co-signing with Pam.
I’ve been saying this for years. People still mad about this…some damn dogs…
Actually, I still associate his name with the horrible things he did to helpless dogs & I’m far from cool with it even after all this time & all he’s done to pay for it. I love animals & own pitbulls so I feel some kinda way about what he did. That being said, he doesn’t deserve to pay for it for the rest of his life. The fact that he’ll always be known as Michael Vick the Dog Killer (yeah, that Michael Vick) is punishment enough I think. I can acknowledge that he’s paid his debt & learned his lesson (I hope) without trivializing his offense.
See I don’t get white folks and this mess. Ethan Couch, in Texas can get off with probation after driving drunk and KILLING 4 HUMANS. An expert witness cites a bogus psychological disorder called “affluenza” and that’s it. Really?
du Pont heir Robert H. Richards IV rapes his three year old daughter and the judges gives him absolutely NO time stating “he would not fare well in prison” and that’s it. Really?
I need not say that both of the aforementioned are White, but yet Vick who I agree made not only a bonehead mistake, but a horrendous one not only served 21 months in prison, but also two months of home confinement; takes a major hit to his finances and crawls his way back to make a get another chance to make a living in the NFL. I can’t….The fact that whites are afforded any and every excuse and pass in the world, but blacks are not makes me want to spit.
^^ALLADIS!!!!^^
*co-sign*
You get a standing ovation!!!
You whyyt folks can occupy all the seats in all the stadiums!
Ahemmm. . . .
He served time in FEDERAL PRISON. Please let us remember that. Not the county lockup, F-E-D-E-R-A-L prison!
Ugh. . . . .
Have you ever been to federal prison? It’s a fucking cake walk. I’ve been to both state and federal prison and can tell you that he was treated like a fucking God in federal prison…….how do I know? I worked at the federal prison he was at.
THIS^^^ EVERY BIT OF THIS RIGHT HERE!!!
Black men stay getting the short end of the stick don’t it? They either trying to kill our men or lock ’em up but there’s no cutting of the slack atall!
Yes, yes and yes!!!
THANK YOU.
Two words: Ben Roethlisberger.
And the Charlie Sheen reference is dead on. Dude has been kicking women’s asses for years… hell he even SHOT one of his girlfriends. Yes, with a gun. The one now married to John Travolta… and not only did he get to have a hit sitcom after that, he got to publically hit druggie asshole rock bottom while beating the breaks of a whole new wife and then COME BACK and have ANOTHER TV show in peace.
Ryan O’neal kicked Farah Fawcett’s ass up and down Hollywood for years. He was such a shitty human being he was blamed for his own son’s consequent drug problems and suicide (because he beat his kid’s ass too) and his own daughter barely talked to him for years.
There are some awful white men running around sports and entertainment that have done some seriouslly fucked up shit and they don’t get half the damn blowback that this guy gets for dogs. And he’s one of the few who actually went to jail for his crimes!
I mean Woddy Allen is accused of CHILD MOLESTATION and half of Hollywood comes out to defend him! But let this guy get a job after jail and fines and unemployment? Well, we can’t have that can we? REMEMBER THE DOGS!!!
Yea all the women and children who got trampled over by these white guys have got to love all the petitions started on their behalf. Oh wait.
Sorry for the rant and foul language Luvvie but this is a sore spot for me. 🙁
I was so mad I have numerous typos. LOL. Uh, sorry guys.
It’s all good. Cosigning on that anger.
Thank you for naming names. It needed to be done. Great comment!
Felt all of your anger in this post and all of it is justified. The bullshit and gall of this damn petition and we have people like the ones you mentioned AND THEN SOME walking around like their ish don’t stink.
The Woody Allen one still boggles my friggin mind. Pisses me off in fact As a kid I knew something wasn’t right with the man, I mean he married his own stepdaughter! The fugg?! But people still love calling him a “genius” and shaming his victims.
White People the sometimes champions of all the wrong causes.
“the sometimes champions of all the wrong causes” =awesome truth.
i keep looking for a like button…..you are right on spot on!
Amen I say, and again I say amen! I am an animal lover but seriously — Forever Butthurt is right! I was a magistrate judge and never did I see anyone protesting I front of the jail for the animal abuse and neglegence cases I saw in my area on the regular. Never. He went to jail. Let the man live and take several seats — channel that rage to good. My favorite rescue is the Beagle Rescue that saves pups from lives of animal testing. Go donat there and stop wearing that makeup you like so much if you want to make a real difference….SMDH
I will sign a petition every hour on the hour until the war criminals George W. Bush, Bush Cheney an alla dem killers involved in the bogus Iraq war are put in jail and water-boarded daily. Where do I sign?
THANK YOU! Ughhhhhhhh! He’s paid his debt to society! He’s paid his fines, went to jail, doing PSA’s, said he was sorry, what more do y’all want?????? It absolutely KILLS me that people place more value on pets than people! I used to be an abuse investigator for my state’s dept of children and families and I have been to more than one house where little Suzie has no clothes, shitty place to sleep, no food, but Fido is eating and living good!
And I’m sorry, it IS about race! Rothisberger outchea sexually assaulting folks, but that got hushed up with the quickness! Brady abandoned his pregnant baby mama, but we still are so hard on Cromartie who couldn’t name all of his kids on Hard Knocks!
Let that man live, please!
I agree with everything that you said!! He committed a stupid crime for someone of his monetary stature. He served his time, not to mention the damage to his reputation, and endorsement losses. It’s time to move on!!!!
A standing ovation and a high five to Luvvie for laying it out plain and proper.
Big Ben was accused of rape, yet he’s still running the ball for Pittsburgh. I agree with everything you said.
Luvvie, I agree, and have been saying this for years!
OH, and let us not forget the epitome of all evil, WOODY ALLEN, who is still walking free after he molested Mia Farrow’s daughter, and he is still living the life without serving a lick of jail time. I was never a fan of him, but I absolutely refuse to pay for any of his movies or look at him. Ugh. Gross.
Roethlisberger was ACCUSED. Not charged, not convicted. And he was suspended and fined.
Sure. But consider 1. This was not the first time he was accused and 2. Everybody let him take his punishment and move on. Not so for Vick.
We also have a list a mile long of proven asshole behavior from white male athletes (as opposed to simple accusations) while the equivalent behavor from a black athlete causes an epic meltdown. I mean, let’s compare all the white athletes who were caught cheating on their wives/long time girlfriends to see what happened to them compared to what happened to, say, Tiger Woods.
My thing is when it happens blatantly in our faces like this, so many people refuse to call it for what it is IMO. We get accused of being too sensitive or paranoid or whatever.
Plaxico Burress went to jail for 2 years for shooting himself on accident!! 2 years? Really!? I can’t!
George Zimmerman shot a young black male, where is he? I can’t!
Miss Erin, Imma need you to get outta my head bcs that’s what I was thinking the ENTIRE time i was reading these comments!!!!
PREACH! I am so sick of people claiming this is not about race. It all about race. You called it absolutely correct, Luvvie. I hope he smokes all the other teams in the freakin’ NFL, breaks records and makes them all see just how gifted and talented he is.
http://www.LivingHappierAfter.com
If he spent the rest of his days volunteering for a pitbull rescue group, and stood up against dog fighting, and talked with kids at schools about his experience, I would be happy to say he’s a good man. Until then, he’s still an animal abuser and murderer.
Help the dogs, Vic.
When he was with the Eagles Vick did quite a few appearances at area schools talking about animal cruelty, and he worked with several shelters to do volunteer work and PSAs.
Thank you Michelle. If this was widely publicized, they who don’t think he’s done enough would say it was all for show. He can’t win.
He did all of that when’s he was with the Eagles. I live in Philly and often saw him on local news doing these types of things. I even remember him visiting schools and talking to kids.
The continual hate & punishment is ridiculous. It like your moms catching you skipping school,punishing you and then even though you made honor told AND have perfect attendance the rest of the year she beats your butt every day cause of that one time you skipped..
Whatever Mondo! Folks want to act like they’re such animal lovers….what about the pigs? Footballs aren’t made from Silly Putty – where are the protests of the ol’ pigskin? \_ \_ <- Have one.
A lot of Americans care about dogs WAY too much. They always overlook people and go to animals. They’d see a homeless person and a dog and give the dog a piece of bread and water before they give the person. Talking bout they put themselves there. GTFOH! I get annoyed hearing about Michael Vick all the time because people be too caught up in their feelings about dogs. Let the man make his money and live.
You doing the Lord’s work with this post, Luvvie. You articulated EVERYTHING I’ve been feeling perfectly. And it’s not like Vick served his sentence in a cushy minimum security joint, his ass was locked up in Leavenworth which is as rough as is gets.
The funny thing is, I’ve always been meh towards Vick at best (Google up Ron Mexico) but this “outrage” entered the realm of ridiculousness a long time ago.
Thanks for always telling it like it is.
Well said Luvvie! I love dogs like anyone else, but I’m not wanting to see Michael Vick banned from playing football. That’s simply crazy. Yet people don’t want us to remember how atrociously they treated black folk and still do. Shoot, as a matter of fact, dogs were used on our parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins and friends . . . so they can go on with that mess.
You have these white collared criminals in Congress and big corporations who are screwing people out of their money every day . . . if you want to be mad about something, show some outrage about that. Micheal Vick is being blessed in the midst of his enemies.
The amount of truth in this post right here…
But a rich teenage white boy who killed multiple people drunk driving got out of prison time because of “affluenza” GET THEE ENTIRE FUKK OUTTA HERE WITH THAT BULLSHIT!!!!
http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/05/us/texas-affluenza-teen/
In order to be rehabilitated, he would have to admit what he did and accept responsibility for it. He’s never done that. He tortured dogs. He’s never admitted it. He killed dogs, not just by hanging and drowning, but by electrocuting them with jumper cables while he drowned them. The scene at his compound has been described by people who rescue animals from this kind of psycho FOR A LIVING as among the most horrifying they’ve ever seen. Michael Vick did serial killer level psycho stuff to these dogs and has never taken responsibility for it. Until he does that, he doesn’t deserve basic respect from society let alone the acclaim he gets as an NFL quarterback.
If I were guilty of those crimes and didn’t have the financial resources that he had to fight them and take a plea deal, I’d likely never be able to make a living again.
I’m sorry sir or ma’am, exactly how do you explain him going to SPEAK at various schools and centers to explain how what he did was wrong, volunteering at animal shelters and speaking PUBLICLY about his mistakes and wrongdoings? Oh that’s not making up for what he did, huh? PLEASE. GTHOH w/ that mess!!
This is why we cannot prosper. People spouting foolishness without doing actual research. SMH
Policywank: Obviously, you need to do your homework.
What are your thoughts on George Zimmerman?
dogs?! dogs that some people eat in my country
One teeny nitpick:
O.J. Simpson’s jury said “not guilty.” In a legal sense, it doesn’t mean he didn’t do it; there are plenty of criminal cases where evidence of FACTUAL guilt are suppressed for various technical reasons (thinking specifically of murder trials where irrefutable evidence is thrown out as being acquired in violation of the Fourth Amendment). It points up the difference between factual truth versus provable (legal) truth. The prosecutors could not convince the jury that O.J. killed two people, but that doesn’t speak to whether or not he actually did it.
Luvvie lost it with the graphic of ‘A Honey Bunches of NOPE’ chile I am too done!!! People need to start putting these other folks like rosleinberget on blast and Charlie Sheen. You don’t see folks turning out over Robert Downey Junior and he is a recovering crack head that broke all up in folks house!! They giving him mad love with Iron man 1 2 3 4 5 6……. IJS.
You said it best “Honey Bunches of NOPE”
I agree with you 100%. I keep having this argument with people (because it gets me hot and heated) and I try to get them to see the comparison to the white rapist in the NFL STILL and Zimmerman killed a PERSON and did no time. I’m getting upset thinking about it…
You have said just about everything I’ve said, thought and felt. #Ditto Luvvie, DITTO!!! #SMF (Shaking My Fro)
I love animals I refuse to support anything Michael Vick does. Just because I find the cruelty and abuse to be inhumane does not mean I do not ALSO find the murder of children, abuse of the elderly, are any of the other equally horrendous acts that human beings commit every second of the day to ALSO be awful. Do you really believe that only white people are anti vick/anti animal cruelty? That does not make any rational sense imo.
AMEN!
Also hurting, abusing animals, and beating little dogs to death is a first step towards being able to hurt, abuse, and kill a human being. They are absolutely connected in the cycle of abuse. George Zimmerman is a piece of shit human who got away with murder HE belongs in jail it is a fucking shame he is free and able to one day maybe hurt someone again. I do not like him and I do not like Michael Vick, or any other human being who commits actions like them.
George Z. is a piece of crap and does belong in jail…you are exactly right! It seems like this page is has a lot of comments against Caucasian people…so messed up. It would be a total uproar if it was the other way around. I could give two craps what race M.V. is. I can’t stand him or what he did. He didn’t serve enough time as far as I am concerned. If he was Caucasian, Hispanic, Asian or any other race I would feel the same…what a piece of crap!
I was thinking as I read Luvvie’s post–and I agree with 99.9% of it–let’s not label all white people with wanting Vick burned at the stake. I believe there are decent, rational white people who have moved on already. However, even those rational white people have to admit this outrage would not continue to get attention if Michael Vick was a white man who had committed the same crimes. No?
That’s great for you personally. But this post is not about YOU. It is about the OVERALL PERSISTENT PATTERN of black males getting publicly pummeled forever and ever on a mainstream level years after a transgression while most white people get a pass for doing the same or worse. After their punishment they can go on with their lives. Not so much with black men most of the time.
It is not “reverse racist” to say something when it happens. The behavior of the collective society is the problem… and yes, some black people also do it.
Also, I am sure folks will come up with all kinds of reasons while it is perfectly acceptable to still hate Micheal Vick but that misses the point that even if you have your reasons, there are not similar amounts of people coming up with reasons to hate the majority of the many white men in the public eye who abuse people, particularly women and children.
^^^^THIS!!!
M.V might get a shrug and a ‘Tisk!’ from me. I for could care less what he is up to these days. There are bigger fish. I moved to the UK 6 years ago and the final straw that made me give up watching the NFL was that rapist in Pittsburgh.
I’m white, but I have enough SENSE not to get my tiny white girl feelings hurt when Blacks (or others) discuss how they feel living in a world that *I can not even imagine* where the odds are so clearly stacked against them. If you feel white folks are holding him to a double standard and you feel that it *IS ABOUT RACE* i’m just going to have to take your word for it and agree and maybe take a chance at learning something! Why is this so hard?
That’s a very open-minded & common sense approach you’ve taken & therefore, that’s why it’s so hard! Common sense ain’t so common…
I will never forgive this man. He admitted he would never have stopped if he hadn’t of gotten caught…it’s not about race fools..it’s about a man who hurt living creatures. This is such a racist thing to say white folks and their dogs. What if a white person said black folks and their “blank.” Damn….what racist shit this is. He only apologized to save face and to get his football career back on track. His publicist I am sure told him to do that and a whole host of lawyers and advisors told him he better do that or else…I hope he rots in HELL for what he did.
Amen. You are correct….so much internalized racism in the responses above. It’s shocking and embarrassing.
AMEN!!!! THis whole thing should have been in caps dammit!
It is ludicrous that the Luvvie made this about race. Vick abused defenseless animals. End of story. It doesn’t matter what race he is…he should be punished.
The fact that he is a famous athlete may be the story here. He gets away with animal abuse because he is famous. But this has NOTHING to do with him being Black.
Why do some Black people gotta make everything about race? SMH.
Also – if you think Vick paid for his crimes…you are insane. Abusing a helpless animal for financial gain and vindictive pleasure? He deserves to be drowned and tortured just the same. Humans have a choice….animals do not.
Why we can’t forget Michael Vick’s dog-fighting past
By Matthew Bershadker
March 26, 2014
NY POST
Why we can’t forget Michael Vick’s dog-fighting past
Michael Vick “did his time” for years of animal torture, but that doesn’t erase his crime.
Photo: AP
On Friday, the New York Jets signed Michael Vick to a one-year contract worth $5 million. His return on that investment is unknown, and frankly I don’t care.
Vick is free to do as he pleases both on the football field and off. But one thing he can’t do is absolve himself of his direct participation in horrific and fatal animal torture and abuse. And whether he takes our home team to the Super Bowl or spends the season riding the pine, we’re not obligated to forgive, and it’s essential we don’t forget.
History bears repeating: The Michael Vick investigation began in April 2007 with a search of Bad Newz Kennels, located on Vick’s Virginia property. We at the ASPCA were involved early on, assisting in the recovery and analysis of forensic evidence from Vick’s property, including carcasses and skeletal remains of numerous dogs.
The ASPCA also led a team of certified applied animal behaviorists in behavior evaluations of the rescued dogs, making recommendations to the USDA and US Attorney’s Office regarding the dispositions of the dogs.
It became clear over the course of the investigation that this was not a crime of passion or a case of obliviousness. Michael Vick was fully involved in a six-year pattern of illegal activity that included dogs being savagely electrocuted, drowned, and beaten to death.
We fully acknowledge Vick has “done his time” and even participated in some public outreach, but that does not erase the crime.
We’re not motivated simply by a desire to see Vick further punished. But dog-fighting participants and spectators — including veterinarians, coaches, lawyers, judges and teachers — carry a shame that is critical to the blood sport’s demise.
Dog-fighting is now a felony in all 50 states, yet the activity is still both ongoing and lucrative. Last year alone, we participated in two major raids in March and August that involved the seizure of hundreds of dogs. Clearly, there’s more work to be done. We must remain dedicated and vigilant.
Before becoming our organization’s CEO, I spent several years overseeing the ASPCA’s anti-cruelty group, where I witnessed or heard firsthand accounts of unspeakable acts of dog-fighting cruelty.
We found dogs ranging in age from several days to 12 years emaciated and bearing scars typical of fighting, left to suffer in extreme temperatures with no visible fresh water or food. Some were tethered by chains and cables to cinder blocks and car tires. We’ve also discovered the remains of dead animals where the dogs were housed and fought.
Dog-fighting represents the ultimate betrayal of the unique relationship that exists between humans and animals. Manipulating a dog’s desire to please its owner to perpetuate a life of chronic and acute physical and psychological pain is the most horrific form of animal abuse.
Shockingly, some remain unmoved. Some think dog-fighting is just a problem in tiny corners of the country, or restricted to a specific class of people. Neither is true.
Every American should look at dog-fighting as more than just a crime, but as a deep stain on our national character. Until we reach this point — which would bring an overdue end to this reprehensible practice — its perpetrators must bear the burdens of that stain, lest we signal the weakening of our resolve.
And there’s just too much tragedy, torture, and depravity in our midst — and not enough touchdowns in the world — to even consider that.
FOH!!! SLAVERY was a stain on our national character–dog fighting is a despicable crime for which Michael Vick was in fact punished. Not since have I heard of any other arrests or convictions for dog fighting. This post is not about dog fighting it’s about the continued demonization of black men for crimes they are punished for where others, specifically whites are given a 2nd, 3rd, 4th chances and each transgression is quickly forgotten by the media.
Luvvie, this post had me ready to dance like ol’ boy who was pop-lockin for Jesus! And for those who ask the question “why do Black people always have to make it about race?”. That’s because it IS!!! Unless you’re Black, you will NEVER know what it’s like to be judged, scrutinized, etc. just because of your skin color. There wasn’t a Civil Rights movement for Caucasian people, it was for US. All because we wanted to be treated as PEOPLE!!! Those “whites only” signs were hurtful, the water hoses that were turned on us for merely wanting to eat at a restaurant and/or got to school were scarring. The rules were not designed with us in mind, and this situation with Michael Vick is what has been carried over from that era and modernized. Like Chris Rock said “Not ONE White person would wanna be my Black ass, and I’m rich!” (paraphrasing), and that’s real. So until you wake up Black one day so you can feel the full extent of what we go through, sit the fuck down and shut the fuck up! Yeah I said it!
My name is Tekiebelu & I approved this message!
standing ovation, Luvvie.
I’m tired of these mofos messing with Vick.
He did his time.
He paid his debt to society.
It was over fucking dogs.
I try to understand, but fuck these people. It was damn dogs.
This IS NOT ABOUT COLOR YOU DUMB PPL. IT IS ABOUT A PUBLIC PERSON WHO GOT CAUGHT DOING SOMETHING SADISTIC AND UGLY TO ANIMALS. WHO IN TURN CAN SOMEDAY DO IT TO A HUMAN BEING. I DONT WANT THIS MAN PRIZED WITH A 5 MILLION DOLLAR CONTRACT. HE IS A SICK SADIST AND DOES NOT BELONG IN THE PUBLIC EYE TO BE ADORED. HE KILLED! DO YOU GET THAT? WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PPL? BLACK WHITE CHINESE SPANISH IT IS WRONG!
Luvvie,
EVERY single thing you said. I’ve been feeling this for years. And yes, it is about race. I couldn’t have said it better.
Oh and ask Todd Bridges about carrying a stigma forever.
Exactly right. And what really bothers me about these people is that I bet PETA is back of there somewhere. And *&^# PETA. They don’t see anything wrong with being racist, sexist, and hating everyone who isn’t them. Because ANIMALS. Over EVERYBODY else.
I smell the stink of PETA.
Massive shout tout to you for doing this Luvvie, I couldn’t have said it better myself. You know certain white folk have selective memories. Shit, they would rather stay mad over Kanye interrupting Taylor Swift than Trayvon’s murder. It angers me to no end Zimmerman is signing autographs, smiling at a GUN SHOW like nothing ever happened. If i’m not mistaken, he’s been arrested twice since (once for attacking his ex wife) and again, got off scot free.
This also reminds of a quote I read supposedly from Madonna, where she stated the Black men she’s dated were “the most violent” and yet, did Sean Penn not beat her with a baseball bat? GTFOH.
None of us are codoning what Mike Vick did. It was terrible. But damn. He’s faced the consequences, done his time, yet he’s still treated like a pariah while whites (especially white men) are usually held to a different standard. Remember the teenage white boy who ran over five people (driving while drunk, too) and also got off due to “affluenza”? Madness.
You deserve a standing ovation for this post!
” Sit your dollar ass down before I make change!”
I’m going to SO use this, just so’s you know, mmkay?
AWESOME piece, btw! I feel the EXACT same way! I have animals–3 cats and a dog…and yeah, I’ll break out a level of cray that will make your nightmares seem like daydreams should you hurt my furry children, but damn! Michael Vick has paid for his crimes…If forgiveness is what the Christians preach, then WHY is this so HARD for folks to do for this man? No one has anything to say bout the man who raped his 3 year old baby..no jail time or nothin’, cos “he wouldn’t fare well”….but what about HER life? How will SHE “fare” living with the horrific knowledge of her daddy secksing her for his sick, twisted, power struggle, and our legal system napping on her right for justice? Sorry this so rambly, but the point is this–folks need to focus on shit that really matter, and seeing that this man has paid for his mistakes?
It’s no longer an issue, as far as I’m concerned.
E.
My two cents.
E.
This article exemplifies ignorance & blind, biased allegiance. The loathing people feel toward Vick has nothing to do with BLACK or white. He deliberated and premeditated the systematic torture and eradication of 66 defenseless dogs. SIXTY SIX known victims (the average offender has committed an average of 500 crimes before being caught, so 66 is probably a conservative figure. What is worse, though is that Mike Vick continues to exploit and profiteer off his victims by borrowing the term “Redemption” (on his V7 clothing line) from a book about his 66 victims & authored by Jim Gorant, (“The Lost Dogs: Michael Vick’s Dogs & Their Tale of Rescue & Redemption”). Vick launched his “V7 Redemption clothing line” in 2012. Those defending this psychopath are doomed, as are their children, as is everyone in their ancestral linage for defending evil. Zimmerman is a separate issue, albeit evil, yet a mere side-issue here to rationalize away and minimize unfathomable wickedness that defies the underlying laws of the universe. So go ahead, talk about dis-n-dat to rationalize away the truth — that one of yours is actually that wicked to the core. Burn in the abyss.
and he had a near orgasm each time he tortured and killed. Do your research. The legal transcripts abound on the World Wide Web as do a plethora of reliable articles substantiating every word I have said.
oh, yeah, the “redemption” book about Vick’s victims was written in 2010. Vick launched his “redemption” clothing line in 2012. If you fail to recognize that the latter exemplifies psychopathy at its worst (i.e., callous, cavalier, opportunist, non-empathetic) then I can only say that “there are none so blind as those that will not see.” Certainly, evil takes the form of all shapes and sizes in our world. The issues are too numerous to mention. Yet to minimize what he has done, by diverting attention away from that, makes you equally culpable and complicit.
https://www.facebook.com/BARKINGARMY/photos/a.213891441968335.62669.211735252183954/752954994728641/?type=1
ttp://aldf.org/resources/laws-cases/animal-fighting-case-study-michael-vick/
http://news.findlaw.com/hdocs/docs/sports/usvick82407sof.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBZdjc4RfQA
http://chrisdurant2000.wordpress.com/2011/01/02/michael-vick-was-wrongly-convicted/
http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2014/03/adrian_peterson_michael_vick_vikings_tweet.php
“Carlos Olivero was convicted of dog fighting in 2009 in Florida; he was sentenced to 10 years in prison. He is also not a football star, hasn’t any real money for big attorneys or connections. You get the picture. He is still in jail and did not do half of the nefarious things Vick and his cohorts did” (from http://www.dogstardaily.com/blogs/sympathy-devil-softening-michael-vick%E2%80%99s-image)
He’ll whine like he always does when the Giants once again systematically & overtly slam him on the field, while referees enjoy looking the other way. “I felt like I got hit late… No flag. Dey broke my hand. That’s it. Trying to protect myself. Didn’t get a flag.” Meantime, his dogs couldn’t speak for themselves or PROTECT THEMSELVES while he was breaking their bones, lynching them, starving them, drowning them when they survived lynchings, electrocuting them, & prying out “Georgia’s” teeth so she’d not bite in self-defense on the rape stand. Even worse, he’s STILL exploiting them, as noted
For the folks missing the entire point of this article –
There have been numerous times where white rapists have been allowed to continue their career in major league sports.
The fact that these are not as heavily known/protested/reported on by mainstream media compared to say Michael Vick is A. a race issue and B. an issue on how women are viewed.
Just because it’s not a race issue FOR YOU doesn’t magically make it a non race issue. It just means you don’t have an understanding of how racism in the U.S. affects all areas of everyday life. Just because you’re not aware of it doesn’t mean it’s not there.
htttp://aldf.org/resources/laws-cases/animal-fighting-case-study-michael-vick/
Kobi Bryant was black.
he got off. So did OJ.
Here’s what Trayvon actually looked like, less photoshop: http://theconservativetreehouse.com/2012/03/27/trayvon-martin-was-apparently-a-17-year-old-undisciplined-punk-thug-drug-dealing-thief-and-wannabe-gangsta/
still doesn’t make it right that Zimmerman shot the kid IN THE BACK contrary to what the prosecutor said (i.e., that Trayvon was shot in the chest). The medical examiner is suing the prosecutor (yes, the prosecutor) for suppressing that evidence (i.., that Trayvon was shot in the back). I lost an entire circle of friends for defending Trayvon, so merely because I loathe Vick doesn’t make me racist. I loathe Zimmerman as well. Both well get their poetic justice.
He never said he was sorry . Supposedly he said he would continue if it wasn’t illegal. He is the same now as he was A PUNK ASS BITCH who needs a good beating like he gave his dogs.
Agreed.
Actually, Vick apologized in 2007, 2009, and has continued to apologize ever since…. Try Google, it works!
No one atrocity ever nullifies another All the above crimes mentioned are reprehensible, whether the offender was black or white You cannot measure these crimes against one another, as no two wrong make anything right; they all warrant justice Some people think because of their status they are above the law and in some cases justice has not been served Justice in law and human justice are not always the same thing To my mind the shame is that these barbaric acts were done by a recognised sportsman in the name of ‘sport’
Dear UK citizen…you took the words right out of my mouth. I cannot stand when people compare one crime to another (perhaps more atrocious, one.) It’s wrong and it twists the issue.
This author has appointed himself judge and jury and perhaps all knowing. His last statement “P.S. Yes. This is about race. If you disagree, you are wrong.” is infuriating.
So I’m a racist if I don’t agree with you 100%?
YOU AREN’T RACIST? Basically every comment from people agreeing with you say something degrading about white “folks”.
“White folk and their damn dogs.” just was one.
Why can’t I be an animal advocate and still believe that there are many certainly hideous things happening all over the world. If I don’t agree that Vick shouldn’t make millions of dollars due to his past it means I am fine with rape? I’m fine with white (or whatever race) killing, drug trafficking, kidnapping, abusing, stealing????…the list goes on.
VIck did his legal time. Yes he should be able to live in peace. It’s between him and his conscious now. However, he should not be representing a sports team and reaping incredible benefits that many many people BLACK AND WHITE AND YELLOW AND RED, never get a chance to.
Sorry you cannot erase murder.
Before you come trolling on someone’s blog, please do your due diligence. See that cute little avatar up there? The author is a woman and SHE can write whatever SHE wants on HER blog. Thanks! #dontcomeforLuvvie
The reason no one really forgives Michael Vick. http://youtu.be/FWkzNJPI6eM
Unlike most professional athletes who usually buy their freedom, Mike Vick admitted his guilt, went to prison, and did his time for the crime committed. Everybody makes mistakes or they do things their not proud of in their life. If we were all held back and constantly reminded of these mistakes none of us would be able to live a successful life. Because he has done his time, apologized, shown remorse, and taken steps to correct his faults he deserves the right to a second chance. People are so judgmental until it happens to them or a loved one. Then it’s different or ok and they expect leniency or people to forgive them. Leave the man alone and let him move on with his life and provide for his family. That is what we would each want if we were in his situation.
What about all these black people attacking white people in that knock out game? I guess THAT’S ok too..right? Probably..because its blacks attacking whites…YOU need to get over it and stop with the race card. Vic should have been put in a ring with those dogs he had fighting..He should have been plastered with raw meat so he would have seen what those dogs went through. I cant stand to look at his ugly face and if he does play football…I curse him and hope he gets hurt so bad during the games that he won’t even know who he is anymore. Put THAT in your race pipe and smoke it.
I know I’m way late to this, but I must say…
There are some crimes that are comprehensible. I can understand robbing someone if I were in dire financial need or killing someone who had hurt a member of my family. I hope I would never do either, but I can understand how it might happen.
There are other crimes that I can’t ever imagine committing under ANY circumstances. Those are the ones that are committed purely for the criminal’s personal “entertaintment”, and would include sexual violence, child cruelty and animal torture.
Michael Vick threw his own CHILDREN’S pet dogs to his fighting dogs as a joke and laughed as they died. He tortured the dogs that wouldn’t fight in disturbingly creative ways. If he had simply wanted them dead, he could have shot them in the head. But he wanted to watch them suffer.
Read this report before you decide that his crimes are not a big deal:
http://www.usda.gov/oig/webdocs/BadNewzKennels.pdf
I don’t have a “grudge” against the man. I don’t think he needs to be sent back to prison. I don’t think he should be threatened or abused or hounded.
I DO think he should be ignored, left alone, and NOT brought back into the spotlight.
Let’s leave Mr. Vick his dignity and his privacy and let him go sell used cars, or become a paralegal, or any other thing he might want to be. Just not a sports hero.
Even if you don’t care about animals, this is an important issue. Domestic abusers often threaten or harm pets to keep their victims under control. Many rapists begin with bestiality. Nearly every recorded serial killer practiced on animals before moving on to people.
Let’s be clear: I’m NOT saying that Mr. Vick has committed, or will progress to, these human crimes. I AM saying animal abuse is part of the spectrum of violent abuse, and it’s a spectrum that a role model does not belong anywhere on.
I usually adore Luvvie, but I just can’t agree on this one.
PS. As for “forgiving” white high-profile criminals…please, please, please don’t assume that it’s something every white person does. I won’t watch movies or listen to music by any celebrity who’s a known sex-offender, domestic abuser, or murderer, and I’m not the only one who feels that way. Plenty of us refuse to put our money in their pockets.
its not right, but ppl EAT animals way to be selective about crime..i mean petty.
michael vick should get way more respect. he is like one of the only nfl players who actually did his time and faced the consequences of his actions and is one of the only ones who has showed that he is trying to be better (he now works with animal rights groups to end dogfighting). meanwhile ben roethlisberger and tons of other players who hurt and abuse actual people get a free pass in the public’s eye for “being a good teammate”/winning games without any punishment for their actions or even any effort to redeem themselves outside of the football field.