In the wake of the Don Imus, Opie and Anthony scandals, one would think a press figure suggesting that killing a dog was worse than raping a woman would draw a lot of media attention.
However, a CNN sports anchor named Larry Smith made such a comment on Thursday, and I would venture to guess that few readers had even heard about it.
Think there'd be such media silence if a well-known conservative made such a remark?
While you ponder that question, here is the partial transcript from Thursday's "Nancy Grace" on CNN Headline News when the topic of discussion was the Michael Vick dog-fighting scandal:
NANCY GRACE, HOST: Today, his lawyer says that he took the first step in proving his innocence. But do you remember this? Take a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KOBE BRYANT, LOS ANGELES LAKERS: I`m innocent, you know? I didn`t force her to do anything against her will. I`m innocent.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
GRACE: That is Kobe Bryant after rape allegations were leveled against him, which he beat, I might add. And sitting next to him in that exact presser was his wife.
Out to Larry Smith, CNN sports correspondent and CNN anchor. What`s Vick afraid of? Come on. He`s been in front of the camera a million times. What`s so hard about declaring your innocence?
LARRY SMITH, CORRESPONDENT: Yes, well, that`s -- he`s been in a lot of trouble lately, when you think about all the other incidents, and this is just the worst one of all. Keep in mind, too, that while Kobe Bryant is a situation we can sort of compare this to, this really is much worse. Not only can you argue that the crimes are much worse in terms of, you know, killing dogs and that kind of thing, but as an NFL starting quarterback, you are the most visible face in that city. I`ve said all along, in fact, you know, if you go through and, you know, very quickly name 10 mayors of major cities in the country...
GRACE: Larry Smith, did I just hear you say...
SMITH: ... you could have a harder time doing that...
GRACE: ... mistreatment of...
SMITH: ... than naming 10 NFL starting quarterbacks.
GRACE: Did I just hear Larry Smith, CNN sports correspondent and anchor, state that crimes on a dog are much worse than crimes on a woman? Did I hear that?
SMITH: I`m sorry. You -- I`m saying they could be. I`m not arguing for which is worse, which one is worse. I`m just saying that in terms of his visibility is much worse. His visibility is much worse than what Kobe Bryant`s is. Kobe Bryant is a superstar in the NBA, but at the same time, he plays in Los Angeles, which is a city full of stars. Michael Vick is the most visible person in the city of Atlanta, maybe ever in the history of Atlanta sports.
Wow! Think Rush Limbaugh or Sean Hannity's career might be in jeopardy if either of them made such a comment on the air, regardless of the finishing qualifier?
Yet, apart from a few blogs, in particular one called Feministing, this issue has nicely been swept under the rug.
Why?
—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters. Follow him at Facebook and Twitter.
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Comments Policy
Trivialization of Human Life...
July 29, 2007 - 15:09 ET by rbchaffeJust another example of how too many in today's society trivialize human life. I bet Larry supports abortion. And assisted suicide, too.
rbchaffe, Rush has been
July 29, 2007 - 22:29 ET by msh1973rbchaffe,
Rush has been making that point for several years.
Yep.
July 30, 2007 - 09:52 ET by rbchaffeI read his stuff daily. Keeps me optimistic about the future.
Reality is slipping away from CNN's grasp
July 29, 2007 - 15:10 ET by LighthouseJThis as CNN starts to run Roland Martins' own segment on the channel. Reality seems to be slipping even further from the consciousness within CNN.
Mike Lester cartoon
July 29, 2007 - 15:27 ET by Mike Lesterhttp://news.mywebpal...
Excellent. Thanks for the
July 29, 2007 - 15:36 ET by BlondeExcellent.
Thanks for the link.
Well, let's be fair, this
July 29, 2007 - 15:32 ET by sarcasmoWell, let's be fair, this guy's just a minor CNN anchor. I'd never heard of him until today. Not exactly in the same league as Hannitty or Limbaugh. Is it bias? Yeah, if it's not covered at all, but don't expect this gaffe to be covered like a famous right-winger did it when it was done by a (probably-left-wing) relative-nobody, or this becomes another NB swing-and-a-miss.
JMR
Noel, I'm going to give
July 29, 2007 - 15:37 ET by Dave RNoel,
I'm going to give Larry the benefit of the doubt here, as I think this may just have been a case of an unfortunate slip 'o the tongue.
I do agree, though, that had this been uttered by a conservative, intentional or not, ol' Bella Abzug herself would have risen right out of the grave to demand they be fired.
Help Fred defeat everybody.
I don't condemn him for
July 29, 2007 - 20:52 ET by mostlymoderateI don't condemn him for saying it. Everyone has a right to their opinion; some people *really* love animals and that is terrific. HOWEVER, I totally agree that if a conservative said it, all hell would break loose.
Liberals and Rape and Dogs
July 29, 2007 - 15:49 ET by Lame CherryMr. Sheppard, please recall that Bill Clinton raped and molested women. Hillary savaged these raped and molested women calling them "bimbos" and the press which is CNN went along with it.
So of course in a liberal mind rape is a sport and as you recall in Bill "leaving his dog run free" that ole Buddy was gotten rid of by being hit by a car after "Buddy served his polling interest."
The same media then mourned the loss of poor dead Buddy and poor mournful Bill.
Liberals consistantly cover women who are raped as tramps. Remember Willie Kennedy Smith savaging that young woman on the Kennedy Compound as Teddy slept one off. The entire press considered it a non story....and remember Willie was trying to rape another gal in Chicago later and it was no big deal.
I hesistate to connect the psychological dots, but rape only means something to a liberal like Nifong when to destroy white Christian types.....otherwise they time and again treat it as a sport.
That most likely means bloggers that liberals, male and female included in their minds conclude that "rape is a part of normal sex".
That is spooky in these "new families" like Bob Woodruff's wife prattles on about have going on in them violent sexual activity that kids see and think it is "normal"......"normal" until Willie Kennedy Smith or Willie Jefferson Blythe Clinton rapes a normal woman and exposes it for what it is, rape.
Look at the big Democrats, Marv Albert biting and abusing a woman. Bill Clinton when he raped Juanita Broderick bit her lip until it bled.......they all depict violence.
Makes one look at Hillary Clinton, Lee Woodruff, Nancy Pelosi and Diane Sawyer and wonder just what kind of abuse they are taking as they see it as normal.
Remember big liberal Phil Donahue set the tone, "What goes on behind closed doors is no one's business".
But let's protect them dogs as that being behind closed doors is everyone's business.
Liberal dichotomy.
*HIC IACET ARTORIVS REX QVONDAM REXQVE FVTVRVS
zzzzzz
July 29, 2007 - 20:52 ET by mostlymoderatezzzzzz
What purpose is served by
July 30, 2007 - 02:41 ET by JerWhat purpose is served by making the broad and generally unsupported accusations contained it your post?
Do you honestly believe liberals consider rape a "sport" and "a normal part of sex". It may be the warped view of a small per centage of some seriously demented individuaIs spanning the entire political spectrum, but I am certain no normal conservative or liberal would think anything of the sort.
I doubt if anyone outside Clinton and Broaderick will ever know what really happened between the two. If a rape did in fact occur, it is horrific and indefensible. But, as you know, this was an incident which happened long ago and for years the rape allegation was consistently denied by Ms. Broaderick. In any event, what is your evidence that Hillary "savaged the raped and molested women"? Or ever referred to them as "bimbos'? Or that CNN and the press went along with it. Or that the William Kennedy Smith incident was a "non-story"? I recall it being extensively covered by CNN as well as all news outlets.
Indeed, can you show me where Clinton's foolish and reprehensible 'womanizing' was defended or excused by the media? It seemed to me that it was rather consistently condemned.
Finally, it appears that the Vick commentary on Nancy Grace was an example of clumsy, poorly expressed observations made by an inconsequential sports reporter, further compounded by an inadequate attempt at clarification. The impact and outcome would have been vastsly different if spoken by someone of real import--liberal or conservative.
}}}----> Amnesia, jer?
July 30, 2007 - 02:53 ET by Cool Arrowshow me where Clinton's foolish and reprehensible 'womanizing' was defended or excused by the media?
You never read Gloria Steinem's defense of Bill Clinton in the matter of Kathleen Willey? Where she said it was OK for Bill to grope Ms. Willey because he stopped when she told him to stop.
You honestly don't remember Gloria's "free grope rule"?
I doubt it.
Jer
July 30, 2007 - 08:26 ET by Noel SheppardJer,
Before I respond further, could you please note and cite specifically from this post "the broad and generally unsupported accusations contained" in it, as well as when former President Clinton and his womanizing was referred to?
As always, I am breathless with antici......pation. ns
Noel: My reply was to
July 30, 2007 - 14:21 ET by JerNoel:
My reply was to the remarks made by Lame Cherry--not yours, except for a general opinion expressed in the final paragraph of my post.
Hope this clarifies.
Jer
Ahhhh...The NOW women
July 29, 2007 - 17:49 ET by bigtimerAhhhh...
The NOW women and all their ilk are mum as usual....
Nothing new here.
You can be sure if this had been on FOX by any conservative republican, especially if it happened to be a sitting or candidate person of Congress or running for any office this would be main news until the heck to pay would of been ruinous for that person.
Hypocrisy at it's finest.
Good Bye Hank we hardly new ya.
July 29, 2007 - 18:03 ET by Big WallyMichael Vick is the most visible person in the city of Atlanta, maybe ever in the history of Atlanta sports.
Gimme a break
Wally,
July 29, 2007 - 19:25 ET by Dave RYou're right, and not only that, he is far more respected around here than Michael Vick could ever hope to be.
Too bad a juiced-up Barry Bonds is about to break his record. MLB is spineless.
Help Fred defeat everybody.
Wally and Dave
July 29, 2007 - 19:39 ET by Noel SheppardWally and Dave,
I highly imagine that John Smoltz, Greg Maddox, Chipper and Andruw Jones, Eddie Mathews, Jamal Anderson, Deion Sanders, Dominique Wilkins, Steve Bartkowski, Terance Mathis, Gerald Riggs, Morten Anderson, and a plethora of current and former Atlanta sports stars also rank much higher in popularity in that city than Michael Vick.
Honestly, this guy doesn't have a clue! ns
Noel, let's not forget Dale Murphy.
July 29, 2007 - 20:20 ET by Dave RLOL-Geez, you keep up with sports around here better than I do.
Dale Murphy was basically our version of Cal Ripken, Jr. It was really unfortunate he was unable to finish out his career here, as he was about the only highlight on the Brave's team for a lot of really, really bad years.
You're correct about Michael Vick not having a clue, as his stock has been steadily falling around here for the last couple of years. The first red flag was the whole Ron Mexico/herpes thing, then his run-in at an airport over a water bottle with a hidden compartment, and the stolen Rolex story, which I am not sure has been widely reported outside of Atlanta, and now the dog fighting charge.
When you factor in the that the Falcons have failed to make the playoffs for the last two years, many of us were beginning to think Arthur Blank may have been better off spending his $130 mil elsewhere. Trading Matt Shaub to the Texans was one move I wish we could take back, as he was a more than competent backup to Vick.
Most everybody around here is resigned to the fact that Vick won't be coming back, regardless of the outcome. Now we just hope the Falcons can at least get some kind of a salary cap break from the NFL, else we are in for some seriously lousy seasons.
And God knows we have had enough of those around here. :-(
Help Fred defeat everybody.
Dave
July 29, 2007 - 20:30 ET by Noel SheppardDave,
I can't believe I forgot Dale Murphy. Man, that guy could hit!
I'm a sports fan, Dave. Huge. Have been for many years.
Also, I went to Emory for a year. So, I have a connection to Atlanta, as well as a soft spot.
One of my favorite sporting events that I attended was a Monday Night Football game in Atlanta against the Rams. My frat was selling beer at the game. This was back in the days when beer was sold in the stands. I sold more beer that day than any of the other "brothers."
Anyway, before the game, we got to play a touch game on the field for about 20 minutes before anybody showed up. Unbelievable.
Also, there were some wonderful interactions with cheerleaders that are even to this day quite an ego boost. :-) ns
Noel, you were an Emoroid for a whole year?
July 29, 2007 - 20:51 ET by Dave RI didn't know that. I dated a girl from Emory for a while way back in the day. They weren't quite as bad as the girls from Agnes Scott College (known around here as Flag-Waving Man-Hater U) but they were close. Sad what has happened to that place.
Yeah, Monday night games are always fun, as we don't get very many around here. I took my dad to one against the Steelers in the Dome once. For some reason, we got stuck in a section of nothing but Steelers fans. When the game ended, I was just glad to get out of the place alive.
Yeah, and it figures you would have pushed more suds than anybody else in the frat. LOL.
Help Fred defeat everybody.
}}}----> Thanks Dave R
July 29, 2007 - 20:32 ET by Cool ArrowJust wanted to say thanks for Sending us Deion. Cowboys couldn't have so soundly thrashed the Steelers without him.
Cool
July 29, 2007 - 20:38 ET by Noel SheppardCool,
So soundly thrashed the Steelers? I think you are conveniently forgetting two absolutely pathetic interceptions thrown by Neil O'Donnell right squarely into Larry Brown's hands that set up two of your touchdowns.
In reality, if you recall, these might have been the worst two passes thrown in Super Bowl history, and many at the time felt that O'Donnell must have been on the take.
Regardless, sound thrashing is hardly what I would call it.
BTW: I'm a 49er fan. As such, I can't possibly be impartial about this. Fair enough? :-) ns
P.S. You didn't get Deion from the Falcons. If you recall, he came to us first -- we beat you that year in the NFC championship game. You got him as a free agent from us after we kicked the crap out of the San Diego Chargers in the most one-sided romp in Super Bowl history! :-)
}}}----> Technically Noel
July 29, 2007 - 20:51 ET by Cool ArrowSeems Deion's mere presence pretty much shut down half the field. O'Donnell perceived (rightly or wrongly) the alternative to single coverage was safer.
Cool
July 29, 2007 - 21:47 ET by Noel SheppardCool,
C'mon. There are a number of different reasons for an interception. There are coverage interceptions, blitz interceptions, offensive line breakdown interceptions, etc., etc.
Then, there are the kind of interceptions when a quarterback -- for no undestandable reason -- throws the ball to a cornerback and hits said cornerback in the numbers with no receiver anywhere near the cornerback.
That's what happened that game, and everybody in America who is NOT a Cowboy fan knows it.
The Cowboys didn't play a good game that day. In fact, that's why Brown got the MVP, because there wasn't anybody else who played well enough to even be considered.
Let's look at some of the stats as provided by Wiki, shall we (emphasis added):
The Cowboys were outplayed that day in every aspect of the game -- except Neil O'Donnell threw two balls to the WRONG man!!!
As for Brown, he ended up going to the Raiders -- who gave him a HUGE contract -- only to play 12 games in two years resulting in him being a total bust.
Regardless, crediting Deion for those two interceptions is like blaming all of the catchers who have been behind the plate when Barry Bonds hit one of his 753 homers! :-) ns
Stats don't always tell the story
July 29, 2007 - 21:50 ET by dagdaThe only statistic that really counts is who won and who lost. There are many games where the winning team had the worse stats. They still won.
Our real problem, then, is not our strength today; it is rather the vital necessity of action today to ensure our strength tomorrow. Dwight Eisenhower
Dag
July 29, 2007 - 21:57 ET by Noel SheppardDag,
The Cowboys won that game? Drat!
Alas, that wasn't Cool's point. He stated that the Cowboys "thrashed" the Steelers that day. The stats suggest otherwise.
Want to debate me on whether the Cowboys' victory that evening qualified as a thrashing?
Now, when the 9er's beat the Chargers by the largest margin in history the previous year, THAT was a thrashing. :-) ns
Noel
July 29, 2007 - 21:59 ET by dagdaI live in the Phoenix, AZ area, we do not play professional football, contrary to rumor to the contrary. I would hate to get into a debate with someone who comes from where they get to watch real professional football.
Our real problem, then, is not our strength today; it is rather the vital necessity of action today to ensure our strength tomorrow. Dwight Eisenhower
Dag
July 29, 2007 - 22:02 ET by Noel SheppardDag,
Great response! :-)
However, didn't you folks beat the 9ers twice last year, and, de facto, keep us out of the playoffs?
Also, you get GREAT college ball there. Spectacular. Not into college? ns
Noel
July 29, 2007 - 22:10 ET by dagdaWe do have exciting college sports out here, except basketball (which I think we treat as a club sport). ASU has one of the top athletic programs in the nation. We might even do better in football this year with a new coach.
Nothing will save the Arizona Cardinals. We need new owners. If the Bidwells would sell the team, and they would get an owner that actually wanted to win, we might have a chance. Leinhart is going to get killed behind the offensive line of the Cardinals. Some are picking us (I use the term very very loosely) to go 9-7. Personally, I think we will be lucky to go 8-8.
Our real problem, then, is not our strength today; it is rather the vital necessity of action today to ensure our strength tomorrow. Dwight Eisenhower
Dag
July 29, 2007 - 22:19 ET by Noel SheppardDag,
Well, I have a soft spot for AZ. Although it's a bit further south, my brother went to UA, and I'm a HUGE Lute Olson fan.
As for ASU, you guys upset my Bears last year in a game that cost us a major bowl bid. Drat! ns
Nogales High
July 29, 2007 - 22:23 ET by dagdaAh, so your brother went to Nogales High, where the mantra is TGFB (thank god for basketball). Since I bleed maroon-and-gold I try not to go to Tucson more than I have to. I have pushed to give it back to Mexico, but even Mexico does not seem to want it. :)
BTW, do not think Lute will be there much longer. I think he is both physically and mentally well past his prime.
Our real problem, then, is not our strength today; it is rather the vital necessity of action today to ensure our strength tomorrow. Dwight Eisenhower
Dag
July 29, 2007 - 22:35 ET by Noel SheppardDag,
Why Nogales High?
Yeah, I think he probably is. To me, though, he's one of the good guys.
One of the things I love about college sports is the coaches. So many of these guys pass up more lucrative pro contracts to stay at the college level. And, they're such a part of the school, I just really admire it.
Every year, I grow less interested in pro sports, and more interested in the college game. You agree? ns
Coaches salaries
July 29, 2007 - 22:39 ET by dagdaA top flight college football coach is making 1.5 mill or better depending on deals with alumii, plus salary, summer camps, bonuses, etc.
Nogales is the closest Mexican city to Tucson.
I am a big fan of college football, baseball, hockey, etc. I am not a fan of college basketball because ASU has not fielded a decent teams since the mid 1960s.
Our real problem, then, is not our strength today; it is rather the vital necessity of action today to ensure our strength tomorrow. Dwight Eisenhower
O'Donnell recorded 28 of 49
July 29, 2007 - 22:11 ET by Cool ArrowO'Donnell recorded 28 of 49 completions for 239 yards and a touchdown.
Proving the adage: A blind sow will find an acorn every once in a while.
OK, so Aikman only threw for 209 yards and Smith only ran for 49. When it's 3rd and 4 at the goal, what good is a 50 yard run?
The steelers just seemed intent on keeping the ball at their own end of the field.
Cool
July 29, 2007 - 22:13 ET by Noel SheppardCool,
I told you I can't be impartial. I hate the Cowboys almost as much as the Yankees. Almost. :-) ns
}}}----> Me too neither, Noel
July 29, 2007 - 22:22 ET by Cool ArrowI've hated the Steelers ever since one of their home town refs stole a touchdown from Mike Renfro of Oilers in the 1980 AFC title game. We knew we were in trouble when it was announced before the game that 3 of the officials hailed from Steeltown.
League later created the Renfro Rule.
Cool,
July 29, 2007 - 21:49 ET by Dave RActually, I really hated to see him go, as he was great fun to watch on the field.
The saddest move the Falcon's ever made was Brett Favre being traded to Green Bay. Many around here have been wondering what could have been ever since.
Help Fred defeat everybody.
Ominous, Dave
July 29, 2007 - 21:57 ET by Cool ArrowYou could be early stage "Curse of the Bambino".
Noel, FIY...here is a
July 29, 2007 - 22:39 ET by msh1973Noel,
FIY...here is a link to my hometown newspaper in response to a column Sanders wrote about Michael Vick. I thought you might find the article interesting.
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070729/COLUMNISTS41/70728036/1075
MSH
July 29, 2007 - 22:52 ET by Noel SheppardMSH,
Interesting. Thanks. I hadn't seen this. or Deion's original article: http://www.news-pres... ns
Noel, Thanks, by the time
July 29, 2007 - 23:22 ET by msh1973Noel,
Thanks, by the time I got to the website they had all ready taken the article down.
Did you read the responses? The column was all the talk on local radio programs, people were calling in really complaining about the News-Press and Sanders. Sanders is a hometown hero and usually gets a lot of kudos, but his comments really didn't sit well for most folks.
Agree with Sanders
July 29, 2007 - 23:29 ET by dagdaI have to agree with Sanders and his well-written article. He makes several points that should be addressed by the NFL before they suspend Vick. If, as Sanders says, there are other football players who enjoy this sport, then they need to suspend all of them.
Our real problem, then, is not our strength today; it is rather the vital necessity of action today to ensure our strength tomorrow. Dwight Eisenhower
}}}----> Sanders' article
July 29, 2007 - 23:38 ET by Cool ArrowGood article.
Unfortunately, we're used to rape from athletes
July 29, 2007 - 18:39 ET by nkviking75I think what Smith may have meant is that rape charges against big-time athletes has, for better or worse, become routine and maybe even expected. Vick, on the other hand, has been caught at something that is only more offensive because it is not behavior we're used to hearing about from big-time athletes. If it proves anything, it proves society is getting numb to sexual misbehavior from athletes.
When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out.
Silly Liberals! They have
July 29, 2007 - 19:02 ET by BlazerSilly Liberals! They have never met a dictator, or despot they didn't like. They place more value on the lives of convicted killers on death row, than living children in the womb. Call terrorists, freedom fighters. Homicide bombers, are heroes. Our troops are occupiers, not liberators. Now killing a canine is worse than raping a human. Just par for the course, concerning pond scum Liberals if you ask me.
"You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious. "
- Ben Kenobi on Liberals, and the MSM.
}}}----> Larry Smith is right
July 29, 2007 - 19:47 ET by Cool ArrowIf the President commits rape, it's just "lying about sex."
Of course, it depends on the President's party affiliation.
Correct Cool... ...just
July 29, 2007 - 19:50 ET by bigtimerCorrect Cool...
...just ask Juanita...
Bet if you asked Bill,
July 29, 2007 - 19:58 ET by BlazerBet if you asked Bill, bigtimer, he would say he just had too many Buds, walked in, tripped on the carpet, and fell with an...........................you know the rest.
"You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious. "
- Ben Kenobi on Liberals, and the MSM.
...yep, then afterwards he
July 29, 2007 - 20:21 ET by bigtimer...yep, then afterwards he would add just put some ice to that...
It'll make it all better....
Didn't he explain it was in
July 29, 2007 - 21:23 ET by sanskritgDidn't he explain it was in terms of visibility, rather than woman vs. dog?
Sans
July 29, 2007 - 21:31 ET by Noel SheppardSans,
As you are one of our liberal members, I'd like you to perform an experiment to test your premise. Go find some feminists -- as a liberal, that certainly shouldn't be difficult -- read them this transcript, and report back as to whether or not they agree with you.
Speaking for other NBers, as it pertains to your findings, I'm breathless with antici........pation. ns
}}}----> Barking up the left tree
July 29, 2007 - 21:54 ET by Cool ArrowLarry Smith can make rape jokes (he was joking, wasn't he?), but here in Texas when you make jokes like that you get Ann Richards.
Cool
July 29, 2007 - 21:59 ET by Noel SheppardCool,
I don't know whether he was joking. Nancy didn't seem to think so. Unfortunately, I can't find a video of this anywhere.
On the other hand, is it acceptable to joke about rape? Do a lot of women find that a humorous subject?
Not in my experience!!!! ns
}}}----> No Noel, they don't
July 30, 2007 - 03:18 ET by Cool ArrowAnd that was my point. If this "anchor" was serious about dogfighting being more reprehensible than rape, his thinking is worse than that of a jester.
That's also a deeper problem I see in this issue. A lot of people have the same outlook as Larry the cable sportsguy. Witness the display of placards (Neuter Mike Vick) outside the courthouse before the arraignment. Seems some animal rights zealots have no problem with showing such hatred in Atlanta, Georgia. Did I mention this happened in Atlanta, Georgia?
I seriously doubt such signs are common fare at rape proceedings.
Speaking of Michael Vick.....
July 29, 2007 - 22:22 ET by Dave RWSB radio is currently reporting that many fans gathered today to protest what they consider "unfair treatment" of Michael Vick by the Atlanta Falcons and Nike. They are also reporting that, get this, the local chapter of the NAACP is going to look into how Vick has been treated. That should be a real hoot.
It just gets stranger and stranger.
BTW, for those of you who may be interested in the local coverage of the ongoing Michael Vick saga, here is a link to our premier local TV station (WSB), where you can see all the related videos and slide shows you can stomach.
Help Fred defeat everybody.
There might be a case
July 29, 2007 - 22:27 ET by dagdaVick is innocent until found guilty, which is not what the NFL is holding. I would agree that they seem to be holding him to a higher standard then Kobe. The NBA let Kobe play while waiting for trial and the court took his playing schedule into account for setting court dates.
Our real problem, then, is not our strength today; it is rather the vital necessity of action today to ensure our strength tomorrow. Dwight Eisenhower
dagda,
July 29, 2007 - 23:00 ET by Dave RWell, in the eyes of the government he is considered innocent until proven otherwise, but the private sector isn't obligated to see it that way.
Unlike Kobe, this isn't some gold-digger or some disgruntled ex making rape allegations in a "her word vs. his word" situation. These are federal dog-fighting charges. Dogfighting has become a huge problem in this region over the last decade. Due to the high visibility of Michael Vick, I'm thinking the feds are aiming to make an example out of him in order to curb the practice.
I can't really say I fault the NFL for its decision to ban Vick from attending training camp, as I think they did the Falcons a favor. The media circus that would be surrounding him would be out of control, and the protesters that would be showing up would be a distraction as well. The Falcons have a new coach coming in, who will no-doubt be introducing an entirely new system. It would not be fair to him, or the rest of the players on the team, for that matter, if this mess were allowed to disrupt things.
Help Fred defeat everybody.
Guilty until proven innocent
July 29, 2007 - 23:07 ET by dagdaUnlike you, I can fault the NFL for not letting him go to training camp. I think they need to grow a pair and let him go to camp. He has pleaded innocent and he is due his day in court. The federal government does not win every case and he can afford a high powered team to beat them.
It is not fair to Michael Vick to treat him as guilty until he is proven innocent. Nor is it fair to penalize the Falcons who would love to have the quarterback for the season. If he is convicted, then do whatever the player contract calls for. Until then, let him play.
Here in Arizona we have had players cited for drunk driving during training camp. They were allowed to continue to play. Their suspensions were minimal. No one was told to sit out training camp.
I will really be interested to see how they handle the next issue.
Our real problem, then, is not our strength today; it is rather the vital necessity of action today to ensure our strength tomorrow. Dwight Eisenhower
}}}----> dagda
July 29, 2007 - 23:32 ET by Cool ArrowIs it possible the league (or team franchise) is acting on already established warnings? Maybe trying to sneak a water bottle with a secret compartment through an airport is small potatoes. maybe it was a dry runup to setting a match to his new NIKE Vick shoes.
The point is, Vick was already making a name for himself off the field. The league was right.
dagda,
July 29, 2007 - 23:46 ET by Dave RThis hasn't been widely reported, but back when these allegations first surfaced (prior to the official charges being filed) Vick met with the new NFL commissioner and also with team owner Arthur Blank. In both cases, he is reported to have told them, to their faces, that there was nothing at all to the allegations. Then, a few weeks later, here come the charges. I don't think that went over well with either Mr. Blank or the new commissioner, who has promised to clean things up in the NFL.
Also, the feds aren't his only problem. In SC, it is a felony to even own the property on which a dogfight takes place. A grand jury there will be meeting in about a month. It is expected that they, too, will be bringing charges against him. Most of the reports we are getting here is that people in that area take a rather dim view of dog fighting.
I think the man is in seriously deep doo-doo, and doesn't even realize it.
Help Fred defeat everybody.
Dave R
July 30, 2007 - 15:15 ET by shannon20I ususally agree with most of what you say, but... I think the media, Falcons Org. and his endorsers are getting a little ahead of themselves. He is innocent until proven guilty and should be afforded the opportunity to defend himself, at his trial. He should not loose his job(suspended a couple games maybe), not loose his endorsements and Falcons shouldn't bow down to the people that think they can effort change by fake outrage. I'm so sick of it. Where were the protestors, when Kobe supposedly raped that girl. There was none. He continued to play, I don't even think he was suspended. How many times did Pacman Jones have run-ins with the law before he was finally taken to task by the media and the NFL. I think he even punched a chick in the face . They're are plenty other instances.
I love dogs and I believe it is deplorable to fight these animals, but there are other cultures that live in the united States that believe it is OK to fight dogs. Who is the person that gets to decide what is right and what is wrong in a persons beliefs. Right now we're letting Illegals take over our country, and not assimilating into our culture. What beliefs do they have that are illegal here, that in a few years the ACLU will be hollering about that the US is descriminating? You think the Muslim footbaths at a few colleges is the end of it. Not by a long shot. Not that I'm comparing this to a religion, but it is a custom.
All I'm saying is I think he deserves the opportunity to resume his life, as they let him out on bail, then go to court and face whatever happens. If he is found guilty by all means fire him but....Where will it stop. Who will be the next ot be let go from there job for pending charges? some poor smuck that lives paycheck to paycheck and can't hire a high priced lawyer to defend them.
And another thing that guy on CNN Larry Smith, he said exactly what he meant. Nancy Grace gave him a chance to change what he said 'cause she probably thought he made a mistake, but he didn't change it. He meant it. BTW, he is on Robin and Co. everymorning about every 15 minutes for 4 hours a morning.
Yes, I do like Michael Vick, yes I live in the metro and I will continue to support him.
I think the ACLU should have been here when the story first broke, then maybe the media would've been to scared to blow this out of proportion.
}}}----> Another Vick angle
July 29, 2007 - 22:36 ET by Cool ArrowSuppose Vick's lawyers argue there is no place in America where Michael Vick can get a fair trial?
Suppose they cite that The Conscience of The Senate, and "former" Klansman Robert Byrd, has already declared Vick's guilt and publicly lynched him from our Country's highest Legislative Branch.
Strange days...strange fruit.
Cool,
July 29, 2007 - 23:10 ET by Dave RIf I was his lawyer, that's exactly what I would be arguing.
Only problem is, the lawyer representing him is reportedly the same guy who defended our former mayer, Bill Campbell, who is currently riding a bench in a federal prison on a corruption conviction.
Tomorrow, one of Michael Vick's former associates is going to be testifying that Vick ws involved in this thing since day one. I'm guessing Vick will wind up making some sort of deal to plead this down to a lesser charge, as this is probably the only real hope he now has.
Either way, I think his NFL career is over.
Help Fred defeat everybody.
}}}----> No other strategy
July 29, 2007 - 23:20 ET by Cool ArrowThere is absolutely no strategy other than the OJ defense.
Cop a plea, and it's absolutely no football, ever.
Plead not guilty on the lack of merits? Yeah, right. The feds are so loose with their investigations. Expect sattelite shots, wiretaps, hidden camera, audio. . . the works
He'll hand off to the Juice.
Smith's comparison of rape and caninicide
August 1, 2007 - 22:15 ET by DemonhunterGiven Smith's comments and the total lack of reaction from the MSM, I have to say the reaction in this story is disgusting. Zeise has made a perfectly valid observation noting that rape has resulted in far less outcry and often far less punishment than Vick is potentially facing. I think Zeise is paying the price for saying something that is true which liberals do not want to hear. And I think racism is at the heart of it.
http://sportsillustr...
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- A newspaper reporter who said Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick would have been "better off raping a woman" than being charged with dogfighting has apologized and will no longer appear on the local sports panel TV show where he made the remark.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Paul Zeise made the comments Sunday night on the Sports Showdown show on KDKA-TV, a CBS affiliate. He was disagreeing with another panelist who said NFL commissioner Roger Goodell should suspend Vick for the rest of the season because he was indicted on federal dogfighting charges July 17.
If it's not the Crusades, it's the cartoons
}}}----> Nancy Grace Smackdown
August 1, 2007 - 22:28 ET by Cool ArrowThe "deer in the headlights" look when Grace called him out on the remark was classic.