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The scarred face of Lucas, a pit bull involved in Michael Vick's
infamous dog fighting ring. (AP/Jae C. Hong)
Appearing in his first televised interview since being convicted of running a dog fighting ring in August 2007, Michael Vick told interviewer James Brown of CBS' 60 Minutes that serving time in prison made him realize the magnitude of what he had done and what he had allowed to happen to animals.
"There’s no way of explaining the hurt and the guilt that I felt,” Vick told Brown. "And that was the reason I cried so many nights."
Since being released from prison, Vick has been signed with the Philadelphia Eagles for a two-year contract. It's a deal that has sparked outrage among those who cannot forget the brutality of Vick's dog fighting ring.
"You were convicted of beating them, shooting them, electrocuting them, drowning them – horrific things, Michael," Brown said, as Vick listened, his face expressionless.
Shaking his head, Vick said, “It’s wrong. I don’t know how many times I gotta say it. It was wrong and I feel tremendous hurt about what happened. I should’ve took the initiative to stop it all, and I didn’t. I feel so bad about that now, and I know that I didn’t step up. I wasn’t a leader."
For six years, Vick financed and operated a dog fighting ring that bred, bought and fought pit bulls against each other. Vick agreed that his actions showed a lack of moral character, but he was attracted to the competition and the adrenaline rush that dog fighting gave him. Investigators removed 66 dogs from his dog fighting property and exhumed the bodies of eight more dogs, reports 60 Minutes.
Asked if he understood the outrage that people felt, Vick said he understood.
“I understand why, and I’m gonna say it again," said Vick. "It sickens me to my stomach. The same feeling I’m feeling right now is what people was feeling. Disgust. Pure disgust."
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has enlisted Vick as an "anti-dog fighting ambassador" as Vick tries to redeem himself. Citing the shocking statistic that there are an estimated "40,000 professional dog fighters in the country and 100,000 street fighters," Wayne Pacelle, president of the HSUS is hoping that Vick will be effective in his new role.
"If we punish Michael forever and don’t pivot to the problem in the communities where kids are victimizing these dogs… that’s a dead end street," Pacelle told 60 Minutes. "I’m really hopeful that Mike sticks with this and really reaches these kids … because I really believe he can do that.”
Is Michael Vick really sorry about how he made those dogs suffer? Does he truly understand how horrific his actions were? Does he deserve a second chance?
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Comments
How can you or anyone say that Michael Vick "deserves" anything? He's a murderer, a killer. He's scum of the earth. He's sorry he got caught. He's not sorry about the animals he killed and tortured. Not then and Not now. He's a low life killer. The only thing he deserves is exactly what he did to those innocent animals. Childhood my ass. NO EXCUSES. What he "deserves" is electrocution,drowning,to be torn apart,and slammed on the ground until he is dead. Thats what he deserves but that most likely won't happen. I just don't want to see or hear of him again. He makes me sick to my stomach.
Read My Grandfather's Son by Justice Thomas and UP From the Projects by ecnomics Dr. Walter E. Williams. These men endured real hardship--with no free cable, cell phones and $100 sneakers and became great leaders and public servants. Most of our parents and grandparents and those before had far less in terms of money and things than Vick did. What they did have was moral training and pesonal responsibility.
Can't believe how HSUS has sold out in an attempt to capitalize financially on the back of a psychopath. Too bad that someone like Billy Graham didn't get behind Pete Rose to help educate individuals about the evils of gambling; Rose could have played ball and the casinos would be empty. Yeah, right. Don't know who is worse: Vick or Pacelle.
I heard a lot of "I know's".Apparently something clicked at some point. He realized what he was doing was wrong.I don't think all the right "reasons" for me were said by Vick.I heard "career".I heard "family".But I didn't once hear that he needed stop because it was wrong for the animals.I don't care about Vick's career, or his family.What I care about are people with common sense and brains making choices to fight dogs and torture them because it makes them feel better or because they are making tons of illegal money off of them.I think HSUS (whom I don't really like - surf the web for stories) could have still made an impression on the youth of America WITHOUT being in kahoots with the criminal who did these crimes.Simply mentioning his name, and that he went to prison should be enough.The fact that the NFL welcomed him back is the icing on the cake.The REAL message for America's youth??"It's ok if you screw up.Just do your time.You'll get a second chance."
I don't know how anyone can know what is going on in that man's life. I also don't know how people who claim to have so much compassion for these animals don't have the same kind of compassion for people. I look at that other dude who killed a PERSON gets 24 days in jail and one year suspension, but this man who killed dogs - while no less deplorable - is being raked over the coals. He served his debt to society. I can see how race plays a role in these discussions. Slavery was no less brutal and while we are constantly reminded about it, it remains to be seen how some people treat animals better than they treat other human beings. I would venture to say that his upbringing probably did play a role in his views on animals and the role they play in the family. If you arent raised to respect life - in any form - then you won't know, but that does not mean you can't learn It's sad that such a perfect society (sarcasm) can't find it in itself to forgive those who aren't perfect.
Agreed that people's lives are more important but animal cruelty sets the pattern for cruelty to people--check the crime rates among those who dog fight. But no, people did not torture and beat their slavss all the time---most people never did. Slaves can't work when they're in bad shape and they were worth money, worth even more than your horse. Black slaverholders trated their slaves the worst, because they wanted to be seen as distinct from the slaves. Most slaves in Charlestown and Maryland had trades adn were indistinguishable from ordinary people.
I don't know how anyone can know what is going on in that man's life. I also don't know how people who claim to have so much compassion for these animals don't have the same kind of compassion for people. I look at that other dude who killed a PERSON gets 24 days in jail and one year suspension, but this man who killed dogs - while no less deplorable - is being raked over the coals. He served his debt to society. I can see how race plays a role in these discussions. Slavery was no less brutal and while we are constantly reminded about it, it remains to be seen how some people treat animals better than they treat other human beings. I would venture to say that his upbringing probably did play a role in his views on animals and the role they play in the family. If you arent raised to respect life - in any form - then you won't know, but that does not mean you can't learn It's sad that such a perfect society (sarcasm) can't find it in itself to forgive those who aren't perfect.
You people are unbelieveable! What else can this man do to deserve a second chance. How many of you have made mistakes in your life that may seem grusome to others. People never remember things they've done to others they only remember things done to them. Stop pointing the finger unless you live a life of perfection. On another note, there are PEOPLE being murdered and tortured everyday. Where's the outrage! If anything you people DISCUST me! You love and care for animals probably more than you do for your own children. The reason being is that animals never let you down, always do what you say, and fear you as a god. People who are most upset by this are those of you who own pets for that very reason. You want to be loved by something unconditionally regardless of how you treat it. With that being said get over it! Start loving your family and realize dogs are 2nd to humans, just like all the other animals slaughterd everyday so we can eat them. Where's the outrage in that!
oh and I don't particularly care if Vick plays again, but I'm disturbed that so many people are just going for the jugular with him. It takes a sick person to do what he did. It does, but I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and say that he learned his lesson and can go on and be productive with HSUS or whomever. It's the same benefit I would give anyone who has paid their debt to society. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me - I'm with giving him the opportunity to prove that he is worth the second chance he is being given.
I KNOW this post will cause some drama - and hey, if it makes you feel better about yourself to call me all kinds of names etc, work it out - it is what it is.
You people are unbelieveable! What else can this man do to deserve a second chance. How many of you have made mistakes in your life that may seem grusome to others. People never remember things they've done to others they only remember things done to them. Stop pointing the finger unless you live a life of perfection. On another note, there are PEOPLE being murdered and tortured everyday. Where's the outrage! If anything you people DISCUST me! You love and care for animals probably more than you do for your own children. The reason being is that animals never let you down, always do what you say, and fear you as a god. People who are most upset by this are those of you who own pets for that very reason. You want to be loved by something unconditionally regardless of how you treat it. With that being said get over it! Start loving your family and realize dogs are 2nd to humans, just like all the other animals slaughterd everyday so we can eat them. Where's the outrage in that!
There are a lot of people in the world that want to burn Michael Vick on a cross for this dog fighting incident but, somehow aren't showing the same rage for Donte' Stallworth running down and killing an elderly man while driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. These are also the same people who would beg for mercy if it had been themselves or a family member who had commited these crimes. People in America are always quick to judge which is why this country is so messed up now.
I say, let's give him a chance. He is under so much pressure right now to perform. The Humane society is watching, the NFL is watching, the public at large is watching. He say he is rehabilatated. Let's give him a chance. I agree with Ervin. How would you act if you were in his shoes. You would want someone to at least listen. We as americans are so judgemental.
Wow. I'm still shocked and amazed at some people. What does this man need to do to get another chance? I think he is more than sorry and has showed it. I mean he went from being an NFL star to being incarcerated at the fed pen with the gen pop to working a $10 construction job and doing community service. People act like he killed people. He didn't, he killed dogs. While that is no excuse, what else can this man do? He has more than paid his debt to society. People especially professional athletes, have worse things and have not gone through as much as this man. We need to focus more on what positive things can come of this than on his past negative actions.
like some people im willing to give this guy another chance sports athlethes should never be role models its not a good idea putting them on a pedestal vick messed up big time and he lied of course there are people who have done worse and have faced no consequences something like this can only happen in america for vick its a psychological thing hes been doing since he was a kid. i think hes changed but guilt is not the same thing as remorse
I can't believe some of you so called Americans. We are suppose to be a country of love, forgiven and etc. You all are so worried and concerned about Michael Vick that you have forgotten about the Military personnel that are dying everyday here in Iraq and Afghgainstan. You are the same people that have cursed and disgraced family and other people and have the nerves to stand outside with your dogs with Vick's name acting like you are so perfect. You are the same people that would dis-own your child if they bring a black man or woman to your house or marry them into the family, you are the same people that will run over a person walking in the streets and keep going. It's not just a black thing or dog thing it's just the way some people are. You need to stop putting so much energy into Micheal Vick and pray for the Marines, Soldiers, Airmen/Women, Soliors her in Iraq and Afghanistan. You all need Jesus.
Yea he has done a lot to rebuild his immage. Dont get me wrong I dont think that sitting in prison for 18 months justifies KILLING DOGS you idiots! However I am willing to give him a second chance because of the opportunity he has to hopefully change some things in the dog world! I have 4 pitbulls and love them! He can change whats going on in the dog fighting communnity and anyone that is involved in it needs to go to jail too! However by saying that he shouldn't go to prison be cause someone else did something worse and didnt get in as much trouble is CRAP! He was wrong and he is getting exactly what he dedserves and he doesn't deserve a second chance, he hasn't earned it... However I would give him one. The rest of you wouldn't care if he workeed at a grocery store , but because he plays football he "deserves" something! Wrong!! Get your morals together bunch of fools!
IKE your ridiculous! I AM A MARINE!!! I'VE BEEN TO IRAQ... TWICE! So with that said go somewhere else. I have Jesus and its good Vick "found" God in there. However quit getting on your support the troops speech! It's about the animals and if this a country of "LOVE" then this crap wouldn't have heppened, stop talking about what this couuntry should be and look at it for what it is. An atheist land founded by christians ran by atheists so go blog about that this page is about what Vick did wrong!
IKE your ridiculous! I AM A MARINE!!! I'VE BEEN TO IRAQ... TWICE! So with that said go somewhere else. I have Jesus and its good Vick "found" God in there. However quit getting on your support the troops speech! It's about the animals and if this a country of "LOVE" then this crap wouldn't have heppened, stop talking about what this couuntry should be and look at it for what it is. An atheist land founded by christians ran by atheists so go blog about that this page is about what Vick did wrong!
come on people! He faught a couple of dogs and your acting like he killed somebody.Do u realive that we live in america where humans die everyday.Not to mention we had slavery.You dont see black people talking about lets kill all the white people.You forgive and forget He deserves another chance.
Actually he fought hundreds of dogs! And if you were in the ring with any of them you would be telling a different story! And what does slavery have to do with this... You idiots keep taking this where it doesn't belong. It's not about slavery or military it's about the dogs that were beaten and abused. Jeremy you're an idiot!
People can make this issue about what they want it to be about - it can be about football, about money, about vick - but what it SHOULD be about, and really is about, is the dogs. There are people that he can reach that we cannot, and they are the ones most likely to participate in dog fighting. It won’t make right what he did, but it is still the right thing to do for him from this day forward.
Okay people they were dogs and he paid his debt to society. Let it go
What i dont understand is that Michael Vick lost it all 135million everything, did he's two years to society, but alot of people who truely believe in Jesus Christ cant forgive him. In the bible it says to forgive, Jesus died for us for our SINS!!!!!!! I Believe in Christ and i truely believe Vick has changed his ways. Y.B.I.C Claudio Michael Vick #7 Excited to have you BACK
If he did not get caught he would still be fighting dogs.2 years is nothing.He tortured thease poor animals.This is not an act of a real man.Maybe he should edure the pain theese animals had to endure.If you can do this to an animal what can you do to someone else.We need real men for our children to look up to,not low lifes.
Wow, some people are so angry. While I am a supporter of Vick going back into the NFL, I think it is important to recognize that what he did to those animals was sick and deplorable it wasn't fair to the dogs - there is no getting past that fact, but I don't think it is fair to continue to persecute the man after he has served his time and basically lost everything. There are a lot of people who want him to seem more remorseful about his actions, and while I think that is there, it's human nature to be remorseful about everything else he lost - friends family and a very lucrative career that he took for granted. Like I've said before, let's let him get back out there and prove he has grown as a man by his actions - and if he effs it up, well even I would be through with him at that point...
Hey Sandra, I understand the anger I do. Having had the benefit of living in both rural and urban setting, I know that dumb stuff happens with dog and chicken (geez...chickens people in this instance the four letter c word is not inappropriate) fighting is a part of that...in other countries - particularly Latin American countries - chicken fighting is legal. I say that to say, some people and their mindsets are products of their environment - it doesn't make it right, but it does make it true. This dude grew up in poor conditions and seeing certain people who were supposed to be rolemodels participating in actions like dogfighting - how would he know that something like that wasn't the right thing to do? It was the norm in his situation.
I take issue with Vick lying about his role, I take issue that he didn't have the nerve to put a stop to it when he could have, but he has already lost everything. Doesn't he deserve the opportunity to redeem himself?
Obviously people on this commoent section don't really know the love of an animal.I despice Michael Vick fir what he did, while he deserves a second chance beacause i do believe in forgiving people. i thin khe does not deserve to makt the money he is making, he does not feel sorry, after 6 yrs of doing this and now!!! of course!!!after he got caught he is really sorry..the only thing he is orry for is losing all his money, for being an uncosideralble prick!~!i would love to put him in a ring with Myke Tyson or a heavy wight fighter, and if he loses the fight i would probably beat him some more, electrecute him and i won't shoot him becasue i'm not a muderder but i would make him suffer and have him feel the pain he made these animals feel, then he can cry all he wants after the pain and he realizes how much pain the went thru...if he was really sorry he would of signed up himself to HSU.
He is an absolute MONSTER and I don't believe for a SECOND that he's been rehabilitated. The worst thing about all of it to me is seeing HOW MANY PEOPLE have said it's no big deal and that he's "paid his debt to society." While I agree that people who do their time have the right to rejoin society and get A JOB, I am TOTALLY disgusted with the fact that ANYONE would be willing to give him millions of dollars and hold him up as a role model. All I can hope for now is that he gets SACKED iIN THE BALLS MANY TIMES OVER!!!
Actually, I rewatched the interview and I do not believe that he has been rehabilitated. Maybe he could work as a janitor to redeem himself. i take back any support that I might have had for this dog killer.
What a phony. What "culture" is it that these blood-thirsty, animal abusers use as their excuse as to why they do this ? Blacks ? I don't think so.Most people of all races aren't heartless scumbags. He lied then and he's lying now. Like most criminals, he's only sorry that he got caught.He's an embarrassment to humankind. This is to be expected when you hand a guy a college degree who can't even speak as an educated man, hand him obscene wealth and then circle the wagons when he does wrong. Is it because of his "talent" ? His "potential" ? Or is it because there's money to be made off of him? A mediocre athlete would have been sentenced and forgotten. Does anyone believe that he suddenly developed a love and respect for animals ? He says he got this when he was in his cell, not by loving a pet and seeing the pet show him love & respect in return,so he's only sorry for the damage done to his image and wealth. The Falcons improved tremendously without him so how good is he to a team?
This pathetic, sick excuse for a man is NOT sorry for what he did. He is sorry he got CAUGHT. What if he HAD NOT? The SLAUGHTER would still be happening. His attorney set this hole thing up to garner public sympathy for this coward.No mention of the slaughter or how many?. Anyone who does this to a DEFENSELES animal or Human is nothing BUT a COWARD. I know because I HAVE A BAIT DOG used in a fight at 12 WEEKS OLD and left for dead in 2001 outside a Vet clinic in Monterey, Calif.Lets see this Gang Banger millionaire do this to ME. Bring it on Punk..Craig Mosher
I was hoping to see him end up with a gig as a human tackling dummy or "bait quarterback" - you know, to build confidence in the other players...
I think it is funny that someone logged in with my name and said I changed my mind...oh if only it were that simple my friend...lmao...I still support the man and I believe that he deserves a second chance like anyone else...
People need to realize why he did what he did and how serious it really is. Think about this, people do things to stimulate their body, wheather it is drugs, alcohol, smoking whatever it is...he murdered these beautiful creatures with his bare hands. He didn't just choose to shoot them and walk away, he had to feel the power, almost like he was God, and drowned them with his hands. Even then it wasn't enough, so he electrocuted these helpless creatures. Enjoyed watching them suffer
To MR Y NOT, i cant believe any one could give the excuse " I did it because thats what i saw as a child. WAKE UP, YOUR NOT A CHILD ANY MORE.
So ur telling me if I was molested as a child, its ok to do it to other children when Im older. SORRY NO EXCUSES ALLOWED u know right and wrong, what hurts and feels good by the age of nine, and thats y not
I still feel there are a lot of stones being thrown from glass houses...NEVER did I say I condoned it...I would imagine that people who are raised by racists and still feel the need to perpetuate stereotypes about ALL types of people should be given a pass too...cause essentially that is what happened to people who believe in one race's superiority over another...I don't know why I bother though. The man has done his time and like any other criminal who was convicted and served his time, why can't HE have a second chance?
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The fact that he is out there making millions of dollars makes me sick; this while we are cutting kids breakfasts out of the budget in congress and banning pit bulls in the state of Texas. Where are our priorities. Michael Vick should be working at Sonic.
http://www.examiner.com/animal-rights-in-dallas/most-valuable-player-or-...
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