Peter King slams Emmitt over his comment on Vick

[03EBZ06]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/peter_king/07/22/vick/2.html

Quote of the Week II
"He's the biggest fish in the whole doggone pond right now, so they're putting the squeeze on him [Vick] to get to everyone else. Now, granted he might have been to a dogfight a time or two, maybe five times, maybe 20 times, may have bet some money, but he's not the one you're after. He's just the one who's going to take the fall -- publicly.''

-- All-time NFL rushing leader Emmitt Smith, speaking Saturday at his enshrinement in the College Football Hall of Fame.

Two issues here.

1. Nice to see Emmitt knows so much about the federal government's case. Didn't anyone ever tell him, "When there's an important issue out there, give an educated opinion if you have a good idea what you're talking about. If you're not sure what you're talking about, the only thing you can do by opening your mouth is look like you're 11 years old.''

2. It sounds very much like Smith empathizes with Vick's plight and doesn't find it very objectionable that Vick might have put a few bucks down on dogfights. Is he serious? Is there anything justifiable about Vick going to a single dogfight, or gambling a dime on a dogfight? Should the feds, once they had evidence from four corroborating witnesses that placed Vick in the middle of one dogfight after another, have ignored the evidence and not gone after him?

I have a bad feeling about Smith's tenure at ESPN, and it hasn't even started. His comments on Vick are so idiotic and inappropriate that a few people at the Worldwide Leader have to be thinking, "Uh-oh. What if we've gone and hired someone who's very famous but not very smart?''

------------------------------------------------------------------------

:laugh2:

I don't care for King but last paragraph was pretty funny.

[tyke1doe]

Imagine what Michael Irvin might have said. :eek:

[Mr Cowboy]

Imagine what Michael Irvin might have said. :eek:


But he hasn't has he? Burger King is right, Emmitt won't last long at ESPN.

[superpunk]

Emmitt really doesn't seem that bright when they get him on to talk football and current fotball events. With regards to tyke1doe, I think even Michael puts Emmitt to shame when it comes to eloquence. From what I've seen, 22 just isn't any good.

[tyke1doe]

I agree. I was never impressed with Emmitt's ability as a commentator.

[Bob Sacamano]

Emmitt really doesn't seem that bright when they get him on to talk football and current fotball events. With regards to tyke1doe, I think even Michael puts Emmitt to shame when it comes to eloquence. From what I've seen, 22 just isn't any good.

to be fair, the 1st time ESPN put Darren Woody on the air, at the Pro Bowl 2 years ago, dude was stuttering like crazy

[MetalHead]

Dear Emmitt:

That wasn't a very smart thing to say.

[peplaw06]

http://www.dallascowboysjersey.org/images/emmittsmithjersey.jpg>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/09/ceo_socnet/image/burger-king.jpg

[SupermanXx]

http://www.dallascowboysjersey.org/images/emmittsmithjersey.jpg>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/09/ceo_socnet/image/burger-king.jpg

QFT.

abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz (stupid 5 character post requirement)

[CrazyCowboy]

Emmitt should stay out of things until he researches all the facts and prepare.

[GimmeTheBall!]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/peter_king/07/22/vick/2.html

Quote of the Week II
"He's the biggest fish in the whole doggone pond right now, so they're putting the squeeze on him [Vick] to get to everyone else. Now, granted he might have been to a dogfight a time or two, maybe five times, maybe 20 times, may have bet some money, but he's not the one you're after. He's just the one who's going to take the fall -- publicly.''

-- All-time NFL rushing leader Emmitt Smith, speaking Saturday at his enshrinement in the College Football Hall of Fame.

Two issues here.

1. Nice to see Emmitt knows so much about the federal government's case. Didn't anyone ever tell him, "When there's an important issue out there, give an educated opinion if you have a good idea what you're talking about. If you're not sure what you're talking about, the only thing you can do by opening your mouth is look like you're 11 years old.''

2. It sounds very much like Smith empathizes with Vick's plight and doesn't find it very objectionable that Vick might have put a few bucks down on dogfights. Is he serious? Is there anything justifiable about Vick going to a single dogfight, or gambling a dime on a dogfight? Should the feds, once they had evidence from four corroborating witnesses that placed Vick in the middle of one dogfight after another, have ignored the evidence and not gone after him?

I have a bad feeling about Smith's tenure at ESPN, and it hasn't even started. His comments on Vick are so idiotic and inappropriate that a few people at the Worldwide Leader have to be thinking, "Uh-oh. What if we've gone and hired someone who's very famous but not very smart?''

------------------------------------------------------------------------

:laugh2:

I don't care for King but last paragraph was pretty funny.

I don't see why anybody is surprised that Emmitt sounds like an idiot

Let's review:

1 Emmitt describes himself as a "diamond" and trashes his ex-teammates
2 Emmitt, held to minus-yardage when he was a Cardinal and played against the Cowboys, starts crying and rambles on about how he'd rather take his kids to soccer
3 Acts the clown on TV as a dancer (Ok, he did show some moves) but the NFL legends must have shook their heads
4 Has anybody here really heard him speak about football? Does not exhibit analytical skills, and spouts mindless cliches
5 Finally the Vick comments

Great running back in his prime
An idiot as a speaker

:D

Dorsett, now there was a RB and a speaker

[superpunk]

There are very few former athlete analysts that are any good on TV or other media. It's just not what they're wired for generally. Troy, Moose, and Woody are good. Jaws is good, but a blowhard. Esiason is good. Marino doesn't say much interesting but at least he's not an imbecile. The Fox pregame team is only good because they have outstanding chemistry, not because they're knowledgable.

[jem88]

Emmitt was a great Cowboy but never struck me as the sharpest knife in the drawer. I loved having obviously, but he was never one of my favourites. Irvin, Tolbert, Holt, Erik Williams, Alvin Harper: they were the coolest Cowboys.

[MrMom]

to be fair, the 1st time ESPN put Darren Woody on the air, at the Pro Bowl 2 years ago, dude was stuttering like crazy

woodson improved dramatically, even when he first started out doing NFLE games he was still fairly decent.

but emmitt has been on NFLN a bunch of times. with guest appearances, sideline interviewing, and in studio analyst. he really didn't improve at all. i'm withholding judgment fully to see how he'll do on espn(who knows, maybe he'll improve leaps and bounds), but it's not off to a hot start.

[ThreeSportStar80]

I mean Emmitt equals Cowboys ratings, so I see why they put him on the show..

[5Stars]

Emmitt can say whatever he wants to say...as long as he stays out of the "boof" with the other broadcaster on Monday Night Football...!!

;)

[Don Corleone]

Who cares? Vick is the idiot here. If he would have kept out of trouble, then commentators like Emmitt wouldn't have anything (dumb) to say about him.

[jobberone]

Who cares? Vick is the idiot here. If he would have kept out of trouble, then commentators like Emmitt wouldn't have anything (dumb) to say about him.

Excuse Don Corleone in my best Italia but that makes no sense. Vick is not responsible for Emmitts poor speecn and deduction/reasoning/articulation. There will be many instances Emmitt may prove his worth or lack of it. Hopefully Emmitt will work on his assertiveness as well as his cognitive distortions and common sense before running his mough again. Otherwise he'll stick his foot in his mouth over and over.

[EMMITTnROY]

I'm not going to comment on Emmitt's eloquence. He isn't the greatest public speaker in the world, but I know that he tries very hard. He wants to be good, and I hope and believe he will do what it takes to improve.

But I do not question Emmitt's intelligence. There is a big difference between intelligence and speaking ability. Emmitt excels at everything he does- football, dancing, college, business, family life, etc. Sure, some of that may be because of God-given talent, hard work, and dedication. But you can't succeed in life and achieve all of your life goals like Emmitt has without a good amount of smarts.

More than anything, it angers me to see Peter King say this about Emmitt because it is an attack also of Emmitt's character, which is second to none. I know that King has an attitude against Emmitt because of their disagreement on the context of the whole "diamond" quote thing, and I think that King has been harboring ill feelings towards Emmitt ever since. Which is unfortunate, because King used to really, really love Emmitt. Whatever Emmitt meant by the whole "diamond" quote, it doesn't bother me at all. He was a class act his entire 13 years with the Cowboys and the man bleeds silver and blue out of every pore. Just watch his retirement ceremony if you question his love for that Star. He said one thing, one thing, after his beloved Cowboys asked him to leave and I'm sure it broke his heart. To hold that one quote against him is just ridiculous. He said he was sorry and said it wasn't meant the way it sounded, and ya know what, I believe him. Anyways, I think that King saw Emmitt's quote about Vick and just jumped at the chance to slam him again. After all, Emmitt is all class and any chances to slam him are very few and far between. Funny thing is, King again quoted him out of context. If you read all of Emmitt's quote, you would see that he does think that Vick was also at fault. He is just sharing his opinion that there are other, bigger, people involved in dogfighting, but because Vick is such a famous name, if they bring him down, they can bring the whole thing down. And you know what? There's probably a lot of truth in that.

Oh, and speaking of intelligence, I find it pretty ironic that in an article calling out another grown man's intelligence and education, the very educated journalist resorts to name-calling and teasing, probably the easiest and most unintelligent of all literary crutches to "prove" his point.

[Chrissyboy]

Come on E n R.

A completely embarrassing and ill-informed statement at a highly public event! Emmitt just let himself down again. He deserves a little criticism.

You and I have different ideas of class. The 'diamond surrounded by trash' comment made him sound 11 years old, and his sparkle had tarnished remarkably!

Still respect the guy for what he did in a fantastic career. He was part of my happiest memories as a Cowboys fan.

[superpunk]

I'm not going to comment on Emmitt's eloquence. He isn't the greatest public speaker in the world, but I know that he tries very hard. He wants to be good, and I hope and believe he will do what it takes to improve.

But I do not question Emmitt's intelligence. There is a big difference between intelligence and speaking ability. Emmitt excels at everything he does- football, dancing, college, business, family life, etc. Sure, some of that may be because of God-given talent, hard work, and dedication. But you can't succeed in life and achieve all of your life goals like Emmitt has without a good amount of smarts.

More than anything, it angers me to see Peter King say this about Emmitt because it is an attack also of Emmitt's character, which is second to none. I know that King has an attitude against Emmitt because of their disagreement on the context of the whole "diamond" quote thing, and I think that King has been harboring ill feelings towards Emmitt ever since. Which is unfortunate, because King used to really, really love Emmitt. Whatever Emmitt meant by the whole "diamond" quote, it doesn't bother me at all. He was a class act his entire 13 years with the Cowboys and the man bleeds silver and blue out of every pore. Just watch his retirement ceremony if you question his love for that Star. He said one thing, one thing, after his beloved Cowboys asked him to leave and I'm sure it broke his heart. To hold that one quote against him is just ridiculous. He said he was sorry and said it wasn't meant the way it sounded, and ya know what, I believe him. Anyways, I think that King saw Emmitt's quote about Vick and just jumped at the chance to slam him again. After all, Emmitt is all class and any chances to slam him are very few and far between. Funny thing is, King again quoted him out of context. If you read all of Emmitt's quote, you would see that he does think that Vick was also at fault. He is just sharing his opinion that there are other, bigger, people involved in dogfighting, but because Vick is such a famous name, if they bring him down, they can bring the whole thing down. And you know what? There's probably a lot of truth in that.

Oh, and speaking of intelligence, I find it pretty ironic that in an article calling out another grown man's intelligence and education, the very educated journalist resorts to name-calling and teasing, probably the easiest and most unintelligent of all literary crutches to "prove" his point.
I like this post. :)

Emmitt might be very intelligent. He just really doesn't express himself well, and his piece about Vick wasn't put out there in the greatest manner. Of course, for an issue that is as ridiculously sensitive as this one, anyone who puts anything out there other than "Hang Vick by his nuts!" seems to get crucified and labeled unfairly. It's also possible that Emmitt is just trying to make a name for himself journalistically (not a word) and is taking too much advice from Michael on how to accomplish that, lol.

And I completely agree about the diamond comment. To still hold that against him is stupid.

(a) It was years ago.
(b) It was one comment.
(c) We absolutely were trash, and it was unfortunate that the Cowboys were mismanaged to the point where Emmitt had to spend his twilight surrounded by it.

Yeah, it was obnoxious at the time - and I think we all felt pretty good when Roy jacked Emmitt up. But it's been time to get over it.

[ZeroClub]

I'm not going to comment on Emmitt's eloquence. He isn't the greatest public speaker in the world, but I know that he tries very hard. He wants to be good, and I hope and believe he will do what it takes to improve.

But I do not question Emmitt's intelligence. There is a big difference between intelligence and speaking ability. Emmitt excels at everything he does- football, dancing, college, business, family life, etc. Sure, some of that may be because of God-given talent, hard work, and dedication. But you can't succeed in life and achieve all of your life goals like Emmitt has without a good amount of smarts.

More than anything, it angers me to see Peter King say this about Emmitt because it is an attack also of Emmitt's character, which is second to none. I know that King has an attitude against Emmitt because of their disagreement on the context of the whole "diamond" quote thing, and I think that King has been harboring ill feelings towards Emmitt ever since. Which is unfortunate, because King used to really, really love Emmitt. Whatever Emmitt meant by the whole "diamond" quote, it doesn't bother me at all. He was a class act his entire 13 years with the Cowboys and the man bleeds silver and blue out of every pore. Just watch his retirement ceremony if you question his love for that Star. He said one thing, one thing, after his beloved Cowboys asked him to leave and I'm sure it broke his heart. To hold that one quote against him is just ridiculous. He said he was sorry and said it wasn't meant the way it sounded, and ya know what, I believe him. Anyways, I think that King saw Emmitt's quote about Vick and just jumped at the chance to slam him again. After all, Emmitt is all class and any chances to slam him are very few and far between. Funny thing is, King again quoted him out of context. If you read all of Emmitt's quote, you would see that he does think that Vick was also at fault. He is just sharing his opinion that there are other, bigger, people involved in dogfighting, but because Vick is such a famous name, if they bring him down, they can bring the whole thing down. And you know what? There's probably a lot of truth in that.

Oh, and speaking of intelligence, I find it pretty ironic that in an article calling out another grown man's intelligence and education, the very educated journalist resorts to name-calling and teasing, probably the easiest and most unintelligent of all literary crutches to "prove" his point.

Well said!

:hammer:

[SultanOfSix]

Emmitt should stay out of things until he researches all the facts and prepare.

LOL.

I laugh when one part of the media criticizes another, when yellow journalism has existed for years and almost all of them are about as speculative as they can be when it suits them.

[InmanRoshi]

The difference between Emmitt and Irvin is that Emmitt can sympathize for Vick, Irvin can relate.

Let's see ... Emmitt went back to school and gets his BA while still playing football. After his football career, he goes on to flourish as an entrepreneur. Then, , knowing that his name brand is only recognized in a niche market of sports following males, he joins Dancing with the Stars and triples his name recognition. Now he can endorse just about anything and everything.

Meanwhile...

Michael Irvin gets busted with women and coke. Then slashes the throat of a teammate with a pair of scissors because he was in line in front of you for a haircut. Then ......gets busted for drugs, again. Then I believe he was busted for drug paraphernalia again. This with numerous documented and rumored indiscretions littered in between.

Anyone want to compare Emmitt and Irvin's smarts again?

Right now, to say even the least thing even half way moderate about Vick borders on treason, because everyone is frothing at the mouth about it after being so so zombied out watching ESPN coverage. People seem to be really, really emotionally invested in it, which seems odd to me. If Vick is found guilty of the crime, I fully support him serving out every last second of 6 years ... but, people, get a grip. There are things going on in the world a thousand times more important.

[superpunk]

Michael Irvin gets busted with women and coke. Then slashes the throat of a teammate with a pair of scissors because he was in line in front of you for a haircut. Then ......gets busted for drugs, again. Then I believe he was busted for drug paraphernalia again. This with numerous documented and rumored indiscretions littered in between.

Anyone want to compare Emmitt and Irvin's smarts again?

I know what you're saying, but eloquence is not the same thing as smarts.

[QT]

I love Emmitt as a Cowboy. I love Irvin as a Cowboy also. BUT. Emmitt will not last very long as an analyst. He kind of reminds me of Magic Johnson's TV career. He's not fluent with his words. Irvin isn't either, but the difference is that Irvin has alot of character. Some of his audience loves how he has so much character, kinda like Barkley. Love him or hate him, Barkley boost ratings with his blunt and sometimes controversal statements.

I have followed Emmitt since he was a rookie with that poka-dot shirt he wore at his first press conference. I've listened to him throughout his career until his going away press conference. He is not that great of a speaker. His grammer is alittle off sometimes in his speeches.

All that being said, Emmitt you is the man. :)

[CowboyFan74]

They can't talk aboot the king of dancing with the stars like that!!!:rolleyes:

[Vintage]

They can't talk aboot the king of dancing with the stars like that!!!:rolleyes:


BTW: I just got to say : love your username, avatar, and the title above it.

The Big Lebowski is a hilarious movie.

[CowboyFan74]

BTW: I just got to say : love your username, avatar, and the title above it.

The Big Lebowski is a hilarious movie.


The Dude abides, thanks:D

[zrinkill]

Emmitt has just as much right to comment about this as anyone else. Bold men do not take the easy road and follow the crowd.

[J-DOG]

Emmitt should stay out of things until he researches all the facts and prepare.
That's it exactly.
I have to believe that Emmitt did not know the details of the indictment in which they described the brutality done against those dogs.
I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt on this until I hear otherwise.

[ABQCOWBOY]

Emmitt needs to shut up IMO. The best thing that anybody can do is let this thing play out. Unfortunatly for Emmitt, he is not Joe Lunchpale. He will be crucified in the public square for almost anything he says. Let it play out and just keep your opinion to yourself until more is understood. Some may believe this is a cowards way out but those people are not in the position Emmitt is in IMO. Emmitt is done with football. If he has no further ambitions, then that's fine. Say what you want but if he still has ambitions in the public eye, nothing positive can come from this situation. Best to let it play out IMO.

[Big Dakota]

Emmitt was a God on the field but he's been just atrocious off the field.The worst i've ever seen on TV, turning down HOF invites because of money, being a jerk at autograph shows, and just saying stupid things in general. I'll never hold Emmitt is as high a regard as Moose, Tony, Calvin, Don, Robert, or Walt when it comes to personality and charisma. Emmitt = typical modern day moron athlete.

[InmanRoshi]

Emmitt was a God on the field but he's been just atrocious off the field.

If by 'atrocious' you mean making millions of dollars as an entreprenuer and becoming one of the most widely recognized and beloved athletes in the country .. you're right, he has been atrocious since retiring.

[1fisher]

Emmitt can say whatever he wants to say...as long as he stays out of the "boof" with the other broadcaster on Monday Night Football...!!

;)

Emmitt Smiff in the Boof................:laugh2: :laugh2: :laugh2: :laugh2:

[ABQCOWBOY]

If by 'atrocious' you mean making millions of dollars as an entreprenuer and becoming one of the most widely recognized and beloved athletes in the country .. you're right, he has been atrocious since retiring.


All the more reason he should stay clear of this issue IMO. When your playing, your in the public eye, all the time. When your retired, your opportunities to be in the public eye are much fewer. It's not a great idea, IMO, to compramise this with statements like his last. Just not a good business decision IMO. On the other hand, it is his decision so he can make it as he sees fit. Just be mindful of the fact that people report what they want to report. Career disapation is a very real concern for former players.

[Big Dakota]

If by 'atrocious' you mean making millions of dollars as an entreprenuer and becoming one of the most widely recognized and beloved athletes in the country .. you're right, he has been atrocious since retiring.


I guess you and Hunter don't have much in common.

[peplaw06]

I hear PETA has called for an official boycott of Dancing with the Stars.

[5Stars]

I hear PETA has called for an official boycott of Dancing with the Stars.


I don't blame them! Have you seen some of those dogs they trot out there!

:confused:

[superpunk]

I hear PETA has called for an official boycott of Dancing with the Stars.

It's cuz of the shooz.

[carphalen5150]

Emmitt has just as much right to comment about this as anyone else. Bold men do not take the easy road and follow the crowd.
He sure does, but he also is now open to criticism for his stupid statements. Bold me do not take the easy road? What is bold about him minimizing Vick's attendance at dog fights?

[ABQCOWBOY]

I don't blame them! Have you seen some of those dogs they trot out there!

:confused:

LOL...

How dare you say that about Paul's former one legged GF.

Boo........... Boo............


:laugh2:

[peplaw06]

He sure does, but he also is now open to criticism for his stupid statements. Bold me do not take the easy road? What is bold about him minimizing Vick's attendance at dog fights?

OH NOEZ!!

Who was it... I think it was Patrick Roy... said, "Tell him I can't hear him. I've got my two Stanley Cup rings plugged in my ears."

[carphalen5150]

OH NOEZ!!

Who was it... I think it was Patrick Roy... said, "Tell him I can't hear him. I've got my two Stanley Cup rings plugged in my ears."
Yes...I am sure that this is no big deal to ESPN either. I mean this is just the kind of insight they were looking for from Emmitt.

[jobberone]

Emmitt's and others comments about this issue has made me realize how some people view dog fighting as no big deal. I know how naive I've been since this first came out. I just assumed thugs were involved in this from spectators to directly involved participants. I really had no idea how many people view this as no big deal. It's not hazing even. It's certainly not siphoning gas, throwing eggs, tipping cows, whatever. In other words it's not boys being boys. And I don't leave the girls out either. Just a figure of speech.

I cannot fathom what these people think when this is going on. How ridiculously naive of me.

[peplaw06]

Yes...I am sure that this is no big deal to ESPN either. I mean this is just the kind of insight they were looking for from Emmitt.You're right, it hurts ESPN. Still don't care, but you're right.

I also think it's sad that freedom of speech is so chilled. Don't say something stupid, or we will picket outside your office, cause advertisers to dump you and make you lose your job. Cause I know I've never said anything that was stupid.

[ABQCOWBOY]

You're right, it hurts ESPN. Still don't care, but you're right.

I also think it's sad that freedom of speech is so chilled. Don't say something stupid, or we will picket outside your office, cause advertisers to dump you and make you lose your job. Cause I know I've never said anything that was stupid.

:laugh2:

Reality must have a heck of a time getting in and out of his drive way with the amount of stupid stuff we post daily on this forum.

LOL......

[InmanRoshi]

You're right, it hurts ESPN. Still don't care, but you're right.

I also think it's sad that freedom of speech is so chilled. Don't say something stupid, or we will picket outside your office, cause advertisers to dump you and make you lose your job. Cause I know I've never said anything that was stupid.

That's because we're the world's leading producer in fake outrage.

[deadrody]

3 Acts the clown on TV as a dancer (Ok, he did show some moves) but the NFL legends must have shook their headsYou mean like Jerry Rice ? You know, the guy who was on season one of Dancing with the Stars - the same guy often called the best player in the history of the game. Is HE shaking his head, too ?

[zrinkill]

He sure does, but he also is now open to criticism for his stupid statements. Bold me do not take the easy road? What is bold about him minimizing Vick's attendance at dog fights?

What makes you think you know more about it than he does .... he is friends with Mike Vick and you are some anonymous guy on a forum .....

It amazes me that most on here think they know more about what is going on with NFL players than the NFL players do ...

[ABQCOWBOY]

What makes you think you know more about it than he does .... he is friends with Mike Vick and you are some anonymous guy on a forum .....

I think the problem here is that most people find it unfathomable that Vick did not know what was going on at his Virginia home. If he is found "Not Guilty" of the charges being brought against him, it is pretty clear (at least in most peoples eyes I think) that he was involved in fighting dogs. That alone is reprehensable to most. The comments that Emmitt makes seem to indicate that he does not find this to be as such. It's not a popular view. It's even more dista****l coming from somebody as well respected as Emmitt.

[carphalen5150]

You're right, it hurts ESPN. Still don't care, but you're right.

I also think it's sad that freedom of speech is so chilled. Don't say something stupid, or we will picket outside your office, cause advertisers to dump you and make you lose your job. Cause I know I've never said anything that was stupid.
I'm not talking about how it hurts ESPN, I am talking about how it hurts Emmitt. He will probably be on a short leash now and we've seen controversial statements...like what Limbaugh made...get people fired.

Maybe you have said something stupid, but it was not while you were being inducted in the the College Football HOF.

[zrinkill]

You mean like Jerry Rice ? You know, the guy who was on season one of Dancing with the Stars - the same guy often called the best player in the history of the game. Is HE shaking his head, too ?

:lmao2: .

[zrinkill]

I think the problem here is that most people find it unfathomable that Vick did not know what was going on at his Virginia home. If he is found "Not Guilty" of the charges being brought against him, it is pretty clear (at least in most peoples eyes I think) that he was involved in fighting dogs. That alone is reprehensable to most. The comments that Emmitt makes seem to indicate that he does not find this to be as such. It's not a popular view. It's even more dista****l coming from somebody as well respected as Emmitt.

So Emmitt has the guts to say what he thinks instead of taking the political correct stance ......

[carphalen5150]

So Emmitt has the guts to say what he thinks instead of taking the political correct stance ......
How is it that Emmitt has guts? He says that he is the big fish in the investigation...wow, that is mindblowing. He also said he maybe he went to 20 dog fights...and did so matter of factly, like it was no big deal.

I guess the line between stupid and brave has been blurred.

[ABQCOWBOY]

So Emmitt has the guts to say what he thinks instead of taking the political correct stance ......

Or........ how can Emmitt, a person so respected, be so calice to the fact that dog fighting is so reprehensable?

You see, that door swings both ways equally well.

It is only my opinion but, Emmitt would have been much better off saying nothing at all.

[zrinkill]

How is it that Emmitt has guts.

It takes guts to say what you believe when you know its not gonna be a popular stance.

Its obvious that your heart is bleeding over the dogs that were involved with these fights ..... I am sorry what Emmitt said defending his friend hurt you so bad.

If Vick is guilty he should be fined and should be suspended for a few games for hurting the image of the league.

But I for one would never ruin someone's life and send them to prison over a dog. Sorry if thats unpopular.

[zrinkill]

Or........ how can Emmitt, a person so respected, be so calice to the fact that dog fighting is so reprehensable?

You see, that door swings both ways equally well.

It is only my opinion but, Emmitt would have been much better off saying nothing at all.

See my answer above.

[carphalen5150]

It takes guts to say what you believe when you know its not gonna be a popular stance.

Its obvious that your heart is bleeding over the dogs that were involved with these fights ..... I am sorry what Emmitt said defending his friend hurt you so bad.

If Vick is guilty he should be fined and should be suspended for a few games for hurting the image of the league.

But I for one would never ruin someone's life and send them to prison over a dog. Sorry if thats unpopular.
Not even sure how to respond to this, but first off, what Emmitt said did not hurt me at all. I am actually kind of embarassed for him.

[MichaelWinicki]

Emmitt was a great Cowboy but never struck me as the sharpest knife in the drawer.


That's really about the size of it.

[ABQCOWBOY]

If Vick is guilty he should be fined and should be suspended for a few games for hurting the image of the league.



This is the problem. You view it as just a dog fight. Our own country views it as a Felony offense. It is not just a dog fight. It is against the laws of the land. As a felony, it is not even considered a minor offense. It is viewed as such because most people believe it is barbaric and inhumane.

If Vick is guilty, he should be fined, sent to prison and banned from the league, for life. It is not, just about the image of the league. It is about breaking the laws of the land.

[MichaelWinicki]

It takes guts to say what you believe when you know its not gonna be a popular stance.

Its obvious that your heart is bleeding over the dogs that were involved with these fights ..... I am sorry what Emmitt said defending his friend hurt you so bad.

If Vick is guilty he should be fined and should be suspended for a few games for hurting the image of the league.

But I for one would never ruin someone's life and send them to prison over a dog. Sorry if thats unpopular.


Why stop at dogfighting?

Hell let's allow someone to just go up and smack that **** out of someone without any sort of punishment.

At the same time let's all abandon our homes and get back in caves-- whack each other with clubs and pull our women around by our hair.

And then for a good time we can just hurl feces at each other.

Personally I'd like to see society advance a little.

[zrinkill]

This is the problem. You view it as just a dog fight. Our own country views it as a Felony offense. It is not just a dog fight. It is against the laws of the land. As a felony, it is not even considered a minor offense. It is viewed as such because most people believe it is barbaric and inhumane.

If Vick is guilty, he should be fined, sent to prison and banned from the league, for life. It is not, just about the image of the league. It is about breaking the laws of the land.

If thats the law then thats the law. But its a shame that everyone who commits crimes against human beings is also not held to the same standard by a few of you guys.

[ABQCOWBOY]

See my answer above.


I did. I responded in kind. You may not feel that his alleged transgretions are of a serious nature but that is not the opinion of most people. If guilty, he should be punished to the fullest extent of the law, for such crimes. Just as any person should be who knowingly breaks the laws for there own purposes. If I'm breaking the law, selling drugs, hurting people or fighting dogs, I should pay the penalties associtated with those violations if found guilty. That's the way it works.

[zrinkill]

Why stop at dogfighting?

Hell let's allow someone to just go up and smack that **** out of someone without any sort of punishment.

At the same time let's all abandon our homes and get back in caves-- whack each other with clubs and pull our women around by our hair.

And then for a good time we can just hurl feces at each other.

Personally I'd like to see society advance a little.

Yea thats exactly what I was saying :rolleyes:

Because I think crimes against humans should be viewed as greater than crimes against dogs I am saying that society should be dismantled.

Well played Mike.

[JPostSam]

i'm not saying emmitt is eloquent, but what i got from his comments was that there are probably people in the dogfighting world who are much more involved, and that the government might be looking to make some hay with vick to either help pull down those bigger guys, or bring some more attention to the problem and force the rest of the racket to lay low for awhile.

i understand how you could think that emmitt was saying that what vick did, if he did it, isn't much of a big deal. i'm not sure that's the case, though.

i thought the question the viewers assumed was "man, can you believe what vick as done?" but the question emmitt answered was "man, why so much attention to michael vick?" in that case, his suggestion that vick could be pressured to give up names of bigger fish was kind of interesting.

i don't think that, if emmitt were asked directly whether he thought the actions described so far were terrible, he would say they're no big deal. at least i hope he's better than clinton portis...

by the way, if i understand correctly, vick is NOT accused of ATTENDING a lot of dog fights, just paying for them and having someone run them from his property. not saying that's good -- hell, it's really, really bad -- but that could be what emmitt was referring to.

[ABQCOWBOY]

If thats the law then thats the law. But its a shame that everyone who commits crimes against human beings is also not held to the same standard by a few of you guys.

On the other hand, isn't it great that if your Son, Daughter, Mother, Father or Wife were threatened, they can be protected by law if something unfortunate or of a harmful nature were to happen to them? Even if by somebody famous.

Don't you agree?

[ABQCOWBOY]

Yea thats exactly what I was saying :rolleyes:

Because I think crimes against humans should be viewed as greater than crimes against dogs I am saying that society should be dismantled.

Well played Mike.


You have the power to change laws. Each individual has a say. If you think this is wrong, the thing to do is to make your opinion known. However, if when all the votes are counted, you are still in the minority, then you deal with it and accept it. There are many things about this country I don't like or agree with. having said that, I can up an move at any time. I don't. Why? Because I've seen what it's like when there is no law. It is not my desire to live in that manner. However, I freely admit that each person is free to make there own choices in this regard. It's what makes this country great.

[zrinkill]

You have the power to change laws. Each individual has a say. If you think this is wrong, the thing to do is to make your opinion known. However, if when all the votes are counted, you are still in the minority, then you deal with it and accept it. There are many things about this country I don't like or agree with. having said that, I can up an move at any time. I don't. Why? Because I've seen what it's like when there is no law. It is not my desire to live in that manner. However, I freely admit that each person is free to make there own choices in this regard. It's what makes this country great.

Which is why I said if I where on the jury I would not send him to prison over a dog.

God bless America :)

[ABQCOWBOY]

Thats the problem ..... they have not been and have been allowed back into the league after spousal abuse, assault, firing weapons and murder.

Yet Mike Vick should be banned for life.


Banned for life is my own personal preference. I don't know what the commissioner would do. Having said that, yes, I'm for banning murder's, people who fire weapons at other people (aside from self defense) and all other things deemed Felony offenses. Amazingly enough, that would include dog fighting.

[ABQCOWBOY]

Which is why I said if I where on the jury I would not send him to prison over a dog.

God bless America :)

If you were on the jury, you would not have the power to send him anywhere. If you were on the jury, you would have the power to find him guilty or not guilty. If he is guilty of the charges, I imagine you would find him as such.

[ABQCOWBOY]

If that was the case I would have no problem with it .....

Look man here is my thing ..... I cannot stand Mike Vick .... I hate the Falcons and the city of Atlanta.

but with all the crimes that NFL players are commiting these days .... there has been like 10 very long threads about Mike Vick and his dog fighting .

I thinks its barbaric and disgusting .... I "love" my dogs.

But I do not put any dog on par with a humans life.

A guy beats his wife ..... it is back page news ..... but Mike Vick owns a house where they are fighting dogs and everyone is in an uproar like its the worse thing a human being could do ....

The kid needs his Arse kicked and he needs to be fined and punished ..... but in the big scheme of crimes being commited this is (on my scale) nowhere near hurting another human being.


Well, I think it's a bit nieve to say that this has been going on and players have been allowed to continue, status quo after being convicted. First and foremost, that was then, this is now. Clearly, there is a new Sheriff in town and he evidently carries a big stick. Having said this, I do believe that there is a difference between a man and a women hitting each other. In no way am I for this type of behavior but, it is different then tourturing and killing defensless animals. A man or woman who is abused has recourse. They can go to the authorities and do something about it. An animal has no voice. They must be protected. If a man or woman were tourtured or killed in the same fashion as these dogs were, the person who committed these crimes would be put to death in certain states. Imprisoned for the span of his or her live in others. The punishment for committing these kinds of acts against humans is substantially more costly. I don't think it's a case of people carring more about dogs then humans. It's a case of proper context IMO.

[ABQCOWBOY]

I wish that was the case ..... but I do not believe it is unfortunately.

You may be right. I don't know but I know this. Emmitt should probably have kept his mouth closed on this issue. No good came come of it, IMO.

[Jarv]

Why stop at dogfighting?

Hell let's allow someone to just go up and smack that **** out of someone without any sort of punishment.

At the same time let's all abandon our homes and get back in caves-- whack each other with clubs and pull our women around by our hair.

And then for a good time we can just hurl feces at each other.

Personally I'd like to see society advance a little.

I know some women that like that MW....

[ABQCOWBOY]

I know some women that like that MW....

Your begging Brain to enter this conversation. You know that right?

:D

[MichaelWinicki]

Your begging Brain to enter this conversation. You know that right?

:D


Either on the women-by-the-hair thing or the feces tossing... :D

[koolaid]

anyone else bothered that no one ever seems to care about the issue before the superstar athlete gets involved and arrested, be it gambling, animal rights, drugs, steroids or the countless other things athletes have been involved in. It also seems that people just care about taking the guy down without ever doing anything to really fix the core problem.

[ABQCOWBOY]

anyone else bothered that no one ever seems to care about the issue before the superstar athlete gets involved and arrested, be it gambling, animal rights, drugs, steroids or the countless other things athletes have been involved in. It also seems that people just care about taking the guy down without ever doing anything to really fix the core problem.


What would you characterise as the "core problem?"

[WarC]

Emmitt wasn't defending Vick. He was stating something which should be obvious to intelligent people...That Michael Vick is not the sole source of dogfighting in this country. IE: it's a bigger problem than Vick's merely being involved in it.

What Emmitt said was actually pretty darn intelligent.

[WarC]

anyone else bothered that no one ever seems to care about the issue before the superstar athlete gets involved and arrested, be it gambling, animal rights, drugs, steroids or the countless other things athletes have been involved in. It also seems that people just care about taking the guy down without ever doing anything to really fix the core problem.

That is exactly what Emmitt was saying.

[carphalen5150]

Emmitt wasn't defending Vick. He was stating something which should be obvious to intelligent people...That Michael Vick is not the sole source of dogfighting in this country. IE: it's a bigger problem than Vick's merely being involved in it.

What Emmitt said was actually pretty darn intelligent.
I see...so then does Vick get a free pass or what?

Vick is not the only one indicted, there are 2 others as well, so they are not just going after Vick.

Also, I would say that the indictments are helping make a bigger problem smaller. It doesn't matter whether or not Vick was involved, pressing charges against people who commit crimes is a good thing.

[WarC]

I see...so then does Vick get a free pass or what?

Not at all. I think Vick is rotten to the core and should be prosecuted and maybe even kicked out of the league.

I'm just sayin', Emmitt is getting a lot of heat from King and the forumites here (and probably across the league) for words that are being taken the wrong way.

I'd compare it to Bin Laden...He is a wanted man, a marked man, but he isn't the root cause in terrorism. Terrorism is bigger than Bin Laden, and catching Bin Laden won't put an end to terrorism. On the same token, dogfighting is bigger than Vick, and catching Vick isn't going to put an end to dogfighting.

I think that is what Emmitt meant when he said "he's not the one you're after. He's just the one who's going to take the fall -- publicly."

[carphalen5150]

Not at all. I think Vick is rotten to the core and should be prosecuted and maybe even kicked out of the league.

I'm just sayin', Emmitt is getting a lot of heat from King and the forumites here (and probably across the league) for words that are being taken the wrong way.

I'd compare it to Bin Laden...He is a wanted man, a marked man, but he isn't the root cause in terrorism. Terrorism is bigger than Bin Laden, and catching Bin Laden won't put an end to terrorism. On the same token, dogfighting is bigger than Vick, and catching Vick isn't going to put an end to dogfighting.

I think that is what Emmitt meant when he said "he's not the one you're after. He's just the one who's going to take the fall -- publicly."
He is getting alot of heat for minimizing what Vick did. What Emmitt said was not insightful, brave, or whatever...it was a statement anyone could of made. However, when he starts off that statement by saying that Vick went to 5, 10, 20 dogfights nonchalantly it comes off as minimizing.

You are right, dogfighting is bigger than Vick, but it gets back to my point that pressing charges against people who are involved in this only helps. This was not just a matter of a couple dogfights, this was a pretty big operation, so this is a big help in stopping this problem. Also, Vick is a public figure as well, so he gets the adulation when things go his way, he gets the criticism when he does some messed up stuff...it is the nature of things and Emmitt should know that by now.