Your turn - Deion Sanders' turn on Ookie

[03EBZ06]

I Would’ve never thought Mike Vick, one of the NFL’s most exciting players — the man who makes the network execs smile every time he plays — would ever be indicted for crimes against man’s best friend.

The potential impact could be devastating.

He could lose millions worth of endorsements. Nike has already suspended the release of his new shoe. He could lose millions he was supposed to get from the Atlanta Falcons, if the club decides to cut him. That’s unlikely, but it could happen if he’s convicted or makes a plea arrangement.

Or his reputation might wind up so stained that he’s never forgiven in the court of public opinion. That would be too bad for the 27-year-old superstar.

This is all the result of perspective.

What a dog means to Vick might be a lot different than what he means to you or I. Hold on, don’t start shaking your head just yet. Listen to me.

Some people kiss their dogs on the mouth. Some people let their dogs eat from their plate. Some people dress their dogs in suits more expensive than mine, if you can believe that.

And some people enjoy proving they have the biggest, toughest dog on the street. You’re probably not going to believe this, but I bet Vick loves the dogs that were the biggest and the baddest. Maybe, he identified with them in some way.

You can still choose to condemn him, but I’m trying to take you inside his mind so you can understand where he might be coming from.

I’m sure all of the animal activists and Humane Society folks have a dart board with Vick’s picture in the center of it. And if he plays this season, PETA is going to picket every stadium where he plays.

Still, I must ask the question: Where is all of this going?

By now you’ve read all of the accusations about the cruelty involving the dogs — and I’m not just talking about their duels to the death. All of that is enough to make me cringe because I have three highly-trained protection German shepherds, just in case someone wants to rob my family.

Believe me, you don’t want to deal with them. With one German command, our dog Yascho turns into Cujo. And for the record, I live around the corner from the police station, so it won’t take them long to show up and save you from the dogs.

Now back to Vick.

Why are we indicting him? Was he the ringleader? Is he the big fish? Or is there someone else? The fights allegedly occurred at a property that he purchased for a family member. They apparently found carcasses on the property, but I must ask you again, is he the ringleader?

This situation reminds me of a scene in the movie “New Jack City,” when drug dealer Nino Brown is on the witness stand and eloquently says, “This thing is bigger than me.”

Are we using Vick to get to the ringleader? Are we using him to bring an end to dogfighting in the United States?

The only thing I can gather from this situation is that we’re using Vick.

Was he wrong? Absolutely. Was he stupid? Can’t argue with that. Was he immature? No doubt. But is he the ringleader? I just can’t see it.

I believe Vick had a passion for dogfighting. I know many athletes who share his passion. The allure is the intensity and the challenge of a dog fighting to the death. It’s like ultimate fighting, but the dog doesn’t tap out when he knows he can’t win.

It reminds me of when I wore a lot of jewelry back in the day because I always wanted to have the biggest chain or the biggest, baddest car. It gives you status.

Can I pause for a moment to ask you a question?

Who shot Darrant Williams? Remember the Denver Bronco cornerback? I’m just more concerned about bringing to justice someone who killed a human. Or finding out who broke into Miami Heat forward Antoine Walker’s home, tied him up and robbed him at gunpoint.

We’re attacking this dogfighting ring the same way a teenager attacks his ******* page after school (by the way parents, make sure you monitor your kids). We should have the same passion for man that we have for man’s best friend.

The reason this is turning into a three-ring circus is that baseball is boring, basketball is months away, football is around the corner and we in the media don’t have a thing interesting to write about.

How will this end up? I have no idea. All I know is Falcons fans better pray because Vick’s backup is Joey Harrington. Enough said.

God bless and God willing I’ll hollah at you next week.

— Deion Sanders, a North Fort Myers High School graduate, played in the NFL and Major League Baseball. He works as an analyst for the NFL Network and is part-owner of the Austin Wranglers of the Arena Football League.

http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs....7/COLUMNISTS41

[Canadian BoyzFan]

Originally Posted by 03EBZ06

I Would’ve never thought Mike Vick, one of the NFL’s most exciting players — the man who makes the network execs smile every time he plays — would ever be indicted for crimes against man’s best friend.

The potential impact could be devastating.

He could lose millions worth of endorsements. Nike has already suspended the release of his new shoe. He could lose millions he was supposed to get from the Atlanta Falcons, if the club decides to cut him. That’s unlikely, but it could happen if he’s convicted or makes a plea arrangement.

Or his reputation might wind up so stained that he’s never forgiven in the court of public opinion. That would be too bad for the 27-year-old superstar.

This is all the result of perspective.

What a dog means to Vick might be a lot different than what he means to you or I. Hold on, don’t start shaking your head just yet. Listen to me.

[View Full Quote]Some people kiss their dogs on the mouth. Some people let their dogs eat from their plate. Some people dress their dogs in suits more expensive than mine, if you can believe that.

And some people enjoy proving they have the biggest, toughest dog on the street. You’re probably not going to believe this, but I bet Vick loves the dogs that were the biggest and the baddest. Maybe, he identified with them in some way.

You can still choose to condemn him, but I’m trying to take you inside his mind so you can understand where he might be coming from.

I’m sure all of the animal activists and Humane Society folks have a dart board with Vick’s picture in the center of it. And if he plays this season, PETA is going to picket every stadium where he plays.

Still, I must ask the question: Where is all of this going?

By now you’ve read all of the accusations about the cruelty involving the dogs — and I’m not just talking about their duels to the death. All of that is enough to make me cringe because I have three highly-trained protection German shepherds, just in case someone wants to rob my family.

Believe me, you don’t want to deal with them. With one German command, our dog Yascho turns into Cujo. And for the record, I live around the corner from the police station, so it won’t take them long to show up and save you from the dogs.

Now back to Vick.

Why are we indicting him? Was he the ringleader? Is he the big fish? Or is there someone else? The fights allegedly occurred at a property that he purchased for a family member. They apparently found carcasses on the property, but I must ask you again, is he the ringleader?

This situation reminds me of a scene in the movie “New Jack City,” when drug dealer Nino Brown is on the witness stand and eloquently says, “This thing is bigger than me.”

Are we using Vick to get to the ringleader? Are we using him to bring an end to dogfighting in the United States?

The only thing I can gather from this situation is that we’re using Vick.

Was he wrong? Absolutely. Was he stupid? Can’t argue with that. Was he immature? No doubt. But is he the ringleader? I just can’t see it.

I believe Vick had a passion for dogfighting. I know many athletes who share his passion. The allure is the intensity and the challenge of a dog fighting to the death. It’s like ultimate fighting, but the dog doesn’t tap out when he knows he can’t win.

It reminds me of when I wore a lot of jewelry back in the day because I always wanted to have the biggest chain or the biggest, baddest car. It gives you status.

Can I pause for a moment to ask you a question?

Who shot Darrant Williams? Remember the Denver Bronco cornerback? I’m just more concerned about bringing to justice someone who killed a human. Or finding out who broke into Miami Heat forward Antoine Walker’s home, tied him up and robbed him at gunpoint.

We’re attacking this dogfighting ring the same way a teenager attacks his ******* page after school (by the way parents, make sure you monitor your kids). We should have the same passion for man that we have for man’s best friend.

The reason this is turning into a three-ring circus is that baseball is boring, basketball is months away, football is around the corner and we in the media don’t have a thing interesting to write about.

How will this end up? I have no idea. All I know is Falcons fans better pray because Vick’s backup is Joey Harrington. Enough said.

God bless and God willing I’ll hollah at you next week.

— Deion Sanders, a North Fort Myers High School graduate, played in the NFL and Major League Baseball. He works as an analyst for the NFL Network and is part-owner of the Austin Wranglers of the Arena Football League.

http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs....7/COLUMNISTS41

This "article" makes me want to

[Jimz31]

How do we know that Vick ISN'T the ringleader in this whole thing....Deion and Emmitt should probably just shut up and let things happen the way that they will. Vick has the means and money to be the ringleader in the whole thing.

I will say, however, that these dogs are getting more attention than people get when they are killed.....but Vick is a figure out there in the media, so that goes without saying.

[jackrussell]

Was he wrong? Absolutely. Was he stupid? Can’t argue with that. Was he immature? No doubt.

I believe Vick had a passion for dogfighting

Kind of looks like Deion is finding him a guilty, yet passionate guy.

[CrazyCowboy]

Originally Posted by Canadian BoyzFan

This "article" makes me want to

[Big Dakota]

Ya well Manson had passion too.

[Hostile]

Deion wrote that?

I mean, not trying to pile on him or anything like that, and I sure don't agree with the poor Mike Vick inklings of the article, but that wasn't badly written.

I liked the attention diversion attempt angle to the murder of Darrent Williams of the Broncos.

Is this about ending dog fighting? I hope so. There's no justification for it to continue in this country.

[5Stars]

Originally Posted by 03EBZ06

I believe Vick had a passion for dogfighting. I know many athletes who share his passion. The allure is the intensity and the challenge of a dog fighting to the death. It’s like ultimate fighting, but the dog doesn’t tap out when he knows he can’t win.


Who shot Darrant Williams? Remember the Denver Bronco cornerback? I’m just more concerned about bringing to justice someone who killed a human. Or finding out who broke into Miami Heat forward Antoine Walker’s home, tied him up and robbed him at gunpoint.

How nice of Vick or other dog fighters to know this bit of news! Uh, yeah! The dog cannot tap out...that is why it's wrong! Ultimate fighting is on a different level because a HUMAN CAN SPEAK AND SAY..."no mas"!

The people that get all shot up or are in the wrong...and even if your are not in the wrong and get all shot up...YOU HAVE A VOICE! A dog does not!

Many crimes have been comitted aginst others that will go unsolved...however...someone knows exactely what whet down...they just don't speak up...

The freaking mutts of the land don't have that choice! That is the difference!

[Rocky]

Originally Posted by Canadian BoyzFan

Can I pause for a moment to ask you a question?

Who shot Darrant Williams? Remember the Denver Bronco cornerback? I’m just more concerned about bringing to justice someone who killed a human. Or finding out who broke into Miami Heat forward Antoine Walker’s home, tied him up and robbed him at gunpoint.

We’re attacking this dogfighting ring the same way a teenager attacks his ******* page after school (by the way parents, make sure you monitor your kids). We should have the same passion for man that we have for man’s best friend.

The reason this is turning into a three-ring circus is that baseball is boring, basketball is months away, football is around the corner and we in the media don’t have a thing interesting to write about.

No Prime Time, this is a three-ring circus because the organized criminal activity of dog fighting is abhorrent and unimaginably cruel toward animals who are dependent on people to care for them. A violation of humanity itself. And for what? A few bucks and street cred. And if we don't make a stand as a society and say it's unacceptable and hold those accountable for perpetrating it, then we are in a sad state of affairs.

The rest of his argument is an amateurish attempt to move the subject and draw false analogies. I won't even bother to refute it.

Oh, and thanks Deion for the little morality lesson for parents on how to raise their children. I'm sure it will be printed and framed across the land.

[ZeroClub]

Thanks for posting this, 03EBZ06. I think Deion offers an interesting perspective here.

[Cajuncowboy]

Originally Posted by Big Dakota

Ya well Manson had passion too.

Funny thing about Manson, ya know, one guy caused the entire family of Mansons to never be able to use the common name of Charles again.

Kind like the Hitler families of Germany are now unable to use the name Adolf.

This has nothing to do with this thread, but I'm tired of Vick Talk.

Moving on now.

[peplaw06]

Originally Posted by 03EBZ06

Can I pause for a moment to ask you a question?

Who shot Darrant Williams? Remember the Denver Bronco cornerback? I’m just more concerned about bringing to justice someone who killed a human. Or finding out who broke into Miami Heat forward Antoine Walker’s home, tied him up and robbed him at gunpoint.

I think Deion makes a couple of good points. I thought this one was good... until I realized the difference. The difference is that Williams and Walker were the victims. The perpetrators weren't celebrities.

Here, the celebrity was the alleged perpetrator. A la OJ Simpson, but with dogs instead of humans. The celebrity criminal is going to draw more attention than the celebrity victim.

I do think that the person who murdered Darrent Williams and robbed Antoine Walker should be brought to justice. But the curiosity of the American Public is piqued when celebrities break the law. Most of us level-headed ones (I say "us," though I may not be level-headed ), are amazed when a celebrity, who seems to have everything they want, does something that threatens to take all of that away. It's the trainwreck mentality. Why does bad news make all the headlines? Why was Paris Hilton on the news 24/7 the past two months? It's all comparable. Then there's a faction of the American Public who is envious of celebrities, and wants to see them lose everything.

Should it be that way? No... but that's how it is.

[junk]

Originally Posted by 03EBZ06

How will this end up? I have no idea. All I know is Falcons fans better pray because Vick’s backup is Joey Harrington. Enough said.

Deion is a clown.

I don't think the Falcons were ever going to win anything with Vick anyway.

[chinch]

Neon sounds as stupid as the Diamond here.

both need to grow a brain.

[JakeCamp12]

Deion Sanders=one spoiled athlete trying to deflect for another spoiled athlete. Do me a favor Deion, shut your pie hole and go back to your self serving mission for God. I am so tired of hearing you give all of these spoiled athletes an out because of some street cred code of arms. Vick is a thug who happened to fool Arthur Blank into giving him millions to act like a quarterback and a human being. He failed miserably on both accounts and I hope he spends at least 6 years in prison and winds up dead broke and working for Johnny on the Spot.