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Head of civil rights group voiced only 'support' for Falcons QB
By STEVE VISSER
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 08/06/07
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference has backed off its vow to honor accused dogfighter Michael Vick at its convention this week.
"There is no award or no honoring of Michael Vick," said SCLC spokesman David Stokes.
Last week, SCLC President Charles Steele told AJC reporters that the civil rights organization would honor and recognize the embattled Falcons quarterback who is under federal indictment on dogfighting charges.
"We need to support him no matter what the evidence reveals," Steele said before the convention began, adding that his organization was focusing on Vick's redemption.
So far the convention, which began Friday and ends Wednesday, has had no special event for Vick.
And on Monday, shortly before former President Bill Clinton was to address the convention, Stokes insisted that Steele never had any intention of honoring the quarterback, who is now banned from training with the team.
State Rep. Tyrone Brooks (D-Atlanta), however, said Steele called him last week to talk about honoring Vick. Brooks, a lifetime SCLC member, said he counseled against it.
"I said, 'Stay on point, the convention is bigger than a particular man,' " Brooks said. "There are a lot of young people who need our help. Michael Vick is not one of them."
Vick had the money to pay for a top-notch legal defense, Brooks said, and he noted the quarterback hadn't been an SCLC supporter.
The veteran legislator said the SCLC should recruit Vick to assist in its programs after the convention but not become his public defender.
"What has he ever done except throw a football, run a football?" Brooks said. "I don't think he has done anything to deserve any special recognition."
http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/falcons/stories/2007/08/06/vickhonor_0807.html
By STEVE VISSER
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 08/06/07
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference has backed off its vow to honor accused dogfighter Michael Vick at its convention this week.
"There is no award or no honoring of Michael Vick," said SCLC spokesman David Stokes.
Last week, SCLC President Charles Steele told AJC reporters that the civil rights organization would honor and recognize the embattled Falcons quarterback who is under federal indictment on dogfighting charges.
"We need to support him no matter what the evidence reveals," Steele said before the convention began, adding that his organization was focusing on Vick's redemption.
So far the convention, which began Friday and ends Wednesday, has had no special event for Vick.
And on Monday, shortly before former President Bill Clinton was to address the convention, Stokes insisted that Steele never had any intention of honoring the quarterback, who is now banned from training with the team.
State Rep. Tyrone Brooks (D-Atlanta), however, said Steele called him last week to talk about honoring Vick. Brooks, a lifetime SCLC member, said he counseled against it.
"I said, 'Stay on point, the convention is bigger than a particular man,' " Brooks said. "There are a lot of young people who need our help. Michael Vick is not one of them."
Vick had the money to pay for a top-notch legal defense, Brooks said, and he noted the quarterback hadn't been an SCLC supporter.
The veteran legislator said the SCLC should recruit Vick to assist in its programs after the convention but not become his public defender.
"What has he ever done except throw a football, run a football?" Brooks said. "I don't think he has done anything to deserve any special recognition."
http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/falcons/stories/2007/08/06/vickhonor_0807.html
