Saying that there are some stupid people in professional sports is quite an understatement. Not that there aren’t stupid people in all walks of life, but athletes really seem to step up to prove their stupidity. I’m speaking specifically about dogfighting here, and some of the reactions from the world of sports about the Ron Mexico fiasco.

Let’s start with Clinton Portis, running back, Washinton Redskins:

“I don’t know if he was fighting dogs or not, but it’s his property, it’s his dog. If that’s what he wants to do, do it. I think people should mind their business…It can’t be too bad of a crime.”

“You want to hunt down Mike Vick over fighting some dogs? I think people should mind their own business. I know a lot of back roads that have the dog fighting if you want to go see it.”

Portis later retracted his statements, saying, “In the recent interview I gave concerning dog fighting, I want to make it clear I do not take part in dog fighting or condone dog fighting in any manner.”

Notice how much more prepared the last statement sounds. Almost as if someone else wrote it. I think Portis made it crystal clear his thoughts on dogfighting with his initial statements.

Next up, Stephon Marbury, guard, New York Knicks:

“We don’t say anything about people shooting deers and shooting other animals, you know what I mean? From what I hear, dogfighting is a sport. It’s just behind closed doors and I think it’s tough that we build Michael Vick up and then we break him down … I think he fell into a bad situation.”

Yes, Stephon, dogfighting is just a sport. It’s all in good fun, no different than hunting. Are you aware that it is also illegal to hunt dogs? And “shooting deers and …other animals” is legally because they are wild. Captive pit bulls, breeded solely for fighting is not the same as “deers” that are overpopulated in a region. And shooting “deers” is not the same as slamming them to the ground, or soaking them in water and electrocuting them. And how many hunters own a “rape stand”? They are not even close to the same thing asshole.

Next up, Roy Jones, Jr., professional boxer/former cockfighter:

“People tend to talk so hard against people. They make it such a bad thing, like dog fighting is worse than killing someone. I’m not a dog fighter. I’ve never been to a dog fight. But just because they have the animals doesn’t mean they are fighting the animals. Michael Vick doesn’t have that kind of time to train and raise dogs… I like bulldogs and I like their mentally. They are making this so bad, but really two dogs fighting can happen in anyone’s backyard or on the street. It happened in my backyard, two of my dogs fought and one died. Fighting animals don’t necessarily get mistreated. They get treated just the way I get treated.”

I’m not going to jump on Roy for the cockfighting, because as far as I can tell, he stuck to doing it in states that it was still legal in. I have no evidence that Roy is still involved in cockfighting currently, so I won’t criticize him for that. Roy Jones fighting roosters is the fault of the states that allowed him to do it.

But are we supposed to believe he really thinks that Vick had nothing to do with this? Some of these people just don’t see the difference between hunting or dogs naturally fighting each other out of instinct and organizing dogfights for gambling and entertainment purposes. Not to mention the violent manner in which the dogs were housed and put to death.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times,

“In 2005, National Basketball Association player Qyntel Woods pleaded guilty to animal abuse charges after abandoning a pit bull that had wounds consistent with dog fighting. That same year, former NFL running back LeShon Johnson pleaded guilty to possessing fight dogs and encouraging dogfights.”

Unfortunately, I don’t think we’ve heard the last of dogfighting in the NFL. The league knows that there’s more to this, and I won’t be surprised to hear more names linked to illegal dogfighting.

While already on the subject of Ron Mexico, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People’s Atlanta chapter has asked that Michael Vick be allowed to return to the NFL upon his release from prison. Said R.L. White:

“As a society, we should aid in his rehabilitation and welcome a new Michael Vick back into the community without a permanent loss of his career in football. We further ask the NFL, Falcons, and the sponsors not to permanently ban Mr. Vick from his ability to bring hours of enjoyment to fans all over this country.”

This is the first I’ve heard anyone mention a permanent ban. From what I understand, Vick will serve 12 to 18 months in prison, and upon his release will probably face a suspension from the NFL for one season. That means he would likely miss all of the 2007 and 2008 seasons serving time, then be suspended for the 2009 season. That would make Vick eligible for return at 30-years old in 2010. At that point, odds are he won’t be able to step right back in as a quarterback, but if he’s still as talented then as he is now, my bet is he’ll have a job somewhere (he’ll still be better than Joey Harrington).

I have been as big a supporter of Michael Vick the football player as anyone. I think he is one of the most talented athletes ever to play the game, and probably the most exciting quarterback ever to play the position. Obviously there is no way to support or defend his actions. But what I am equally upset about is that he robbed us of the opportunity to play for probably three seasons in the prime of his career. That, and it’s just not as much fun to make Ron Mexico jokes. I can’t imagine he’ll be the same player in three years, so I’d just as soon see him never play again. Even if it goes against the wishes of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

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Portis Quotes
Marbury Quotes
Roy Jones, Jr. Quotes

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