Comments on: Dungy Confirms He'll Be Visiting Vick

By: bshazzar

bshazzar — Fri, 01 May 2009 21:03:24 +0000

Pea Tear Griffin says:
May 1st, 2009 at 3:25 pm
“Online poker is not the same as running an illegal dogfighting ring buddy. ”
I clearly didn’t say that they were the same. I simply made the statement that his dogfighting gambling ring doesn’t automatically translate into betting on football games or performing the acts of Pete Rose.

By: Pea Tear Griffin

Pea Tear Griffin — Fri, 01 May 2009 15:25:28 +0000

@bshazzar
“I’ve played online poker, but that doesn’t mean I’ll use my work computer to do so or run an office game of craps during lunch breaks.”
Online poker is not the same as running an illegal dogfighting ring buddy.
I for one wish someone would delve into the gambling aspect of this. The brutal killing of dogs overshadows the illegal gambling in this case and I think he’s getting off easy.
Pete Rose coulda been in the HOF if he had only killed some dogs! /sarcasm

By: bshazzar

bshazzar — Fri, 01 May 2009 14:35:47 +0000

@ Pea Tear Griffin
I can’t and won’t comment on speculation as to whether he did. I can only go by actual charges and convictions. All the evidence I’ve seen and read doesn’t lead me to believe gambling traveled into his place of work. There also isn’t much of a correlation between dogfighting and point shaving betting on NFL games. I’ve played online poker, but that doesn’t mean I’ll use my work computer to do so or run an office game of craps during lunch breaks.
Also, don’t get me twisted on Michael Vick. As I stated before I didn’t like him before, during, or after his conviction. I don’t use my personal opinion of the guy to weigh in about second chances or not. Second chances should be given to everyone, but with stipulations. If Michael Vick gets the chance to come back to the NFL, I’m sure there will be plenty.

By: Pea Tear Griffin

Pea Tear Griffin — Fri, 01 May 2009 13:38:28 +0000

@bshazzar
It was a white collar type of thing. I don’t really know details. That’s the weird side of the family.
I am glad that you brought up the Pete Rose reference. Apart from killing and torturing animals, Vick was also running a LAGE, MULTI-STATE GAMBLING RING. Yes. Gambling is the main reason for the intricate dog fighting operation.
Now, this probably has never been investigated, and I know Florio has brought this up in previous posts….but can you honestly say that a man running that big of a gambling ring had never placed or taken a bet on the most popular sport (for gambling and otherwise) in America???

By: bshazzar

bshazzar — Fri, 01 May 2009 12:12:16 +0000

Pea Tear Griffin says:
May 1st, 2009 at 10:19 am
“Okay listen up. A loser cousin of mine is a (non-violent) felon. He’s a college grad. He can’t get a job at F-N WaWa right now.
So those of you saying, “he paid his debt…. blah blah blah” you are wrong.”
Wow, the ignorance in that statement astounds me. We’re not talking about what is and isn’t, we’re talking about should and shouldn’t. Your “loser cousin” should be able to get a second chance at a job, unless he was a teacher and molested a child. That’s a whole different circumstance and since you didn’t bother giving the details of the situation I can’t comment. I don’t know the crime, or the sentence he served. Jamal Lewis went to prison and came right back into the league no problem, got a starting gig and everything. Less severe crime, less severe sentence.
“And the last poster, @bshazzar. You used the the construction worker reference.
“Should a construction worker who did the same thing as Vick, went to prison and served his time, shouldn’t be allowed to work construction again?”
Using the real world as an example, no he shouldn’t.”
Care to give reasons based on more than personal opinion? I feel sorry for your real world and hope your personal guidelines on life are used on you. Besides, it’s the mentality of people like you that’s keeping your “loser cousin” from even being able to work at a WaWa. For some reason you and others are looking at Vick like he’s in a profession that at the end of the day really means nothing; Just because he’s on TV and was getting paid millions of dollars. Vick is part of a privately owned business in the field of entertainment just like a musician, actor, director, dancer, producer, writer, artist, professional wrestler. His crimes had nothing to do with the job he was performing unlike Pete Rose. Whether Vick plays again in the NFL or not, he’ll still be facing repercussions in the form of public opinion, reputation, and finances. If he’s truly changed, he SHOULD get the chance to earn his way back into the league, whether you agree with it or not.

By: Pea Tear Griffin

Pea Tear Griffin — Fri, 01 May 2009 10:19:19 +0000

Okay listen up. A loser cousin of mine is a (non-violent) felon. He’s a college grad. He can’t get a job at F-N WaWa right now.
So those of you saying, “he paid his debt…. blah blah blah” you are wrong.
And the last poster, @bshazzar. You used the the construction worker reference.
“Should a construction worker who did the same thing as Vick, went to prison and served his time, shouldn’t be allowed to work construction again?”
Using the real world as an example, no he shouldn’t.

By: bshazzar

bshazzar — Fri, 01 May 2009 08:59:19 +0000

Raiders757 says:
April 30th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
“Vick should not be allowed to return, or ever have another shot at easy wealth. He had his chance and blew it.”
Vick is up to the top of the Empire State Building in debt, when he comes back he’ll be playing for meager rations, because no one will take on his current contract with the risk involved. Vick won’t have easy wealth for the rest of his life so your point is dead. Find somewhere else to project your bitterness.
“No example is ever made, due to a revolving door justice system. It’s a huge problem everywhere. Our laws are pathetically enforced. Everyone who breaks the law, should be made an example of.”
Uhm…he’s been in prison for the last 2 years and may not make it into the league. He has lost a multitude of fans, his reputation, and millions upon millions of dollars and any future endorsment deal. Everyone across the world knows about this cautionary tale. How has he not been made an example of?
“What kind of message does it send out to the children of Newport News, when they see a guy blow his chance of fame and fortune by breaking the law, only to get it all back as if it never ever happened at all.”
Again, he went to prison, lost his money, his reputation, and has to be scrutinized any more than he was before for the rest of his life. He’ll have to jump through a series of hoops to even get a sniff of the NFL, not to mention everything positive in his future that he lost. That’s not exactly like nothing happened at all. If he does get to play in the NFL again, he’ll get people harassing him, picket lines, fans throwing doggy treats while he’s on the sideline. Again, NOT like anything happened. No one said clean slate. They just said second chance.
Raiders757 says:
April 30th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Come on!! Come on?!!
“are you kidding. Why can’t he bag groceries? Just because he can play a game really well, it doesn’t mean he can’t make it in the real world with the rest of us. He chose his path, and now he should have to walk it.
What’s he supposed to do? He can work a normal job like normal people. That way a parental role model can go “see, Jr., even if your a popular football player, if you break the law, your not above the law or anyone else. If you don’t make the right choices in life, you could end up like Mr. Vick over there bagging groceries. From champagne dream and caviar, to “would you like paper or plastic?”. It doesn’t set a better example than that folks, and that is how it should be.
If he then becomes a success in another career other than sports, it will also set another positive example.
Allowing him back in football will teach no lessons at all. not even to Mr. Vick. ”
no I’m not kidding, you seem to think that just because his job his high profile that it has it’s own set of rules. Actors/Singers/Comedians/Performers get arrested and in trouble all the time and some have done terrible things, does that mean they shouldn’t be allowed to ever Perform again? Or is it just football or sports that you have the problem with? double standard? What do you do for a living? Should a construction worker who did the same thing as Vick, went to prison and served his time, shouldn’t be allowed to work construction again? I just think you’re bitter that you missed your shot at professional sports and want to project it onto someone who messed up their chance who did make it. No one said he should have it easy, because Lord knows, right now he doesn’t and he won’t ever have it easy again. Vick has trained his whole life to be a football player and it’s basically the only thing he knows, so yes he should get a second chance. No one said it should be easy, they just said he should get a second chance, myself included. Also of note, I am not, nor have I ever been a Vick fan or supporter, as a matter of fact I can’t stand the guy, but there’s no way after he has already served his time in prison should he NOT get a chance to play football for a living again.

By: Chris from MD

Chris from MD — Fri, 01 May 2009 08:37:09 +0000

@ Pea Tear Griffin
Thanks. I was practically floored when I saw what the other commentor wrote. Regardless of the arguements (and that’s what they are, difference of opinion), you can’t argue that the League ruined Mike Vick’s life. Mike Vick did that all own his own, no one else. It’s a choice you make. Just like drinking and driving, it’s a choice you make.
Speaking of DUI’s versus killing of animals:
There is a reason that DUI’s are laws. There is a possibility to do harm to another person, their property, or their way of life. Everyone makes mistakes and a DUI is just that, a mistake, unless it’s habitual, then I could see it as intent. HOWEVER: A NFL player should NEVER get a DUI. They make enough money to afford a $100 taxi ride, and I’m pretty sure most teams will/do provide players/staff with a limo/taxi service. I find a NFL player that gets a DUI just as bad as any other criminal, Mike Vick included.

By: dave61

dave61 — Fri, 01 May 2009 00:45:13 +0000

look Dungy screwed the dawg pound like Vick screwed the pitbulls…. two peas in a pod in my book….. when he didnt play his starters against the Titans and let them into the playoffs while our team got sent home………. was that a christian act…. not if youre from Cleveland…… Dungy outta be asking God why he couldn’t help his own son out cause he worked 80 a hours a week………. seems kinda hypocritical to me that he’s gonna be Vicks savior.

By: dave61

dave61 — Fri, 01 May 2009 00:40:26 +0000

how many superboowls would peyton have had with a real coach? and what about Tampa ….. as soon as they fired him (dungy) Gruden won it all……………..

By: dave61

dave61 — Fri, 01 May 2009 00:36:37 +0000

Dungy needs to focus on his own family and not Vicks high camera profile spotlight…..Dungy thinks he’s a god….. with his bs lectures about gays in the nfl and how they outta stop being deviants…… too bad he couldn’t reach his own son with his effective b.s.

By: fanaticalfan

fanaticalfan — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:02:42 +0000

Millions of Dogs are killed in this country every year by pounds and animal shelters, if they are judged to be unadoptable.
Vick killed a few dogs that he judged to be unfightable.
So the objection isn’t the action, it is the reason and the way the action is caried out. Because it was for gambling and because he may have subjected these animals to pain (Which I am not even sure is accurate if he drowned them).
It was a willing act. However, drinking and driving is a willing act, not a stupid mistake. You always have a choice whether or not you get into a car after drinking. This willing action caused a couple people their lives.
Minimizing the actions of drunk drivers by calling it a stupid mistake is assinine. I am disappionted in Florio.
Let Vick in, if a team wants him.

By: Elaw6

Elaw6 — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 19:47:00 +0000

Florio hates on Vick because Vick destroyed West Va. Back in his collegiate career. I don’t care if Vick killed president Bam Bam’s dog’s, time served let the man live

By: myusernamestinks

myusernamestinks — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 19:20:01 +0000

“I’ll talk to him like he’s my son,” Dungy said.
That’s called a seance, isn’t it?

By: upearly

upearly — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:32:08 +0000

It’s very simple… BOYCOT the NFL and it’s SPONSERS if if they let this low life back in. The league is doing just fine without this punk…
Little being allowed to play was a mistake.. letting Vick back in would be a financial disaster.

By: mvlonergan

mvlonergan — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:21:34 +0000

Let’s see … killing a person or killing a dog. Killing a dog is not worse, not matter how much that behavior is a regular part of a person’s life What Vick did was inhumane, but he didn’t display the same reckless regard for human life that Little or Stallworth did when they drove drunk. Vick’s actions didn’t leave someone without a wife and mother the way Little’s did. Or without a husband and father — one who was on his way home from working the night shift — like Stallworth’s did. Those were human beings. Not dogs.

By: brian_21

brian_21 — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:14:26 +0000

Correction, use this one.
Florio, you’re wrong to make what Mike Vick did seem WORSE than what Leonard Little did.
Facts and data are extremely obvious and well known regarding drinking excessively and then deciding to drive a vehicle. People die.
Plus, animals do deserve respect, and I feel awful about the dogs.
But dogs are not people. And it seems to me that your explanation treated dogs like people and people like dogs.

By: ActionJackson

ActionJackson — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:09:27 +0000

I was in a car accident a few years back that involved a drunk driver and 1 of the 17 year old kids that was with me died choking on his own blood on the side of the road while I watched also now I am permanently injured. Intent to do something or not doesn’t matter what Stallworth and Little did is ten times worse. No one should kill dogs for sport but Id rather have a man that meant to kill dogs then men that killed people accidentally(by the way if your drunk an hit someone its not an accident its murder, you had the choice to drive the car drunk) represent me or my company any day . Whoever makes the case that what vick did was worse(Florio) is an idiot and obviously has never personally experienced what drunk driving can do.
Also people need to stop with he lied and didnt stop until all the evidence was out there. There is not a soul alive including you Florio that hasn’t lied got called out on it and kept lying to stay out of trouble or try to save face. Thats why they say once you lie the more lies you have to tell to keep your first one alive(I dont remember the exact saying). Self preservation is the most basic of human natures we all do it so stop.
So if the NFL lets stallworth back in and already allowed Little back in there shouldn’t be a question that Vick gets reinstated.(3rd paragraph)

By: DallasSucks

DallasSucks — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:37:09 +0000

Screw Mike Vick and anyone who supports or defends him.
Screw Saint Tony too, especially if he falls for Vick’s bs.
If there is a god, I’m certain that he/she/it prefers my dogs to either of those snake oil salesmen (or me, for that matter).

By: Swervinmervin

Swervinmervin — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:26:17 +0000

Everyone knows that the risk of drunk driving could possibly lead to someone’s death. That’s all the intent you need for Little and Stallworth.

By: Raiders757

Raiders757 — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:58:55 +0000

“Vick is a football player, what’s he supposed to do? bag groceries? Come on.”
Come on!! Come on?!!
are you kidding. Why can’t he bag groceries? Just because he can play a game really well, it doesn’t mean he can’t make it in the real world with the rest of us. He chose his path, and now he should have to walk it.
What’s he supposed to do? He can work a normal job like normal people. That way a parental role model can go “see, Jr., even if your a popular football player, if you break the law, your not above the law or anyone else. If you don’t make the right choices in life, you could end up like Mr. Vick over there bagging groceries. From champagne dream and caviar, to “would you like paper or plastic?”. It doesn’t set a better example than that folks, and that is how it should be.
If he then becomes a success in another career other than sports, it will also set another positive example.
Allowing him back in football will teach no lessons at all. not even to Mr. Vick.

By: Raiders757

Raiders757 — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:44:59 +0000

“Role models? Please. If athletes are your children’s role models, do some better parenting.”
I agree with this comment from the first page. The thing is, no matter how good a role model we, as parents, are, our children will always have another “hero” to look up to as well. Hence this argument fails in this case, a lots of kids with great parental role models still look up to football players and jocks.
That being said, it is time to set a new standard, and it should start right now. Vick should never be allowed to play again. I say this for the youth of America, not the fugging dogs.

By: DJSlyBri

DJSlyBri — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:40:34 +0000

The snarky comments referencing the suicide of Mr. Dungy’s son are as dumb as anything i have ever seen here. I hope you guys feels real proud of yourselves for your humor and wit.
Mr. Dungy is Vick’s ticket back this year. America is a second chance country and Mr. Dungy’s respect in and out of football will carry a LOT of weight. For example, my wife knows a little bit about football but not really that much. She is well aware of Mr. Dungy and thinks VERY highly of him. (Don’t underestimate the influence Mr. Dungy’s opinion has on the Christian community).
I think Vick deserves a second chance. I once benefitted from a second chance and I know that many of the readers here have.

By: Raiders757

Raiders757 — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:34:51 +0000

@ vbeach31
“Chirst, regardless of what he did, he paid his debt to society, and deserves a second chance to live his life. Football is the talent he pocesses so why should he be denied access back to the NFl”
Read what I said above. He deserves a second chance at life, sure, but not a second chance at fame and fortune. It’s soft backs like you that have helped our society to go to shit. Examples must be made of criminals, and having NFL talent shouldn’t give you a free pass back to champagne dreams and caviar.
Let him work and pay rent for a slum in the East End of Newport News. That’s where he belongs until he can work his way out like everyone else.

By: Raiders757

Raiders757 — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:29:00 +0000

Vick should not be allowed to return, or ever have another shot at easy wealth. He had his chance and blew it.
Where he comes from, kids look up to thugs and criminals, because nothing happens to these people. No example is ever made, due to a revolving door justice system. It’s a huge problem everywhere. Our laws are pathetically enforced. Everyone who breaks the law, should be made an example of.
What kind of message does it send out to the children of Newport News, when they see a guy blow his chance of fame and fortune by breaking the law, only to get it all back as if it never ever happened at all.
Vick had his chance. He should now be forced to work like the rest of us, as well as live the same. He should no longer be a crutch for his leeches/family, as they should be forced to make an honest living as well.

By: favrewillplay4ever

favrewillplay4ever — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:09:09 +0000

it is disgusting that you people defend stallworth and little. we all know they made mistakes but they did take HUMAN lives, yet you completely condone what vick did. you want to condemn him to hell. you are the type of people that don’t believe in testing on animals, but i guarantee you wouldn’t volunteer to be tested yourselves. our own damn president lied to congress, the attorney general and the whole nation and you don’t want him condemned for it. i am not advocating what michael did, but i do support the man. he made a mistake and was severely disciplined. i am sure none of you are perfect so quit throwing stones at the guy. josh hamilton made some surely stupid decisions in his life but he was given multiple chances….. look at the story he has created. top of the world to crack addict back to level ground as a humble god loving role model now. give michael that chance as well. give people the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and become better individuals. I SUPPORT MICHAEL VICK. even if he never makes it back to stardom, i will forever remember him rushing and throwing for over 170 each against the vikings. also for ending our home playoff winning streak at lambeau.

By: jaxeagle821

jaxeagle821 — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:14:19 +0000

Okay all you idiots who think it’s creepy that Dungy will speak to him like a son, Tony Dungy has more then one son and to quickly bring up his deceased son is disturbing. Back to Michael Vick why is everyone concerned whether or not he gets a second chance? Are you guys going to stop watching the games, or maybe just the games Vick plays in. Get over it and get on with your lives geez.

By: FriarTurd

FriarTurd — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:54:28 +0000

No matter the intent of the act, the reality of the matter is that drunk driving kills people. To drive drunk and kill someone as a result of your actions is no less selfish an act than intentionally fighting dogs for gambling and entertainment purposes. This arguement will never make sense.
Look, I love dogs and what Vick did to dogs is without question a truely awful, inhumane thing. But you would be hard pressed to find anyone who misses those dogs as much as either drunk driving victim discussed misses their loved one. You can not equate the life of a human being with that of a dog, you just can’t. They aren’t equal and regardless of the intent of Vick, Little or Stallworth there is no way the lives of an animal are in any situation more valuable than a human beings. There is no way that the act of dog fighting is more socially unacceptable than an innocent person’s life being taken away because someone wanted to have a good time and then say “oops” when someone is killed as a result. It just makes no damn sense.
And as far as athletes being role models, give me a break. They are people who are only placed on a pedistal because they can run faster and have better coordination than your average person and make tons of money. PARENTS SHOULD BE THEIR CHILD’S ROLE MODEL. RAISE YOUR CHILDREN. If anything should tell you that, it should be the “Days without an arrest” counter on this very screen. Athletes aren’t qualified to be role models, they are qualified to have lots of money and make bad decisions with it. I think we are better than this.

By: bshazzar

bshazzar — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:52:28 +0000

Mastro says:
April 30th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
“Everytime I threw a football, I wanted to throw like Joe Montana, every time I pithced a baseball I wanted to pitch like Nolan Ryan, everytime I played hockey, I wanted to score like Mario Lemieux.”
Funny how the things you listed as emulating have nothing to do with the actual person or their character, but with their performance on the field.
You then go on to Michael Vick and write, “But I guess now I have another person to mold myself after, everytime i slap my dog across the face for peeing on the carpet I can punish him like Mike Vick.. yup, now I feel better!” This only refers to his off-field exploits.
What’s the point you were making?

By: ReverendTom

ReverendTom — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:47:45 +0000

Matro -
Imitating yourself after a person while playing a sport is not them being a role model. A role model is someone who teaches you how to lead your life. Role Models include what they do off the field, not necessarily on the field (unless you are talking about sportmanship, not talent). But I agree athletes are role models. Anyone in the public spotlight is a role model. You can’t control who people look up to.