23 Months in the Federal Pen

Michael Vick

Michael Vick, quarterback for that Atlanta Falcons, was sentenced to 23 months in a federal prison for his dog fighting conviction. It appears that he will have to serve a 5 year probation period after he is released from prison. Let me say up front that I do not care for people who injure or torture animals, especially dogs. I am fond of my dog (See Sugar below).

Could it be that the criminal justice system is trying to send a message or make an example for professional athletes? The world, generally, sees these people being arrested to taken to jail, making quick bail with their large financial resources, and walking away with no consequences.

People are tired of seeing these individuals get away with everything form Driving While Intoxicated to Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon because:

1. they have alot of money,
2. they generate alot of revenue for owners and sponsors,
3. and their perceived celebrity status.

Also, it is important to note that the feds took this case because, at least as the news indicated, this particular dog fighting ring reached across state lines and had an impact on interstate commerce. Nearly all states have enacted animal cruelty laws which include dog fighting, but the federal government can get involved if the crime crosses state lines. Vick also faces charges for the same activity in the state court.

I'm never happy to see another human being have to go through what he is going through, but everyone should be aware that criminal activity brings bad consequences. The rules were in place when he committed the conduct. I hope he can recover from this and get back to football. He was fun to watch on the field.

It is also amazing to me that Michael Vick's younger brother, Marcus, had his collegiate career cut short because of criminal behavior that got him kicked out of Virginia Tech athletics. How do guys with this much going for them and with this much talent run their lives so afoul of the straight and narrow?

Additional edit:

Coming to work this morning, I was listening to "Mike and Mike in the Morning" on ESPN. Greenberg was discussing the sentencing at length in that the Judge assessed a longer prison term than the prosecutors were requesting. He said that the Judge was not happy with Vick because Vick had promised to cooperate with investigators on the rest of the case. Apparently, Vick gave conflicting information during the investigation that lead them to believe that he was not being honest and still covering up for people. Furthermore, he tested positive for marihuana in a court ordered urine screen while he was out on bail. Sounds like he earned every minute of his sentence.

Additional edit:

Again I hear on ESPN that they pulled live beagles out of Vick's compound. According

to Galloway, the beagles were bait dogs to teach the pit bulls how to kill other dogs. The more I hear, the more I believe that there is really something wrong with this man.