Almost everyone has heard about the Atlanta Falcons NFL quarterback Michael Vick’s arrest, conviction, and imprisonment for federal dog fighting crimes. Vick served 18 months in a
federal prison and was released. The NFL has stated that Vick will be able to return to football with conditions. The media is speculating on which teams are interested and what Michael Vick will do next.
You might be asking yourself, “Why does all this matter?” Well, for the most part, the public opinion on animal abusers is strong. Naturally, people are mostly animal lovers. Sometimes, I think we love animals more than people. Clearly, abusing animals is wrong and setting up a dog fighting ring, making money off dog fighting, and treating dogs poorly is wrong. Yet, Vick has received more negative press and more public out cry than Cleveland Browns receiver Donte Stallworth, who was suspended by the NFL for driving drunk and killing a pedestrian in Miami. Or, singer Chris Brown, who beat/harmed girlfriend and singer Rihanna.
Here is the problem: People seem to be more upset at Vick than they should be at Stallworth or Brown. Stallworth got drunk and killed someone with his car and only served a 30 day sentence. Now, I am not saying you should feel sorry for Vick. Vick broke the law and hurt animals. Clearly, there is an inequity here. Rick Morrissey of the Chicago Tribune echo these sediments:
