Pugsley: aka, the Sausage.
Lori: Loves Pugs. Writing. Food and Fashion.
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Co defendants in the Virginia dog fighting case testified on Friday that in April of this year, NFL star Michael Vick helped execute approximately eight dogs that did not perform well in training sessions by methods such as hanging, electrocuting, and drowning.
So much for his not guilty plea.
They also confirmed to prosecutors that all the accusations in the 17-page indictment are true, including that the money behind the Bad Newz Kennels dog fighting operation were funded almost exclusively by Vick.
What a waste of talent. What a sadistic, cruel, barbaric fuck.
Sorry but this is a sensitive subject for me. My pug rescue organization has actually rescued pugs that were used as “bait” in pit bull fighting rings.
What people don’t even realize is it’s not just the fighter dogs that are abused and lose their lives, it’s also the small helpless dogs, cats, kittens and rabbits you never hear about that are used to "train" pit bulls to fight and kill. Many animals suffer and die because of illegal dog fighting. It’s more horrific than you could even imagine.
Vick faces federal charges of conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and conspiracy to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture. These crimes are punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sadly, I don’t think we will ever see him serve any time behind bars. He will most likely cop a plea, pay a small fine and be put on probation.
Here is what pisses me off about the charges – why is it not okay to organize fights and profit from them but its okay to drown and hang dogs? I mean, why are there no charges of animal cruelty against this man?
We have to enforce stricter laws against the shit. This is totally fucked up. Laws need to change at the federal level, NOW.
The media has a nasty habit of glorifying celebrities when they do something wrong but not this time. This time everyone needs to take a stand here and say enough is enough. He needs to be made an example of and we need to do more to protect animals.
Nike has suspended Michael Vick's contract without pay pending the outcome of the trial. Reebok and the NFL have also pulled Vick-related items and for now, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has barred Vick from training camp until the investigation is finished. The league could suspend him for up to a year.
Not good enough.
The NFL has no business employing this man now or ever, there should be a lifetime ban and he should not make it into any hall of fame. People should stop buying his jerseys and retailers should stop selling them.
The National Football League and everyone else needs to realize that little boys look up to this man and aspire to be just like him. If he’s not held accountable then we’re looking at a new generation of boys who will become teenagers who will become men who will think its okay to kill dogs and train them to become killers.
If you want to help, take a minute to email Mr. Goodell and ask him to suspend Vick, indefinitely. Alternately, you can call and leave a message with NFL Public Relations at 1-212-450-2000.
If there was any justice in the world Vick would get 5 years prison for each animal killed. If he killed eight dogs he should have to serve 40 years behind bars and pay $250k x 8 = $2MM. I have other thoughts on what should be done to him during his jail time but I digress.
Aimee commented August 20, 2007 01:28 AM
I'm so glad you posted about this Lori. I agree with you 100%.
marni commented August 20, 2007 07:50 AM
Being from Atlanta, I am a long time Falcon's fan. I am 100% with you on this one, Lori.
I think Vick is a punk-ass bastard that needs to go to jail for his actions. He has never once taken responsibility for ANY of his actions prior to, and including, this. He should never be allowed to play football again, and if he is, I will never pay to see the games he is in.
I don't even think he was as good a quaterback as everyone says he was/is... I never saw it. He was a grandstander that wanted all the glory. He wanted to run the plays for himself instead of passing the ball and playing as a team.
I keep being told to wait -- that he is innocent until proven guilty. Bullshit. He knew about everything that was happening. He allowed and funded it. Those dogs, but the fighters and the bait, had no chance.
He's a sick, disgusting wasteoid and I hope he DOES serve time. And I hope his career is over.
(You'll get an earful from Coffeypot on this, too! I can't WAIT to read that one!)
2wildpugs commented August 20, 2007 08:10 AM
Absolutely agree!!!! The sheer fact that the NFL is still dithering on this issue is infuriating! As you say, he will likely get nothing but a slap on the wrist from the legal system. The only place to hurt him is in his wallet. So, as someone who lives in Atlanta and is also active in a pug rescue group, I'd like to say thanks for helping to keep pressure on the Falcons, the NFL, and Vick's sponsors.
coffeypot commented August 20, 2007 09:17 AM
Marni is right. I hate the bastard. He and his druggie brother, who probably had more talent than Mike but got kicked out of Virginia Tech for his extracurricular activates, are just plain low life dirt bags.
Take this encounter at the airport with the drugs in the water bottle. Take the time he told the reporters, "Fuck you, I ain't telling you who anybody is." Or something to that effect when he and his posse were involved with some drugs and fighting.
And the Nike and Reebock using him as a spokesman when he can't even speak plain understandable English. He talks like a first grader reading his first book. It's like he can't move his lips. You would think someone who has all the talent and opportunities that wealth brings would want to advance his image by improving his speech. Look at Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, the Mannings and many other superstar athletes who have advanced themselves by improving their image. Not this dirt bag. He is simply a low life street thug. Even if he is found innocent, he is still a scum bag. Why his own mother moved out of his Atlanta home and back to Virginia because she didn't like the company he was keeping.
Once a reporter ask him, as he was coming thought the Atlanta airport from a flight, about the allegations of his dog fighting. His comment was that people loved Michael Vick and they would still love him after all this was over and he was proven innocent. All this with a "Bill Clinton Smirk" on his face.
Now I hope some guy name Bubba will love him while he is in prison. On the bright side, he should improve his scrambling game trying to stay way from Bubba and his ilk. Or better yet, as the comic said on television the other night about a guy found guilty of a crime should be given life in Michael Vick's back yard. Sounds like pure justice to me.
Jules commented August 20, 2007 10:02 AM
Thank you!!!!!!!!!
Dawn commented August 21, 2007 06:49 PM
Virginia is a tough state to bring animal cruelty charges against someone. Basically, in VA and NC at least, animals are considered "property". With the evidence against Vick, though, I suspect that once charges are brought at the state level, they will include animal cruelty charges. At least I hope so.
Anyone who owns a pet should be outraged. As you mentioned, every day pets are used as bait in these dog fights...and how do you think they get these bait dogs? They sure don't buy them (cuts into profits). No, they STEAL them right out of your yard. It's one of the main reasons my babies are NEVER outside without a watchful eye on them.
Hug your fur kids and keep your fingers crossed that as part of Vick's punishment he be thrown in a pit full of the hungry dogs he used in the dog fights.
MacGuy commented August 23, 2007 11:06 PM
He should be banned from the earth!
or at least be forced to live with an other Vick
Lori commented August 24, 2007 08:31 AM
Hmmmm and I wonder which Vick that would be Macguy???